Complacency is the enemy of members with substantial clean time. If we remain complacent for long, the recovery process ceases.
Basic Text, p. 84
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After the first couple of years in recovery, most of us start to feel like there are no more big deals. If weve been diligent in working the steps, the past is largely resolved and we have a solid foundation on which to build our future. Weve learned to take life pretty much as it comes. Familiarity with the steps allows us to resolve problems almost as quickly as they arise.
Once we discover this level of comfort, we may tend to treat it as a rest stop on the recovery path. Doing so, however, discounts the nature of our disease. Addiction is patient, subtle, progressive, and incurable. Its also fatalwe can die from this disease, unless we continue to treat it. And the treatment for addiction is a vital, ongoing program of recovery.
The Twelve Steps are a process, a path we take to stay a step ahead of our disease. Meetings, sponsorship, service, and the steps always remain essential to ongoing recovery. Though we may practice our program somewhat differently with five years clean than with five months, this doesnt mean the program has changed or become less important, only that our practical understanding has changed and grown. To keep our recovery fresh and vital, we need to stay alert for opportunities to practice our program.
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Just for today: As I keep growing in my recovery, I will search for new ways to practice my program.
Yes I continue to do the 'daily' each day,,,clean time does not equal recovery(although on any given day it may be our best asset)but to continue growing and remaining teachable I must continue work in the SOLUTION,,,application of our STEPS in all areas of my(our) lives guided by a Higher Power...and giving back to the best of our ability...............WE are never cured but WE do recover ,a day at a time...................
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
