Episode 288: Katy Jacopi | Challenges of a Secular Recovery

 As she shares with Host John Sheldon on this episode of Beyond Belief, entering recovery as a non-believer at the height of pandemic presented Katy Jacopi with special challenges. Where to find community and support when the Alcoholics Anonymous concept of a “higher power” isn’t the right fit? “The reason I couldn’t deny that I had an alcohol problem was my skepticism, my ability to ask questions and not just take something at face value,” she explains. “It’s who I am and I wouldn’t be where I am today without this thought process.” Like John, Katie is speaking out where she can to ensure that the most inclusive possible message reaches the greatest number of people – without shame or the need to subscribe to any one set of beliefs.

Katy, who is a poet and writer, shares the story of her journey to recovery, which she ultimately cobbled together with a mix of intuitive, personal choices. You’ll learn on this episode about the many alternative groups and formats that have sprung up to serve a broad spectrum of people – resources that can still be hard to locate today, let alone 25 years ago when John first got sober in a more narrowly AA-centric world. “We’re so conditioned to be afraid of doubt,” says Katy, who is starting a podcast on exactly that topic. “If we give voice to that fear, but also acknowledge how doubt has a positive impact on who we are as people, I think it can help facilitate a bigger conversation.” Get out your notepad. This conversation highlights lots of great recovery groups!

To view this and other episodes of Beyond Belief Sobriety on YouTube, visit this link.

Key Takeaways

 After she was diagnosed with bipolarism, Katy uncovered the existence of a problem with alcoholism and went in search of secular support.

• • Reframing “higher power” as something other than God still wasn’t a comfortable fit for Katy, who found the entire concept problematic, regardless the language or imagery in which it was couched.
  • Can – or should – the 12 steps written nearly 100 years ago be reconceived in ways that make them more inclusive?
  • Katy got clarity about her alcoholism through conversation with a knowledgeable, empathetic friend and writing poems about her experience getting sober.
  • What defines sobriety? It’s a process of change as understood by each of us individually in our own way and time. Even if there’s a relapse, you are still going through a process of change!
  • The most important thing when it comes to supporting recovery? Meet people where they are and with the intention of helping them reach their goals!
  • John shares two resources he has explored:
    • LifeRing Secular Recovery
    • Smart Recovery: Life Beyond Addiction
  • Reflections on the unfortunate tensions that can shroud AA meetings when people are unaccepting of those with a secular orientation.
  • Often the most dogmatic people are the most vocal – and create the most tension in rooms – with regard to the necessity of a “higher power” in the context of AA.
  • Dealing with a potential mental health issue? Removing alcohol is a great first step towards clarity, diagnosis and treatment.
  • Openness is key to removing stigma and reaching people in search of recovery.
  • The reasons Katy reached out to John:
    • She’s starting her own podcast and wanted to experience being a guest.
    • She sought an opportunity to share her story and ask her questions.
    • She wanted to discuss hurdles she encountered as a non-believer seeking help.
  • Katy shares plans for her upcoming podcast, which will feature stories about how doubt has