Conflict
“We learn that conflicts are a part of reality, and we learn new ways to resolve them
instead of running from them.”
Basic Text, p.87
From time to time, we all experience conflicts. It may be that we just can’t get along
with that new co-worker. Maybe our friends are driving us crazy. Or perhaps our
partner isn’t living up to our expectations. Dealing with any conflict is difficult for
recovering addicts.
When tempers rise, it is often a good idea to back away from the situation until
cooler minds prevail. We can always return for further discussion when we have
calmed down. We can’t avoid troubling situations, but we can use time and distance
to find perspective.
Conflict is a part of life. We can’t go through our entire recovery without
encountering disagreements and differences of opinion. Sometimes we can back
away from these situations, taking time to reflect on them, but there always comes a
time when conflict must be resolved. When that time comes, we take a deep breath,
say a prayer, and apply the principles our program has given us: honesty, openness,
responsibility, forgiveness, trust, and all the rest. We didn’t get clean to keep
running from life-and in recovery, we don’t have to run anymore.
Just for today: The principles my program has given me are sufficient to guide me
through any situation. I will strive to confront conflict in a healthy way.