By: Mike Murphy, Manager of Alumni Services
If you’re reading this, there’s a pretty good chance you’re in recovery. You might not be, but the odds are pretty good. And if so, you are certainly no stranger to The 12 Step Fellowship. Whether it is done through AA/NA/CA or any of the other A’s. But, as popular and highly suggested as they are, it is still a bit of a contested subject in the 2024 recovery world. With all the different formats of recovery and support systems out there, it can almost seem outdated. Yet still to this day, it has helped more people than any other method of recovery out there. Let’s see why.
Unity. One of the three hallmarks of the 12 Step community. And for good reason. To try and do this alone is almost impossible. But to immerse yourself in a community of likeminded individuals? Your chances are significantly better. The Fellowship I have received in recovery at times rivals that of even the time I spent in the Marines. Some of these people are willing to do anything for you. Especially if it means helping keep you sober. There’s something to be said about those rooms. Just knowing that if you go in there with a problem, that not only are there going to be multiple people that have probably gone through the same thing, but there will be even more willing to help you through it.
Service. This one tends to get overlooked; I think. Because not everyone does as much service as they maybe should. But at some point, you’ll find yourself (or at least I would hope so) doing something outside of yourself. If you haven’t, go talk to your sponsor. Back in our drinking/drugging days we would be hard pressed to do anything along the lines of volunteering or service. But in recovery, it’s damn near required. But it’s strange. If you’re doing it right, you almost feel compelled to do it. Something in you makes you want to raise your hand and volunteer. And even stranger, you get this strange sense of pride and accomplishment after doing so. Who would’ve thought?! Doing good for the benefit of others and the greater good can make you feel good?! But in my opinion, this also is a specific type of motivation that keeps you going in your early recovery. It keeps you coming back. No matter how small the service.
Last but certainly not least is recovery. After all, this is the objective of it all. When all the puzzle pieces are put together, this is what you get. But it doesn’t come easy. We have only discussed two of the many puzzle pieces that go into a solid program of recovery, but they are a firm base. And that is exactly what each and every person in recovery needs in order to grow. A firm base in which to grow their recovery. While we are at it, let me throw in there the power of taking suggestions. Had I not taken the suggestions of 12 Step right out the gate from Transformations, I don’t know if I would be here writing this today. That is what truly set the ball rolling in my recovery was simply learning to take suggestions from others. And what better place to take suggestions from others than those that you want to be like? Look no further than the rooms of 12 Step recovery.
Last and very not least; I will leave you with this…..I am forever grateful for what Transformations did for me. To me I am forever indebted to them. I am a firm believer that Transformations GOT me sober. But AA and 12 Step Recovery to this day help KEEP me sober. So please, if you’re interested or curious or even have some preconceived notions about 12 Step, go into it with an open mind and a closed mouth to start. It might just change your life. Shoot, it might just SAVE your life. It did mine.
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