The Starting Point

We are going to use the 12 Step Model as our guideline for Recovery here. We will be doing this not because there are not other ways of Recovery. We will be using this Model for 2 reasons. The first is it is the one I know best and have the most familiarity with and secondly it is the one with the highest success rate in the world.There are over 200 12 Step programs in the world with millions of members. This being a fact illustrates the power and effectiveness of the 12 Step Program. It doesn't matter your problem, The 12 step program, if followed and lived will enrich, improve and give you a life you never dreamed possible. Millions worldwide will tell you the exact same thing. Ask anyone with quality involvement in any 12 Step program.It doesn't matter what your substance of choice is, there are a few things you need to star doing right now. the first is LISTEN, the second find a support group of others who are committed to same path that you are preparing to travel, people you can share HONESTLY with about what's going on for you> your feelings, your fears, your hopes, Third LISTEN, fourth get a copy of The AA BIG BOOK. YES a BIG BOOK, because as I said earlier the 12 step program is the most successful recovery program in the world. All 12 step Programs are based from the Original 12 step Program developed by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob ( Robert Holbrook Smith) in 1938 .What you really need to read is the forward to the first edition. It says, and I quote [“We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. To show other alcoholics PRECISELY HOW THEY CAN RECOVER is the main purpose of this book] from the original manuscript of the first edition, Alcoholics Anonymous 1938.] If you get yourself a copy of the original manuscript (available online-http://www.barefootsworld.net/aaorigmanuscript.html#chp5 I also suggest you read Chapter 5 How it Works. In the original form. Fifth find someone who's recovery you respect and want and ask them to be your "sponsor" However I would suggest a couple of guidelines here, 1) they are the same sex as you [very important] A man cannot show a women how to be a recovering women and vice versa, as well there is always the off chance that we will get romantically involved as they relationship with a sponsor is very intimate. 2) They have 2-5 years of CONTINUOUS SOBRIETY. It shows that they can stay clean, I normally suggest at least 5 years... You visit their home, this will show you whether they really are what you see at meetings, and unfortunately not all people in meetings are the same person outside meetings. 6 They are gainfully employed or at least financially stable- this is another indication of a persons recovery (usually there can be extenuating circumstances). Sixth learn the H.O.W. of the program. H- Honesty of self, with self and others, O- Open-minded- do not judge- listen take suggestions you'll be surprised how seemingly stupid suggestions help and improve your life and understanding, W-willingness- to take suggestions, to listen, to volunteer, to do what is required of you. Seven LISTEN not just listen BUT HEAR.

Remember GOD DOES NOT MAKE GARBAGE