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“.. we accept responsibility for our problems and see that we’re equally responsible for our solutions.” Basic Text, page 94
Recovery from addiction is a journey that demands personal responsibility. In our active addiction, many of us became accustomed to avoiding our responsibilities, often leaving them for others to handle. This behavior can seep into our recovery if we’re not vigilant. Taking responsibility for our actions, decisions, and growth is crucial for a successful and sustainable recovery.
It’s common for recovering addicts to struggle with taking full responsibility. We might disguise our avoidance as seeking guidance or support. For instance, calling a sponsor to ask what we should do about a life decision might be less about seeking advice and more about avoiding the responsibility of making the decision ourselves. Similarly, asking a friend to apologize on our behalf or cover our commitments can be ways to shirk our duties.
By attempting to delegate our responsibilities, we miss out on crucial opportunities for growth and learning. True recovery requires us to engage actively with our problems and solutions. Delegation might provide temporary relief, but it doesn’t contribute to our long-term development or sobriety.
In recovery, we must learn to make our own decisions. This process can be challenging, especially if we’ve spent a long time relying on others. However, making decisions is an integral part of reclaiming our lives. Each decision, whether big or small, contributes to our confidence and independence.
Service is a fundamental aspect of recovery. It involves giving back and helping others in the community. While it’s natural to seek help from time to time, consistently asking others to cover our service commitments undermines our responsibility. Performing our service duties not only helps others but also reinforces our commitment to recovery.
The steps in recovery are designed to be worked through personally. While sponsors and peers can provide support and guidance, the actual work must be done by us. This includes taking personal inventories, making amends, and continuing to evaluate our actions and progress. The growth and insights gained from working the steps are essential for lasting recovery.
Taking responsibility for our recovery empowers us. It gives us a sense of control over our lives and builds our self-esteem. Knowing that we are capable of handling our issues and making positive changes fosters a sense of self-worth and confidence.
Personal growth comes from facing our challenges head-on. By accepting responsibility, we engage with our problems directly, learning valuable lessons and developing resilience. This authentic growth is a cornerstone of sustainable recovery.
When we take responsibility, we become more reliable and trustworthy. This change positively impacts our relationships, as others see us as dependable and committed to our recovery. Strong, healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and accountability.
Just for today: I accept responsibility for my life and my recovery.
Taking responsibility for our recovery is an ongoing process that requires dedication and effort. It’s about actively participating in our journey and making conscious choices that align with our values and goals. By embracing responsibility, we not only enhance our recovery but also transform our lives, creating a future filled with promise and potential.
Recovery is a journey of self-discovery and growth. By accepting responsibility for our lives, we empower ourselves to create a positive and fulfilling future. Each step we take, each decision we make, brings us closer to the person we aspire to be.