Just what is recovery anyway? What do we need to recover from? How do we begin? Recovery is described as Recuperation, rehabilitation, or healing. This means that recovery, although usually thought of with alcohol or drug addiction, also can be used with poverty, relationships, divorces, medical issues, deaths of loved ones. The list can be endless. Whenever something that is a part of our life leaves us, we many times handle it differently from one another.
In our case we begin with it is recovery from alcoholism. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has come up with a program for recovery that is so very simple, although not always easy. Simple because it just is. Difficult because it seems that we are wired to complicate all things. It was designed for alcoholics but the principles can be used successfully for other recoveries as well. A point that is missed by many is that, of the AA Twelve Steps for Recovery, only the first half of the 1st Step mentions alcohol. All of the rest are about changing our thinking. As important as stopping drinking is, there is more to the Program. Much more! Change your thinking, change your life. Today we will discuss starting recovery. To do this, we will start with the first three steps.
Step 1 states: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable. Now, please remember not to complicate this simple program that was devised for complicated folks. How do you know if you are powerless over alcohol, or any other substance or circumstance for that matter? The most simple definition of an alcoholic that I ever heard and still use is “If you can not guarantee your actions after taking the first drink, you are probably an alcoholic.” Example: On your way home from work and going to stop “Just for a drink.” Then after you begin by having “just a drink,” continue drinking and maybe close the bar. This was after swearing that it was only going to be one.
Then comes the unmanageability aspect. Some may argue that they still have their job. Still married. Pay their bills. But, looking deeper, they begin to realize that they are getting more restless, irritable, and discontent. “Something is wrong, really wrong. I just don’t know what it is!” Former friends seem to be drifting away. Families are becoming more distant.
Step 2 states: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. “Wait, just a minute. Are you saying that I am insane?” No, but what person with a rational mind would do what you do thinking that it was “normal?” In the morning, before getting into the car, walking around it to see if there was any damage. Calling the last persons you were with last night to see where you left your car. Ready to argue and even fight to win an argument about whether it is raining or not. Making excuses for missing an important event for your child. The list is endless, also!
Step 3 states: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. If you can not guarantee your actions after one drink and are doing things that many others would consider insane, you have made it through the first 2 Steps. Then you can ask for help from your Higher Power, whatever you choose to call It. If you were struggling with trying to move a kitchen table, wouldn’t you ask for help from someone? This is no different. The difference is that who or what we ask for assistance needs to be much greater than can be provided by another human being. So, why not go right to the original Creator of us all – God, Allah, Buddha, the Sun, the AA Group, etc. Who or what would possibly be more qualified to help in this instance?
What do you think? God bless you!
Please let us know what you think. We can be reached at Spiritualityandrecovery@gmail.com or 810-965-6140 usually within hours and many times instantly.
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