Jerry Green | Recovery Services Manager
Page 98 of the Big Book says, “burn the idea into the consciousness of everyone that they can get well regardless of anyone.” Whatever or whoever I put ahead of this spiritual program of action, I will lose. I have seen this come true in far too many tragic examples. I will eventually lose any human being, parents, significant others, children, and friends that I put ahead of my sobriety.
I will lose money, job, houses, cars, and any material thing I put ahead of my sobriety.
If I try to rush right back into my family life or professional life without having a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, in all probability the results will not be good. I must build a firm foundation. This is why aftercare and instant immersion into a 12-Step program are so essential immediately after treatment.
On page 98, the book continues, “Let no alcoholic or addict say they cannot recover unless they get their family back.”
This just isn’t so. The book goes on to say that recovery is not dependent on people, it is dependent on God. Then the book tells us on page 100 that we must walk day by day in the path of spiritual progress. If we persist, remarkable things will happen. This is my experience; walking persistently along this spiritual path is the key for me. For me, spirituality is simply a set of actions I take, regardless of how I feel or what the disease in my brain is telling me.
Persistence, not perfection, is the key.
My sponsor asks me frequently, where are you with a bottle of booze or a shot of dope today? In other words, am I still taking the actions it takes on a daily basis to continue to have spiritual experiences? I cannot physically live off of a cheeseburger I had last week. Likewise, I cannot spiritually live from an experience I had last week. I must continue to have spiritual experiences. Sometimes they are as simple as recognizing the words that came out of my mouth were not my normal words; my Higher Power must have provided them. Sometimes it is seeing the light click on in other people’s eyes when we are working steps.
To have these experiences, I must stay connected.
I stay connected by surrendering to this Power every day, sometimes many times each day. I remain connected not by focusing on myself and my feelings but by focusing on others. I persistently try to carry the message of hope that was brought to me, first with actions and then with words.
My dependence must be on God.
Apart from Him, I can do nothing except produce confusion and pain for the people around me. As a result of this, I have lost some relationships, but far more valuable relationships have replaced them. The relationships that have continued are far more deep, healthy and meaningful than they were before. I have messed up so many things in my life. I find the magic of God’s Universe inexplicable. But for the first time, I don’t have to explain it. I can just flow with it.
Origins Recovery Center is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety.
For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1019.
