Several 12-Step Programs…

User Image Lyman Reed February 28th, 2006 Uncategorized

Boy, being an addict can really suck sometimes.

I’m starting to feel like Stuart Smalley from SNL, “a member of several 12-Step programs.” Let’s see, I qualify for AA, NA, Nicotine Anonymous, SAA, and Al-Anon. Throw my various psychiatric diagnoses in there (I think the latest was Acute Major Depression with Psychotic Episodes) and one wonders just why the hell I’m still alive and not locked up somewhere.

I really wish that I could pin it on just one thing, but I can’t. I can only explain it with the G word. I do believe that the 12 Steps and the support of my initial sponsor and home group cleared away a lot of the wreckage in my head and opened me up to that Higher Power, which then allowed me to deepen my connection to the Universe using ideas from things like the Science of Mind, The Science of Getting Rich, Wealth Beyond Reason, and Images of One. But until I could get the drinking and depression under control, I couldn’t do anything, because these two warped my consciousness to a point where I couldn’t make any changes.

I’m writing this because one of the addictions has really been running rampant lately, and is threatening my relationship with my wife. It’s been damaging me for a long time, but just like with any addictive behavior, when left to my own devices, I can rationalize it away. I needed to be confronted with it. And I was, which really sucked, but I’m grateful that it happened. Now I at least recognize that something needs to be done about it.

But it’s good to know that I’m going to be OK today.

Technorati Tags: recovery, addiction, 12-Steps, God