I wish it were enough. If smarts and knowing yourself, knowing that you’re sick, could keep us clean and sober; we’d have it made.  Yes I’m a dopefiend. I KNOW I cannot safely use again. These are my consequences. YES … this is what happens when I break out in drunk. Knowing all the slogans, right words to say. Recovery-speak as an art form. Know, knew, known. So what.

Seen junkies shoot up while sayin “hell yeah I’m an addict. I dug those NA meetins too.” Drunks stumbling past meetings talking to those he knew from the rooms  slurring “Yesh indeed I used to be in AA. I’m an alcoholic. But I’m drinking now so screw you.” (yes it happened)

Initially we have to “know” what’s wrong with us, hence we have textbooks for every program. (getcha one by the way if you haven’t already). We have “book studies” to review the directions and stories that help us find our way.  We MUST learn what we are, what to do, when to do it, and why the hell we should attempt it in the first place. Knowledge is indeed a vital tool.

If I’ve heard it once I’ve heard it 18 million times. “I know if I use again Imma die.” So if that’s the case, and you know the outcome, what action are you taking to prevent active addiction? It’s in the APPLICATION. The doing. The action that is gleaned from this knowledge that, in this chick’s humble opinion, is where the magic comes from. Yes I have to learn about my disease. Yes I have to learn what to do next. Then you just DO it. No matter what.  No matter if you “like” it or not. So what if it’s hard … do it anyway.

So indeed we have to know. But knowing without doing doesn’t account for much. Recovery is work baby. But it’s so worth it.  Somewhere along the line, you may even grow to like it or dare I say … enjoy it. *gasp* But really, liking is not necessary.  See those people who are actually “happy” in the rooms? They’re being recovery. Living it.  Application of knowledge in word and deed.

Knowing, doing, being.  It IS possible.  We can recover.