"When you got here, even when I got here, the industrialized world was already hopelessly hooked on fossil fuels, and very soon now there won't be any more of those. Cold turkey. Can I tell you the truth? I mean this isn't like TV news, is it? Here's what I think the truth is: We are all addicts of fossil fuels in a state of denial, about to face cold turkey."
- Kurt Vonnegut, May 10, 2004, In These Times

"America is addicted to oil."
-George W. Bush, 2006 State of the Union address

When George W. Bush agrees with Kurt Vonnegut, we know we've got a problem. If the problem is an addiction, a 12 Step program is in order. With a bit of humor, and a lot of truth...

Oil-Aholics Anonymous: A 12 Step Program

1. We became aware of the extent to which our present lifestyle is deeply dependent on non-renewable fossil fuels and that these will run out.

2. We came to believe that only by giving up fossil fuels and all the modes that require them, do we have the chance of long term sustainable survival and eventually to thrive in harmony with nature.

3. In recognizing that we could not do it alone, we joined a support group with others, also co-creating their transition off of oil.

4. We sought, through prayer and meditation, wisdom and solutions from whatever Higher Power we each believe in.

5. We accepted our personal responsibility for making changes toward living (thriving) without oil.

6. We made a decision to take action to wean ourselves off of fossil fuels and to co-create a way of living sustainably (for all).

7. We each made a thorough inventory of our consumption of and reliance on fossil fuels.

8. We shared our inventory with our Higher Power and our support group.

9. We educated ourselves on how to live sustainably without fossil fuels.

10. We each determined the goals we have for change and made an action plan with realistic steps toward achieving these goals, with target dates.

11. We now take action and use our support group to stay on track, to problem solve when barriers arise, encourage each other, and to celebrate achievements.

12. We continue to use these steps, our support group, and any other resources to assist in the process of transitioning to living in harmony with nature and without fossil fuels.