Great idea for a thread - I hope to see more posts and threads in this sub forum...I like the model you have come up with. You've really condensed all the basics from the other modes of recovery that I have been exposed to. I do not think there is a 'one size fits all' MO for lasting sobriety. I even think 'sobriety' means different things to different people.
Is someone sober if they use entheogens (responsibly) as part of their personal spirituality? I think so. All the 12 step programs do not.
Anything can be abused. And here is the keyword: abuse... though it is difficult to abuse Big medicines it sure as hell can be done.
In my mind, most people know what they can and cannot do 'successfully'. This bolis down to one's drug of choice (DOC) and usually that is something like booze, cocaine, methamphetamine, or opiates. Something with teeth and something that damages us - as you say, in body, mind and spirit.
I agree with very much of the 12 step recovery programs - and if there were a one size fits all method, I think this is as close as it gets. While 12 steps focus on finding one's 'higher power' this corresponds directly to your #3 "self realization"
I believe in a God. I have not had much luck in the way of personifying this deity - or finding a 'personal relationship' as it were. But some of the happiest most satisfied people I know are that way precisely because they have found a way to incorporate this into their lives. I am not saying that anyone's way is the only way, or that an atheist can't be happy or satisfied. I often wonder to myself - would I have to find 'God' to find myself, or would I have to find myself to find 'God'? Paradoxically, the answer is in the question I think, but still it vexes me. It comes down to trust very often...
Someone like me, who has traditionally sabotaged himself at every major turn - will have problems trusting himself, and his own judgement. I have spent many nights praying like a monk, not feeling like I could trust God to help me, or even to help me help myself...but on looking closely at this, could it not be because I do not trust ME enough?
I do not think I created myself. But I do think I have the ability to create my life by the choices I make. It has taken all of my forty years and much pain and suffering for myself and those who care about me for me to come to this simple conclusion.
Some folks may not feel like they 'need' support. They may think it is weak to 'need' anyone or anything. I was of that ilk. Now I believe the reverse is true. We humans are interdependent beings, this is very different from the unhealthy co-dependent mindset that many addictive personality types easily confuse with inter - dependency. Much more than semantics.
Support is absolutely necessary for lasting sobriety, or recovery from one's DOC. I do not have a problem with cannabis, or alcohol. I can take it or leave it. I certainly do enjoy them on occasion. I do not think that this affects my 'sobriety' one bit. However, I have known many people who simply cannot imbibe ANY mood or mind altering substance without serious detriment. I feel for these people - because I do not understand the severity of that condition, I can only relate my own experiences with heroin and heavy opiates, it is hard to imagine not being able to take anything ever. But a certain percentage of those I have known and some folks I have met in 12 step meetings really cannot take ANYTHING without an immediate and drastic personality change, and all the associated circumstances that accompany that...
I posted a thread that got no bites to my utter surprise. Kind of disappointing too. It was about what 'triggers' you. Kind of ties in to this a little bit.
Support is paramount - in this way we can achieve the other things on your list more easily.
Great thread I hope for many responses to this, it is high time we start seeing more of this around here IMO. Thanks!