The Mystery of Sobering Up

How anyone sobers up from addiction is truly a mystery. Addicts know this too well. When addicted to anything, whether it be alcohol, gambling, pills, or anything else, it seems impossible to quit. I had an addiction to Entenmann's chocolate chip cookies at one time. 

I fantasized about the bite-sized guys during the day, resisting their charms, until after dinner when I would give in and head out to the grocery store to purchase the little buggers. If you are an addict, you might guess that half the box was devoured by the time I returned home. Then, I would finish the box off that night, vowing never again.

Looking back, I remember thinking I would need the cookies forever. I also remember believing life without the little devils had to be possible. I kept my eye on the prize of possibility. Then, one day I realized I didn't need the cookies anymore. The compulsion was gone. As anyone addicted to anything knows, this is a true miracle.

With the nagging knowing, there is a problem, and a want for freedom from addiction, release from addiction's grip is possible. We have to acknowledge there is a problem and have some notion that there is a better way before we can fix the problem though.

Sadly, many addicts who know there is a problem don't always choose sobriety. They may even know there is a better way, but addiction's grip is too strong. It's as if they don't have a choice. With a good idea of recovery, one day the choice may come. This "good idea of recovery" is about a life of personal fulfillment - however, you define it - all without the drug.

I have found that when I have suffered from addiction or anything else, keeping my focus on what a better life could be, always keeps me in good stead. Then I can make the choice to step into that life, and even if I stumble, I'm headed in the direction I want to go.

For sure there is mystery and miracle in sobering up and recovery, but isn't that what all of life is about?