Step 1 of Narcotics Anonymous
By Terry
The 1st
Step on Narcotics Anonymous requires us to admit our powerlessness over
our addiction because our lives have become unmanageable. When I came to
Narcotics Anonymous and began working the 1st Step, a total
transformation occurred in my life. I began to feel alive again. No
longer did I have to live in chaos and negativity. My life had
undoubtedly changed for the better, and for that I am forever grateful to
the program of Narcotics Anonymous. Before coming to NA, I lived a
destructive lifestyle full of lies, anger, hopelessness and guilt. I felt
separated from my true essence, and I knew that I couldn’t go on living in
this manner. I discovered the 1st Step on NA, which began my
progressive journey of recovery.
I finally
admitted my disease of addiction and became willing to follow the simple
guidelines of this proven program. I learned that I had to become honest
with myself, my addiction, and with my complete powerlessness. I had to
surrender my will, my addictive patterns, and my self-centeredness to
begin anew. I was finally tired of always feeling inadequate and
unworthy; and, most of all, I was tired of living a meaningless existence
separated from God. I came to realize that surrender, acceptance,
honesty, open-mindedness, willingness, and trust were essential for the
process of recovery to begin. Surrender is the foundation that all other
spiritual principles and growth derive from. Daily, I had to surrender my
powerlessness and unmanageability to set the stage for personal growth to
transpire.
As I
practiced applying these spiritual principles, I gained a new freedom and
peace that I had never dreamed possible. I honestly started working and
applying the 1st Step to my daily life. I discovered that I
wasn’t alone in this fight for ongoing recovery. I didn’t have to face
this by myself. The loving Fellowship of NA had my back. I was filled
with hope, and a true desire for change. As my recovery progressed, I
began to feel alive like never before. I began to learn how NA works. I
noticed that other members were living happy, successful lifestyles. And
if they could do it, then I knew that I could too. I dedicated my life to
grow spiritually, mentally, physically, and re-align myself with my Higher
Power. I obtained the drive and strength necessary to continually move
forward in my recovery. My journey commenced, and I haven’t stopped
growing since I began working the 1st Step.
After
applying the 1st Step of Narcotics Anonymous, I learned to
focus my attention upon the truth. No longer did I have to deceive
myself. I was positively driven to emerge victorious in the battles I
faced as I began to live life on life’s terms. With clarity of mind, I
could now align my energies toward righteousness. It became apparent that
concentrating my mind on doing right brought me continuous success. I
learned to rid myself of all degrading, impure and negative traits that
would hinder my forward progress. I was compelled toward righteousness.
I had finally awakened from my drug-induced haze that I for so long
couldn’t live without. Total abstinence was priority. As I embarked on
this journey, my obtainable horizons expanded, providing me with endless
opportunities for further growth and achievement.
To
successfully complete Step 1, I had to be totally honest with my addiction
and myself. I had to adhere to the suggested guidelines in order to stay
clean one more day. I had to be credible for my actions, and how I
carried myself. I had to be straightforward in order to fully receive the
direction I needed to remain clean and serene. As I was open and sincere
on my journey, I gained the strength and knowledge necessary for
fastidious allegiance with truth and uprightness. I gradually became
genuine and forthright in my search for personal freedom. I honestly
applied the suggestions offered in NA to better my life, and all aspects
of my being. My inner spirit awakened, finally emerging to assist me in
my journey. My true essence came forth, overcoming all obstacles that
held me in check for so long during my addiction, and self-centered
existence. Displaying acts of candor and decency became admirable
traits. My new, positive moral values ascended beyond the limitations of
my past. Righteousness took the wheel, steering me towards an unknown
land full of opportunities and chances to excel. After working Step 1 of
Narcotics Anonymous, I began to notice the positive changes that were
taking place. All of this had occurred in my life because I became truly
honest in all aspects of life.
Open-mindedness is another quality that must be practiced to remain clean
and sober. Being open-minded unlocks the doors to success. We become
tolerant and inclined to absorb all ideas, thoughts, behaviors, and
actions that will bring us growth in our recovery. Being open-minded
means being receptive of suggestions that can elevate us to a different
realm. Being lenient and easygoing during our journey will allow us to
adhere to the principles that will enhance our ability to remain clean.
Being open-minded means that we are accepting towards anything that will
promote our new, healthy way of living. Open-mindedness is important in
the process of change and positive growth.
Once we
become open-minded, it is necessary that we acquire the willingness to act
upon the positive influences that we encounter. To obtain willingness is
to be favorably disposed in mind; to be ready, and prompt to do the
necessary tasks to enhance our well-being. We must contain the
willingness, and desire for change in order for us to follow through in
action to achieve positive change. We must not be reluctant, but eager
and without delay to do what is necessary to remain in recovery. With
enthusiasm we venture into the realm of life, and all that it entails.
Another
positive attribute of Step 1 is the process of acceptance. With a
consenting mind we step forward, unafraid of failure, but courageous in
nature. We receive with favor the many facets of our disease. We come to
understand that we are addicts and learn about our disease, knowing that
we have the ability to make the required changes that are necessary to
move onward in our recovery. We learn to adjust and coexist with
reality. We endure the trails we encounter, always remaining in hopeful
expectancy and anticipation that good will prevail. Remaining
long-suffering and uncomplaining we march on, ready to battle the perils
of life, while armored with the spiritual principles of Narcotics
Anonymous.
