In recovery programme, so called normal life goes on and we will face the ups and downs of life like everyone else. If you attend meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous, for example, you will meet people from many different backgrounds and some of these people will be there to help you as you have to face everyday life. You may find gardeners, builders, plumbers, counsellors, bankers, accountants, solicitors – in fact people with all types of experience there. You will probably also find these people willing to help you if you need their help in terms of their skills and advice. It is like being a member of a special club.
Recovery Has Opened Many Doors
As an example, I used to be a professional woman working in the City. My husband was an accountant and all our friends were in professional occupations. Going into treatment, I met a man who was a great do-it-yourselfer, a handyman. He also has many contacts with people who fit windows, make shower screens, make and fit bedroom furniture etc. Has put me in touch with these people to give me a good price for my home improvements. He also knows something about cars so he has sourced a vehicle for both my daughter and me. I am really grateful. This is just one person – I have met many more in recovery through meetings and it has been a heart warming experience, receiving their generous help – and I have done my best to offer my talents when required. Being in recovery has opened many doors.
Honest Programme
A cautionary tale though. We recovering alcoholics and addicts are vulnerable at times and can think that because we are in AA, NA etc and working an honest programme, that everyone there is honest too. On occasions I am afraid this is not so and, like with any other organisation, sometimes bad apples creep in. I have heard of someone at AA selling dodgy financial services and pyramid selling, for example. So you need to judge people at meetings as if they were from any other walk of life.
However, though you will meet all kinds of helpful people in recovery, you will find at times that you need the help of outside professionals when in addiction recovery, and there is no shame in this. Do not let any recovering alcoholic or addict tell you that you should not take that medication prescribed by your doctor, or that you do not need an accountant for advice, for example. Life goes on and we need outside professional help as much as the next man. If we had bad experience of this in the past, what was our part in it? Did we not always reveal the full truth, for instance? Did we not always pay our bills on time or do what we said we would do?
Recovery Community
Take a step back, think hard and make your choice – only you in the end can make any decisions about your life and what you do with it. Pick the right professional to help you in your individual circumstances as only you can – whether inside or outside the recovering community.
The Haynes Clinic is an alcohol, gambling and drug rehab clinic which offers detox and counselling for people with addictions. It follows the Twelve Step Programme of recovery.
Call 01462 851414 for free and confidential advice.