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“We become able to make wise and loving decisions based on principles and ideals that have real value in our lives.”
Basic Text, page 101
In the depths of addiction, our sense of values was distorted, leading us down a path of selfishness, isolation, and destruction. Addiction generated a false set of principles, ones that justified harmful behaviors. Phrases like, “You pushed me, so I pushed back,” or “It’s mine because I want it,” became mantras we lived by. These “values” were mere rationalizations, convenient lies that allowed us to act out in ways that hurt ourselves and those around us.
Instead of guiding us toward meaningful or loving actions, these distorted beliefs plunged us deeper into the chaos of addiction. Each justification dug the grave a little deeper, burying us in resentment, anger, and denial. These self-serving ideas created a worldview where self-gratification trumped responsibility and where taking from others felt justified as long as it satisfied our immediate cravings.
Recovery offers us something profound—an opportunity to rebuild our lives on real values. The Twelve Steps of recovery are more than just a set of instructions; they provide a spiritual framework that introduces us to principles that heal, rather than destroy.
In recovery, we are encouraged to shift our trust away from ourselves and our immediate surroundings and place it in a Higher Power. By doing so, we begin to develop genuine faith—not just in a Higher Power but also in the people and the world around us. This faith helps us develop values based on honesty, selflessness, and accountability.
No longer are we bound to the selfish ideals of addiction. We learn to become responsible members of our communities, acting with love and integrity. The once poisonous mantra of “It’s mine” transforms into a healthier spirit of sharing and generosity. By embracing these real values, we don’t just exist—we thrive. We reconnect with the world of the living, finding purpose and meaning in our actions.
Honesty is at the heart of recovery values. Before, dishonesty was a survival mechanism in addiction. We lied to ourselves and others to keep up appearances or avoid facing the truth of our circumstances. Recovery, however, asks us to be completely transparent—not just about our actions but also about our motivations.
Living by real values means we stop hiding from the truth. We admit our mistakes, make amends where necessary, and accept responsibility for our actions. This kind of accountability fosters growth, enabling us to correct our wrongs and learn from them. It also strengthens our relationships with others, as honesty builds trust, which is essential for any meaningful connection.
Moreover, accountability helps us avoid the rationalizations that once dominated our thinking. In recovery, we can no longer justify harmful actions by saying things like, “Well, they pushed me first.” Instead, we learn to respond to situations thoughtfully, making decisions that reflect our new, healthier values. We own our part in conflicts, seek resolution instead of revenge, and build bridges instead of burning them.
One of the most profound shifts in recovery is the move from selfishness to selflessness. Addiction traps us in a mindset that prioritizes our wants and needs above all else, often to the detriment of others. But real values—those we develop through the Twelve Steps—show us the power of selflessness.
Selflessness doesn’t mean neglecting our own needs, but it does mean recognizing the needs of others. It’s about understanding that our actions affect those around us and choosing to act in ways that uplift the collective good. As we embrace selflessness, we find a greater sense of purpose. Helping others becomes a way to heal ourselves, and we discover that in giving, we receive even more in return.
This shift also invites humility. In addiction, we often thought we knew best. We acted impulsively, believing that our immediate desires were all that mattered. But in recovery, we learn the value of listening, patience, and serving others. By placing the needs of others alongside our own, we find balance, and in doing so, we cultivate relationships that are healthy and supportive.
The values we develop in recovery don’t just keep us clean—they reconnect us to the world. Addiction isolates, while recovery brings us back into the fold of humanity. By embracing honesty, accountability, and selflessness, we become productive members of our families, communities, and society as a whole.
These values give us a foundation upon which we can make wise and loving decisions, not just for ourselves but for everyone we encounter. We no longer act out of fear, desperation, or selfishness. Instead, we act from a place of integrity, knowing that our choices have real value.
Today, we live with a sense of gratitude for the principles that guide us. These values keep us grounded, provide us with direction, and allow us to live in harmony with ourselves and the world around us. They restore us to life, helping us move forward with purpose and clarity.
Addiction once distorted our values, making us believe that selfishness, dishonesty, and irresponsibility were acceptable ways to live. But through the process of recovery, we discover a new set of values—ones based on honesty, accountability, and selflessness. These principles allow us to make wise, loving decisions, fostering our growth into responsible and productive members of our communities. By trusting in a Higher Power and embracing the Twelve Steps, we develop real values that guide us toward a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Just for today: I am grateful for the values I’ve developed. I am thankful for the ability they give me to make wise, loving decisions as a responsible, productive member of my community.