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For newcomers in Narcotics Anonymous (NA), the phrase “any lengths” might seem daunting. It prompts the question: What exactly does it mean to go to any lengths to stay clean? Reflecting on the extremes we once embraced to maintain our addiction can provide clarity. If the drive to use led us to extraordinary measures, then surely, our commitment to recovery deserves the same fervor.
During our days of active addiction, many of us didn’t hesitate to drive great distances for drugs or engage in risky behaviors. These actions were driven by a desperate need to sustain our addiction. If we apply the same level of dedication and urgency to our recovery efforts, such as ensuring we find ways to attend meetings, we mirror that commitment in a positive and life-sustaining way.
In addiction, desperation often led us to follow any direction that might lead to drugs, regardless of the risks or sources. Surprisingly, in recovery, we sometimes find it challenging to accept guidance, even though it is intended to support our growth. This resistance can also extend to seeking spiritual help, which many of us only considered in dire circumstances during our addiction.
Our journey to drugs often required ingenuity and an open mind. If we channel that same openness to the recovery process and the NA program, we might find the path to sobriety less daunting. Being open-minded and willing to follow directions are critical components of the recovery process.
The willingness to go to any lengths for recovery involves more than just a theoretical commitment; it requires practical, everyday decisions and actions that reflect our dedication to staying clean. Today, let’s approach our recovery with the same intensity and openness we once reserved for our addiction. This includes being ready to take direction and seek help, both from our community and our Higher Power.