During the
first stages of my recovery, it was very difficult for me to set aside my
pride and self-centeredness. Through patience and diligence, I learned
the importance of acting with humility. Being humble is to be free from
pride and arrogance. Humility is the act of submission. It is to have a
consistent mildness of temper, while lacking conceit. Acting with
humility is to be subservient, to be obedient and compliant with spiritual
principles and the Steps of NA. As we yield to our Higher Power, we gain
freedom from our excessive pride. I learned to be compatible with living
these principles. To be humble is to have a lack of vanity, and it is to
be menial. When I learned the true nature of humility, I finally obtained
serenity and peace of mind. I never thought I would be able to reach a
true state of serenity. Well, I did! And it was quite simple too. While
being humble, accepting, open-minded, willing, and honest I began to
notice and feel all of the positive changes that were occurring in my
life. From that point on, I knew that recovery was surely for me, and
that through the suggestions and guidelines of NA and the 12 Steps, I
could obtain success and fulfill all of my deepest desires. All of this
understanding and enlightenment took place after applying the 1st
Step of NA to my life.
Through
personal reflection after first entering the rooms of NA, it was made
clear that my powerlessness over addiction was uncontrollable. I had to
accept responsibility and take charge of my recovery. Open-mindedness and
willingness enabled me to apply the spiritual principles of NA, and
provided me with the tools necessary to honestly work the 1st
Step. As I recognized the destruction and horrific qualities of my
addiction, I came to understand the importance of surrender, acceptance
and honesty. The 1st Step allows us the opportunity to stray
away from our selfishness, and learn to become God-centered. Becoming
less self-centered encourages new, healthy ways of living without the
insanity of obsession and compulsive behavior. No longer does fear,
doubt, isolation, confusion and the feeling of separation from life has to
control us. In recovery, we strive to get back the sanity that we lost in
our addiction.
When I
came to NA, I always heard the familiar slogans: “Let go and let God,”
“Keep coming back,” Easy does it,” “One day at a time,” and “Don’t leave
before the miracle happens.” These sayings made a lot of sense,
especially in the first stages of recovery. Through these simple
suggestions, I discovered new ways to adjust to life on life’s terms.
Through time, I started to reclaim control and hope, while obtaining the
ability to detour around temptation, isolation, seclusion, and
alienation. Strength of mind and spirit enabled me to attain the power to
live. By observing and listening to the experience, strength, and hope of
other recovering addicts is an indication that miracles do happen to those
who devote their energies and focus towards ongoing recovery.
To
completely surrender, I had to yield to a Higher Power, while admitting
defeat as I whole-heartedly abandoned self. By surrendering, we release
the chains that bind us. Those things that we cannot change no longer
have to torment us. Surrender becomes victorious over our powerlessness.
Open-mindedness removes us from the pits of despair. Uncertainty no
longer has to cloud our vision. We can now move in the direction we
choose. We must never become “powerful” again, or we will fall back into
our old ways of chaos. Acting responsibly severs the course of insanity
that controlled us. Remember, if nothing changes, then nothing changes.
As we move
forward, we become aware of our triggers and all situations that initiate
our demise. We learn to steer clear of all circumstances that would
hinder our further growth, and spiritual advancement. In our recovery, we
improve our well-being, our happiness, and we rise above the seclusion of
the past. We gradually begin to act out of love, respect, and
anticipation that out Higher Power will see us through. When we let go
and let God take over, a newfound strength emerges from the awakening of
our soul. I’ve learned that spiritual advancement necessitates enduring
the things that we cannot change as we surrender, learn, and apply the
Spiritual Principles offered in the program of Narcotics Anonymous. We
can be assured that by NOT practicing spiritual principles, we
would be cut off from further growth. Applying spiritual principles will
seize unsound patterns of self-absorption and intemperance. Expanding the
quality of our uprightness, gaining enlightenment, becoming aware of our
spirituality, and by releasing fear we transform into spiritual beings.
During my
active addiction, my spirit seemed inaccessible. I had separated myself
from all life. I discovered that NA is full of practical advice and
suggestions that help us get out of our own head and recognize our disease
of addiction. I learned that by removing my destructive thought patterns,
behaviors, and qualities that promoted my insanity, I could uncover my
true nature, get to know myself, and become a power for good. A sense of
meaning and purpose was finally reachable through the uplifting process of
spiritual growth, awareness, enlightenment, understanding, and personal
freedom. Commitment together with action leads to transformation and
conversion from impure to responsible. Positive expectations overcome
misery and anguish. Faith in our Higher Power to do for us what we
couldn’t do for ourselves, brings us assurance and hope that the
impossible is possible.
For the
newcomer working the 1st Step: Keep it simple, surrender, admit
defeat, abandon all destructive forces, form new beliefs, heighten your
strength of mind, be honest and open-minded, willing, faithful, and
hopeful. By living in the moment, we receive the ability to be strong,
firm, steadfast, and dedicated to the renewal of our mind. I hope that my
personal experiences and beliefs regarding the 1st Step of
Narcotics Anonymous has brought you enlightenment, and knowledge of this
first step that begins our journey of recovery. Next time I will discuss
Step 2 of NA, so until then, I am glad to be of service.
If you have any questions on
recovery, or the N.A. program, then you can contact
me by
Clicking Here. Thank you for allowing me to be of service. My name is Terry, and I am
an addict.
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