Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
My sponsor and the friends I have made in recovery have been willing to help me unconditionally to stay clean and sober. They seemed genuinely excited to carry the message that the program works and were happy that I was doing well. They also empathize with my struggles in life and offer support for my issues such as the difficulties with my marriage, work, health, and finances. The fundamental message of recovery is that anyone can get clean and sober, lose the desire to drink and drug and find a new way to live. It is a paradox of our sobriety to consider that we can only keep what we have found in the program by giving it away to others. The more I try to give aways what was freely given to me, the more I appreciate my own recovery. When I began to work Step 12, my focus shifted to the service work of helping others. I can help the newcomers by reaching out and welcoming them to the meetings and encouraging them to keep coming back. I try to introduce these newcomers to other members so they can get to know them too. Hopefully, they will feel welcome and more comfortable at meetings. I also frequently offer to exchange phone numbers with newcomers explaining that using the phone and calling others in recovery has been important to my success. I tried to call them just to say hello and let them know it was nice to meet them. I also direct newcomers to other meetings, especially meetings that I go to or meetings that might be convenient for them.