Preparation for 12 Step Study

We are very excited that we are almost ready to begin our study of the 12 Steps that will lead us to Recovery.  Our prior discussions have been an attempt to prepare you for this endeavor.  By now you should be ready to embark on your journey to Recovery.

Remember that Recovery is being restored to any former or better condition.  It is not merely the abstinence of using but learning to live life on life’s terms.

The road to Recovery will have a lot of bumps, pot holes and some breakdowns along the way.  There will be some construction zones as well as some traffic delays.  But don’t be discouraged, there will also be some smooth roads and some rest areas along the route.  There is no need to speed or rush and be mindful of shortcuts and detours; they don’t always lead us in the right direction.  Just follow the road map, be alert, be persistent and you WILL arrive at your destination.

Fortunately, this is not a “leave the driving to us” trip, because each of us must make this journey for our self.  If we are to succeed, we must be responsible and do the work required to get us to our destination. 

Although we are all heading in the same direction and to the same destination, Recovery, not all of us will reach it at the same time.  Sadly, some of us will not make it at all.

Remind yourself that there is no time limit, no first place and no last place.  We all must proceed at our own pace.  The main thing is to make solid progress.  The point is that everyone that reaches their destination is a Winner regardless of how long it takes.  As long as you finish.

Caution: this doesn’t mean that you can tarry and procrastinate either.  Those who do will not have built a solid foundation upon which to place their Recovery.

But before we begin everyone needs to review, prepare and equip themselves.  First review the previous posts to familiarize yourself with the mechanics of Recovery.  Second, prepare your mind for your journey.  Then equip yourself with the necessary travel provisions that you may need along the way.

Ask any questions that you may have now because starting Feb 1, 2013, we begin the trip to Recovery.

Join us again soon.

Until then ……. be sure to tell a friend about us.

Thanks for visiting us – come back soon.

Remember:  “It is what it is and “it ain’t nothing but a thing!” 

 

Addiction - Conclusion

Addiction: the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

Welcome back folks.  We hope that everyone enjoyed a great Christmas and that your New Year is off to a productive start.

Before the holidays we were discussing “addiction” and that’s where we will pick up this time.

Remember, addiction isn’t the occasional weekend use or drunk.  Addiction involves much more frequent use.

As was stated, living in our addiction is counterproductive.  This leads to the unmanageability of our lives.  Having a drink or using just to loosen up or to feel like we fit in normally lands us in more trouble and with more problems than we had in the first place.  Yet, we still to do it.  We have to-because we are addicted.

The fact that our addiction is persistent keeps us in bondage to that unmanageable lifestyle. No matter how many promises we make or how much trouble we get into, the compulsion will continue to rise up and we will give in to it.  Until we overcome our addiction and the underlying reason(s) that we use, we will be a slave to it.

  Simple, just not easy.  That’s where we will pick it up next time. 

Join us again soon.

Until then ……. be sure to tell a friend about us.

Thanks for visiting us – come back soon.

Remember:  “It is what it is and “it ain’t nothing but a thing!” 

NEW YEAR

  “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” 

    ― Benjamin Franklin