Author: Phillip

Relapse

In our circle of recovering addicts, we often hear talk of relapse. All kinds of strange theories have evolved around this event. Some say the addict hasn’t hit their bottom yet. Others may say that they weren’t quite ready to remain sober. The plain and simple truth is that the addict just simply chose to

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Relapse

Once again, we are going to talk about relapse. Why you may ask? Because it is too common of an occurrence in the fellowship. I have heard some crazy excuses for someone relapsing. I have heard that “relapse is part of recovery.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Relapse is part of a relapse.

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Honesty, Open-Mindedness and Willingness

According to recovery literature, honesty, open-mindedness and willingness are three key essential traits necessary in the individual to bring about recovery from addiction.  When we talk about honesty in this sense, we not only mean being honest with others but, being honest with oneself.  The type of honesty necessary for recovery is not superficial honesty. 

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The Twelve Traditions

The Twelve Traditions can be found on page 561 in the 4th edition of the Big Book of Alcoholics anonymous.  The traditions are to the group as a whole, as the steps are to the individual.  They are what holds this fellowship together and provides guidance when differences occur in the fellowship.  They are usually

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Resentment

The word resentment comes from a Latin word which means to re-feel.  Isn’t this what we are doing when we have a jumble of resentments in our mind?  The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous on page 64 states that resentment is the number one offender.  From it stem all forms of spiritual disease.  It goes

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How Quickly Should I Work the 12 Steps?

The 12 Steps should be worked as quickly as possible based on rigorous honesty and thoroughness.  They are to be worked under the guidance of a sponsor, closed mouth friend or a member of the clergy.  Thoroughness is to be of paramount importance when taking these steps. The Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book equates our work

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Step 4

Step 4 is usually considered as the bogeyman by people who haven’t taken it.  No, it is far from that.  It is in this step that we start to digest large bits of truth about ourselves.  This step takes courage and willingness to be successful.  But we are not alone in our journey.  We have

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Live and Let Live (AA Slogan)

When I look at “live and let live” I hear it telling me to mind my own business.  I tell people that I work with in the program that their business ends at the tip of their nose.  Alcoholics are notorious for having a solution for everyone else’s problems, except their own.  We tend to

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First Things First

First things first are learning about how to prioritize things in our lives.  Being an addict and in recovery the first necessary thing is sobriety.  We must first obtain sobriety and then maintain it through a program of your choice.  It is very helpful to have a sober network of individuals that you can call

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Holidays

Holidays can be stressful days for some addicts.  Memories of past holidays may come to mind.  These memories may be before the addict became addicted.  Childhood holiday experiences which include relatives are prevalent.  In our addiction we may have become estranged from the family pictured in the memory.  Loved ones may have loved ones may

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