Thanks for reading and leaving a comment Elle. I think it’s important to emphasize that a “higher power” is self-defined. In my experience, the 12-step programs and other programs that I’ve come across, the point of self definition wasn’t emphasized. I think it’s also important to understand one’s definition of a “higher power” as in depth as possible — to understand one’s subconscious as well because kids who come from dysfunctional households tend to have a subconscious belief that higher powers are punitive; they can also equate their parents and other authority figures to higher powers without realizing that they’re doing so. And if people, including myself, subconsciously equate parents and authority figures with higher powers — especially if they’re punitive, it can be really problematic to say that “that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” That’s why I wrote this essay. It’s important that each individual, especially addicts, to fully understand what a “power greater than themselves” means to them because otherwise it can be disempowering.