Chinese scientists have been experimenting with a dramatic treatment for addiction:
Burning away the brain's pleasure center.
This is the article.
To be fair, since 2004 the procedure has only been performed for "research purposes" (and how does one wind up in that study I wonder -- and, more disturbing to consider, are there some people in such mental agony from their addiction that they volunteer? If you're a real addict and you reflect on your journey is that so great a leap of imagination?).
Regardless, my gratitude for AA is not lessened by the fact that this procedure is currently only "research" when I consider my life today.
It is not always easy (Lord, no) but AA is a simple spiritual solution which gives me a daily reprieve from what was once a disease with virtually no hope of recovery.
Or, to put it another way: Jails, institutions, death... or brain mutilation vs. Meetings and the 12 Steps.
Thank God there is even a choice today.
And thank God I've been able to make it.
Amazing the lengths people will go to to avoid God isn't it?
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 02, 2013 at 08:02 AM
Brain mutilation. OY. My mother had a lobotomy...wonder if AA would have been better. It was a toddler organization then in 1946. Thanks for the usual great food for thought, John. Happy 2013.
Posted by: Virginia | January 02, 2013 at 08:46 AM