The first step to recovery is the desire for change. When we act on the desire to stop using drugs chaotically, we are in recovery. Recovery is the process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. If you are using a method of recovery that involves medication - you are in recovery. If you relapse you are still welcome here. If you are not currently utilizing medication - or if you never have - you are welcome here. We are a fellowship of recovering people who focus on widening the scope of recovery from addiction to all persons.
We welcome all people seeking recovery. Please, just keep coming back. There is a special feeling of empathy created for recovering people when they discover that there are other people who share their difficulties: past and present. The sense of fellowship and unity created in these meetings will strengthen our recovery. Meetings keep us in touch with where we have been, but more importantly with where we can go in our recovery. Sharing with fellow recovering people is a basic tool in our program. The therapeutic value of one person helping another has always been the basis of Twelve Step programs. We share our experience, strength, and hope, without judgement or preaching. We suggest starting to pray and developing a concept of a Higher Power as soon as you are willing.
This is a spiritual, not religious program. We stress the importance of living by positive spiritual principles like acceptance, generosity, honesty, humility, open mindedness, and willingness. The list goes on. We believe that each member has complete freedom and autonomy to have their own belief system. Our only suggestion is that your Higher Power be loving and caring. We have found it helpful to have a sponsor, and to use this sponsor. Sponsorship is a two-way street; it helps the sponsee and the sponsor. As newcomers, we find it easier to recover if we have someone we trust and in whom we can confide. Another tool in M.A. is involvement with service to others. This work can begin with simple actions: setting up the meeting, greeting people, cleaning up, chairing the meeting, or passing out literature. Eventually we can get involved in a structured service position.
We keep what we have by giving it away. The ability to face our problems is necessary. Addiction is much more than unmanageable drug use. It goes much deeper. Through working the "Twelve Steps" we will see the depth of our addiction in all areas of our lives, and we will find solutions to those problems. We may face the desire to return to our old ways at times. Dishonesty, close-mindedness, and unwillingness are three of our greatest enemies. Self-obsession and negativity are at the core of addiction. Our addiction involved much more than just using drugs, so our recovery must involve much more than not using - we must use the tools of recovery, one day at a time.