I spent one night out learning that I was truly powerless and that a period of time away isn’t enough. I also learned about self-honesty. I could do the cash register things relatively easy and I didn’t have to lie anymore, but I couldn’t do this thing alone. Since my relapse, I have been clean. I have been married twice in recovery. I have four beautiful children and am on my third wife. I lost my vision five years ago and have kidney problems because of my using, but I haven’t had to pick up. I owe that to a relationship with my higher power and a working knowledge of the twelve steps without which I would be lost.
Today I spend most of my time in school and in working with others. It is the great joy of my life to give what was so freely given to me and I am happy. Life goes on after dope and it is a wonderful ride. I tell people “recovery is action” and it is for me. If we don’t get away from the dope and learn to give of ourselves we will die. This requires action on our part.
