Recovery is not about curing addictions. So far, there is no known cure. But there is a recovery of the human abilities that have been lost, or at least greatly diminished, as we become addicted.
Most addicts can stop “using” for a time, but the problem is that we cannot stay stopped. To do that, we need continuing help.
If we try to stop on our own, our personality usually suffers from negative emotions and attitudes.
People would prefer not to have us around.
I had tried counseling, therapy, medicine and religion. But while I found temporary relief from some symptoms, there was no deep or lasting change.
Finally, I found the 12-step program which was started by AA and has been applied by many other addictions.
To experience lasting and happy recovery, I strongly recommend total commitment to the following six-point program:
Sobriety: Accept responsibility for your own sobriety and recovery. There is no alternative to this. No one else can make you sober. You must make sobriety the highest priority in your life.
Without sobriety you will most likely lose everything else anyway, including your own life.
Meetings: Try several 12-step meetings to find one you like.
Then make a commitment to attend regularly and punctually, at least once a week for the rest of your life.
Literature: Study the literature of your program.
Sponsor: Pick an experienced sponsor to guide you through the steps, give you advice and answer your questions.
Steps: Work the 12 steps as honestly as you can and build your new life of sobriety and recovery around them.
Fellowship: Develop your relationship with other members, who will help you stay sober and manage your new life.
Do you want to recover your life?
