Came to believe in a Power greater than ourselves.

[weaver71]

Why is it that the first thing after realizing we are addicts is finding a Higher Power? Is that really important and what does that mean?

[VICourageous]

It means as addicts we want to drive the bus and when we do we get in trouble.We have to give this away other then our self because our self is what got us in trouble. No more driving the bus turn you DL over to our god or whoever you believe in other then you. Just give it away to something other!!
Bless

[MYoungAtHeart]

I think its most important to remember that the Steps are not to be run through one time, for successful recovery they must be utilized on a daily and sometimes moment by moment basis.

And its okay to change your mind about what you used to believe and its okay to investigate different avenues of living and different lifestyles that  may replace what does not fit you anymore.

With every day of clean time, we learn how to become honest, not only with others but with ourselves.  The dishonesty of addiction is the number 1 reason why we relapse, it is called denial in most cases, and only brutal honesty keeps us on the Clean Road in Recovery.

With newcomers to Recovery or those who may be suffering a Dark Night Of The Soul,  I heard this at one of my first meetings 20 years ago from an oldtimer about finding or meeting your higher power.

He said his only prayer after getting clean was this:

"Whoever is Helping All These Other Addicts, Please Help Me."

And This Prayer has worked for me for the past 20 years.


Best Wishes to you

M

[weaver71]

Having lived a life of extremes, I see this idea of a Higher Power as the one constant. I read the Satanic Bible and the Holy Bible, I read Hindu Vedas and the teachings of Sidhartha(buddha). The things they have in common are mind blowing. Every religion, even before those cultures knew about each other, have a version of, "Treat others as you wish to be treated." I consider universal truths to be very important for humanity. One of the first ideas a child understands is, "mine!" Whether it is God, NA members, or taffy, as long as one is inspired to do the right thing, then it works. Science is proving we manifest many things from our hearts, if we believe, it is true. I believe I can heal. I believe people will be good to me. I believe a Power Greater than me can restore my sanity. No matter how I feel, I believe. The humility that comes with faith is so valuable, the openmindedness and hope as well. Though step one is the hardest one IMO, and takes the longest, step 2 is a
Close second. The steps are in an order for a reason. People freak out about step four, but it's the fourth hardest for me. I can't stop my confusion, pain, sickness, nothing really. I got off opiates and it was not by my willpower nor desire that made that happen. I tried it that way. It was believing in friends and justice that pulled me through. I hold onto universal truths with all my might, it is all I have at times, but that has been enough to turn my life around far more than anything else.

[zerokewl123]

I do believe its just saying you have to have some faith to help you along in your recovery otherwise youd have nothing to believe that recovery would help you ...and why would you stay clean/sober then?