In today's episode, Ben and I will talk about how addicts can get accustomed to the lifestyle of alcohol and drugs. It's often problematic for addicts to comprehend how to live a "normal" life without the use of illegal substances. Ben and I are both AA graduates, and our experience of sobriety results from working hard to successfully complete the 12 steps of sobriety outlined in AA. This work brought a spiritual foundation into my life, and this is what my sobriety hinges on today.

There are multiple modalities and programs in which you can find sobriety, the 12 step program being one program. If this program doesn't work for you, please seek out a drug and alcohol program that appeals to you and gives you hope. Whatever way you choose, sobriety is your goal. The fruits of sobriety will give your life the positive change you are looking for to live a better life.

In section 83 of the AA book, there is a section titled "The Nine-Step Promises." One promise, "We are going to find new freedom and a new happiness." Freedom and happiness are different for each person. Freedom can be relief from feeling the physical trauma to feeling mentally free from the reliance on addiction.

Serenity and peace are two other aspects we are focusing on today. When you acquire these two feelings, you are OK sitting by yourself, without anxiety, want, or fear. Conflict resolution is a large part of achieving these two qualities for yourself. There are tools we learn to create change within ourselves or our situation, even if we can't change the world around us. These tools lead to achieving peace and serenity inside ourselves.

The Big Book talks about the fear of uselessness and self-pity. When you feel like you don't amount to anything, self-pity creeps into your life. You may feel like you will never have a family, go to college, or be happy. This is a destructive cycle for addicts, which disappears when you become clean.

Some grapple with the higher power aspect of AA. If a "higher power" isn't in your life, you can also shoot for a higher purpose. What is your purpose? Find a positive change to make in someone else's life. When you are sober, your outlook on life will change because your mind will clear, and you will see situations differently.

At Rock Recovery Center, we take a humanistic approach to recovery, teaching our clients how to live independently in a sober world. We care about the success and safety of each and every one of our clients from the moment they step into our center to the future of their well-being.

Check out my new website where you can download any episode right from my site along with other useful information for those in recovery.

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Show Notes:

• [03:17] Imagining a life without drugs and alcohol is hard to comprehend for addicts.
• [05:18] No matter what your substance is, what you need to move forward is a design for living.
• [06:55] The Nine-Step Promises that AA lists in their book.
• [10:07] There is no true freedom when we are tied to another substance.
• [13:19] Learning conflict resolution to achieve peace and serenity.
• [18:00] Fear of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
• [22:51] Higher power and higher purpose.
• [26:19] The root of our problems is selfishness and self-centeredness.
• [27:44] Attitude and outlook on life will change when you become sober.
• [32:52] Read the big book from AA to find out more aspects of your life that can change when you become sober.

Episode Links and Resources

• Real Recovery Live Chat
• Real Recovery Talk on the Web
• Real Recovery Talk on YouTube
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• Rock Recovery Center
• Real Recovery Talk on Facebook
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• Podcast editing and show notes by Pro Podcast Solutions