Next Step Recovery Straight Talk

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Throughout my recovery process, I have found that the friendships, relationships and bonds I have made are essential.  When I first began my recovery, I didn’t understand how important these relationships would be.

When I came into recovery, many others stressed the importance of a support network. This idea scared me somewhat, and I wasn’t sure I needed or wanted a recovery support network.

Looking back, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I have met so many great people in recovery who are from all walks of life—a kaleidoscope of different backgrounds and personalities. What we all share in common is having been in the trenches of active addiction and finding and fighting our way into recovery. This shared experience, I realized, made it easy to make friends and form strong bonds.

There is something to be said about “birds of a feather.” Building a support network has been a major piece of the puzzle in my recovery.  It has been so important to know that I can reach out to someone anytime, day or night, no matter the problem or situation, and talk it through.

When I came to Next Step Recovery, I was so grateful for the tremendous support and guidance I received both from the staff and the residents.

For me, my strength has come from something as simple as a one-on-one chat on the porch with one of the residents or a group of us joking around trying to find the humor in a difficult day or just sitting around the dinner table sharing a meal with good conversation.

Here at Next Step, we have cried, laughed and shared our strength, hope and experiences with each other—all the while knowing the struggles we are all going through and hoping that the road of recovery rises up to meet our feet each day.

In the end, this is what matters to me most in my recovery: my support network and great relationships with people that are changing their lives alongside me with the program of recovery.

When I walk through the house and hear the laughter from someone telling a funny joke, or someone sharing some good news or reaching out after having a really rough day, I know that I am in the right place—not only for myself but for others as well.

Tonight in Relapse Prevention, we discussed how many recovering drug addicts are confused and/or often misguided about the use of alcohol.

Many believe they can still drink alcohol because they only have a problem with drugs. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Narcotics Anonymous literature “How it Works” clearly states:

Thinking of alcohol as different from other drugs has caused a great many addicts to relapse. Before we came to NA, many of us viewed alcohol separately, but we cannot afford to be confused about this.

Alcohol is a drug. We are people with the disease of addiction who must abstain from all drugs in order to recover.

You will notice it doesn’t say “The use of alcohol” it says “thinking of alcohol.” All mind-altering substances create chaos in your life. Recovery requires abstaining from all of them.

This sparked a great open conversation and was very eye opening for some of the guys.

I also shared something that was said in a 12 step meeting that I thought was simple but very empowering, “To stop using, you must stop using.”

I believe this means that in order for us to recover, we must stop using not only drugs and alcohol but also using people, excuses and all other addictive behaviors.

I sometimes wonder why recovering addicts try to change the NA/AA program and how it works, rather than follow this simple yet highly effective program.

I think the answer is pretty simple and summed up nicely in my favorite quote:

It Works If You Work It!

Living in a recovery community, you are constantly reminded how devastating addiction can be. Over the course of this week, I have been on the front lines of situations that remind me of why I am here and strengthen (once again) my own commitment to recovery.

It is very difficult to admit that I can witness other recovering addicts struggling right in front of me and STILL have cravings and urges to use again—knowing the consequences that would surely follow. This realization is quickly followed by overwhelming feelings of guilt, remorse, and sadness.

I guess that’s why they say addiction is a cunning and baffling disease. How can we forget or choose to ignore what is right in front of us?!

The only way we can ignore it is through denial which creates a false sense of security and confidence that assumes we have our addiction under control. Very dangerous assumptions such as these can, and in most cases do, lead to a relapse.

I often wonder how I could have fantasies of using again, given the undeniable path of destruction my addiction has left in its wake.

This is a struggle we addicts face every day. That is why the program stresses the importance of a support network—to build an army that will battle this ongoing war against the disease of addiction. And to celebrate each other victories, which happen so much more frequently when we face our battles together!

It has been a great day here at Next Step Recovery.  It started out with some of the guys having breakfast together and then off to start their day—whether heading to work or on the job search.

We had our community house meeting at 6:00 pm. Then teamed up for our weekly house deep cleaning followed by a 12-step meeting. A very special speaker/counselor from English Mountain Recovery joined us and shared his story with the guys. It’s always great when someone shares their experience, strength and hope with individuals in early recovery—so empowering.

Ending the night with a great Taco dinner, Taco Tuesday, with the guys communing around the dinner table talking about their day.

We are really excited about our upcoming fall fundraiser Golf Fore Recovery at the Grove Park Inn on Oct. 30 at 9 a.m. (Shotgun Start).

This is a Captain’s Choice tournament and includes 18 holes of golf, a catered lunch, snacks and drinks and a goody bag, plus the good feeling that comes knowing you are helping us raise awareness and money for the needs of those in recovery.

We will also have golf contests, prizes and a silent auction and raffle. Registration is only $85 per person or $340 per team.

You can register online at http://conta.cc/oCRSx2