Choosing life
“Change from self-destructive patterns of life became necessary”
Basic Text p.16
Active addiction is a smoldering death wish. Each of us courted death every time we
used. Our lifestyles, too, put us at risk. The life of an addict is sold cheaply with
every day and every dose.
In recovery, the first pattern we change is the pattern of using. Staying clean is the
start of our journey into life. But our self-destructive behavior usually went far
deeper than just our using. Even in recovery, we may still treat ourselves as if we
are worthless. When we treat ourselves badly, we feel badly. And when we feel
badly, we seek relief-maybe even in our old solution, drugs.
Choosing recovery means choosing life. We decide each day that we want to live and
be free. Each time we avoid self-destructive behavior, we choose recovery.
Just for today: I will choose life by choosing recovery. I will take care of myself.