Becoming Self Aware

“To know others is Clever, to know oneself is enlightenment.”


Addiction is a twofold disease to overcome, firstly we have to tackle the Physical Addiction; (the using), and this requires detoxification and outlasting the withdrawal. Which is a relatively short process, however depending on the substance, may require medical supervision, and can be painful physically and psychologically. Thankfully it is a short process, although during the process it may not seem so short.
Secondly is the psychological dependence, (the thinking and feeling) this requires a whole new set of life coping skills acquired through the recovery process, and will continue grow through your recovery, continuously.

As we all know the insanity of our addictions was repeating the same behaviours (in essence) over and over, and expecting a different result. So let me ask you something,” If you built a house and it fell down, would you then rebuild your house the same way?” Hopefully not. Well that is what recovery is all about, rebuilding your life differently? Your way didn’t work. Recovery is going to give you new tools, and a better plan. However it is up to you to learn how to use these tools properly and to read the plans and adjust them accordingly. However the work and the learning are on you to do. However it is next to impossible to do alone, there is help and guidance available. Use it!

Now as you detoxify and your faculties and feeling become less numb, you will start becoming more aware of what is going on around you as well as within you, it will seem your body feels more, your mind is racing and your emotions and feelings are more acute. You will probably feel overwhelmed and/or bombarded by these feelings, emotions and the mind racing, you may feel like running back to what you know or shutting down that this is all too much and you can’t deal with it. Take a deep breath and try to relax, this is normal, we have all felt the same way top one degree or another. You can handle it and you will survive. This is one of the main reasons that you have been advised to go to meetings, and get a support system. For at the meetings you will find others experiencing the same thing or those that have been through this. They will help. A support system is the suggestions you have heard about in the meetings. They should consist of a sponsor, a few close people that are on the same path, those who accept you for you, and possibly a recovery coach and counsellor. These people will guide you on the use of your new tools and probably provide you with more as time progresses.

Now that you are becoming self aware, the most valuable tool you are going to need is the 12 step program. With you new tool and support system you will learn to indentify specifically, all these new feelings and thoughts. Now with the help of your support system and tools you can start to identify exactly what needs to be fixed in your life.
This new tool will also help you increase yourself awareness, which is essential for your recovery. Unlike those without addiction issues self awareness is essential. Most people don’t truly know themselves; unfortunately they go through their whole life never knowing who and what they truly are. They look for answers in their family, from other people, from work, from accomplishments, toys, possessions and so on, never finding an answer or true happiness. In true recovery we must find our answers from within, from being truly self aware, thus finding freedom and a life that is happy, joyous and free. However this is not an easy journey we must have courage, we absolutely need the help of a support system. We cannot do this alone, yet we do it ourselves.


“It takes more courage to reveal insecurities, than to hide them, more strength to relate to others rather than dominate them, more “manhood” to abide by thought out principles rather than blind reflex, toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in the muscles and an immature mind.”
Alex Karras


These tools must constantly be expanded and used, or one becomes open to becoming a “dry Drunk”. True sobriety is an action of insights and skills far beyond abstinence. It is a creative art of living, loving and personal growth.


Remember God does not create garbage