overcoming dependency is not a communal undertaking

on page 135 of Peak Everything in the chapter titled The Psychology of Peak oil and Climate Change, richard heinberg says, "following bush's statement more than one commentator advocated the development of a twelve-step program to rid america of its addiction to petroleum. the original twelve-step program of alcoholics anonymous was religion based, so it might not be useful to an entire modern seni-secualr society. but two steps could well apply:
.admitting we have a problem, and
.making a searching and fearless inventory of our energy consumption."

my experiences with twelve step programs have been less than fulfuilling, mostly because the bulk of the twelve steps have nothing to do with transcending addiction...they are basically concerned with perpetuation the organization...what is striking is the heinberg has chosen the only two steps that actually do pertain to overcoming dependency...alas...in his introduction he says that the chapter "...offers some suggestions on what sorts of group therapy might help us to kick the habit."(p.26)...two decades of dealing with my own alcoholism raised some red flags...it's not that aa or group therapy don't serve a worthwhile purpose...they just don't resolve anything...what they do is show you that there are other people grappling with the same problems you are...you are not alone...always good to know...it will also show you that a lot of things are relative...some people seem to be having a much more difficult time than you are...some seem to be breezing through (it only seems that way)...someone who does not have your financial troubles may have much more serious health issues to face...or maybe your marriage has fared better, or your legal status...as bad as it is things could be worse...also good to know...the dependent are a nosey bunch...therapists make us tell our stories for their own reasons, but beyond their agenda, you can compare notes on what you're facing and how you're coping...come away with a few more tools for the meager tool-kit rehab provides...and we're drawing in on the salient point here...at some point you have to take what you've learned and apply it to yourself...you are the only one who can do this ...overcoming dependency is not a communal undertaking ...a group can butress your resolve, but at some time you have to decide what you're going to be, and then be that...this applies to any addiction...nicotine, crack, alcohol, or fossil fuels...the only way to turn aside from their use is for you to do it...and that will not be simple...propagands for the "business as usual" group is running strongly the wrong way..."ford's got you covered" and general motors is inviting us along for the ride on the "next one hundred years of innovative engineering" ...lots of pushers out there...group therapy can help set direction, but the work will have to be done one addict at a time.