"Through abstinence and through working the Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous, our lives have become useful."

Basic Text, p. 8

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Before coming to Narcotics Anonymous, our lives were centered around using.  For the most part, we had very little energy left over for jobs, relationships, or other activities.  We served only our addiction.

The Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous provide a simple way to turn our lives around.  We start by staying clean, a day at a time.  When our energy is no longer channeled into our addiction, we find that we have the energy to pursue other interests.  As we grow in recovery, we become able to sustain healthy relationships.  We become trustworthy employees.  Hobbies and recreation seem more inviting.  Through participation in Narcotics Anonymous, we help others.

Narcotics Anonymous does not promise us that we will find good jobs, loving relationships, or a fulfilling life.  But when we work the Twelve Steps to the best of our ability, we find that we can become the type of people who are capable of finding employment, sustaining loving relationships, and helping others.  We stop serving our disease, and begin serving God and others.  The Twelve Steps are the key to transforming our lives.

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Just for today:  I will have the wisdom to use the Twelve Steps in my life, and the courage to grow in my recovery.  I will practice my program to become a responsible, productive member of society.