My first column on the 12 Steps as an Antidote to Narcissm on the Huffington Post got over 160 comments. After careful consideration and consultation, I decided on this follow-up article. Enjoy!

Thank you to all of the readers out there, especially those who contributed to the lively discussion about the efficacy of the 12 Steps. I’ll continue in the next post on some suggested methods for dealing with narcissism and other forms of self-centeredness. But first, I’d like to address a few points that I hope will be helpful to people who suffer from addictions and their many related consequences. I encourage comments and if you’re a little shy, please feel free to drop me an email through my website, http://the12stepbuddhist.com

My position is that I encourage anyone who is suffering from addictions to try anything and everything they can to find relief. I’ve found mine in an integrated, comprehensive, multifaceted approach to recovery that includes, but is not limited to full participation in 12-Step groups, psychotherapy, medication, community service and involvement with Buddhist and other spiritual communities. Incidentally, there is a difference between spiritual and religious. Many methods are listed in each chapter of the 12-Step Buddhist book. You might not need all or any of them. But in my case, some are sicker than others. If you’re like me, and are tired of suffering, then it makes sense to try anything and everything you can.

Read the full article on the Huffington Post:

The 12 Steps: A Necessary But Not Sufficient Cause For Recovery