The following excerpts are from the hat Keeps Us Sober text. These selections are representative of how the book has been written, in a format that is both easy to comprehend and accessible for all readers to reference as necessary. 

ENJOYING LIFE –

In AA literature and at AA meetings, the good life is frequently mentioned. To many alcoholics and drug addicts whose addiction has led them to depression, this is very difficult for them to imagine. How can someone who has lost faith be expected to suddenly have faith? Can poor self esteem actually lead to a good life? We are talking about extremes. The good life cannot be obtained overnight. Many alcoholics and drug addicts are impulsive. For them a long-term goal is making it to the end of the day. The good life takes effort and determination and the ability to withstand all the different bumps with which the road of life is paved. The key is that sobriety must be enjoyed. If we are unable to enjoy sobriety, then drinking and using can only be around the corner.

RELIGION –

I am going to define religion as a person’s belief system. From our belief system we gain hope and strength. Alcoholics and drug addicts, through their addiction and the ever increasing role it plays in their lives, often alienate themselves from their core beliefs. While sobriety does not on its own restore those beliefs, it gives the alcoholic or drug addict the opportunity to return to a place that once gave them comfort.

Religion can also play an important role in reducing cravings as some alcoholics and drug addicts use prayer as a form of distraction until the craving effectively subsides.

MEETINGS –

As mentioned earlier, meetings can serve many different functions in the life of the alcoholic or drug addict. The primary purpose of meetings is to create a safe environment for the alcoholic or drug addict to discuss matters that pertain to his or her addiction without the shame and stigma and judgment that society is so quick to propagate. While there are some differences in the various meetings that are available in any particular area, the fundamental purpose remains the same. Meetings can also be used to meet social needs: Whether it’s to provide an opportunity to meet other recovering drug addicts or alcoholics, or refuge for those alcoholics or drug addicts who have had to take leave of their drinking or using friends and now find themselves lonely. Despite the many benefits that meetings can provide there is at least one major drawback. Any particular meeting cannot guarantee the sobriety of any of its members. If we establish a friendship with anyone we meet at a meeting and they should relapse while in our company, our sobriety now becomes at risk. Also, any particular meeting is only as good as its individual members. If you should attend a group that is not meeting your needs, it may be time to try another one. In all cases it may be helpful to take what you can use and leave the rest.

EXERCISE –

Exercise can play a crucial role in recovery. Through exercise, we derive a sense of well-being. Exercise represents the most effective method for stress management. Since stress is the leading factor in relapse for both substance abuse and mental illness, it becomes essential that exercise becomes part of our daily routines. You don’t have time for exercise? You sure had time for drinking and/or using! Exercise also allows us to begin physical recovery. Through exercise, we increase our heart rates and our lung capacities and improve circulation. If the exercise happens to be aerobic, we can even experience the sensation of becoming high. Not a euphoric high, but a general feeling of elation that can remain throughout the day through the release of endorphins.

FEAR OF LOSING ALL THAT HAS BEEN GAINED IN SOBRIETY –

This is a very realistic fear. When the alcoholic or drug addict experiences a lapse or minor relapse, he or she cannot predict in advance the severity of the relapse. If we are unable to return to sobriety, the consequences can be monumental. Also, the fear of losing all that has been gained in sobriety does not fully represent the magnitude of addiction. In fact, the reality of losing more than we have gained in sobriety must also be contemplated.

GARDENING –

Gardening is a relaxing activity that reduces stress and anxiety, both triggers to relapse. Gardening also takes place in nature, and the ability to make something grow and to care for something other than oneself has a sobering effect. The act of weeding, which many gardeners find unfulfilling, can have a peaceful, soothing effect on the recovering person. It is not unusual for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts to create and maintain some of the best gardens in their neighborhoods.

FEAR OF DEATH -

To the alcoholic or drug addict, the fear of death is very real. We are not talking about premature death and not death from natural causes. It was mentioned earlier that the human body is very resilient. It does, however, need time to recover. Chronic alcoholism and drug addiction may not allow sufficient time for full recovery. Also, what begins as a minor impairment for vital organs in the long term may become irreversible. For those alcoholics and drug addicts who are unwilling to face the consequences of their addiction, the sudden loss of addicted friends or family may be an eye-opener.

Accidents also account for many drug and alcohol-related deaths. While these are unpredictable, loss of coordination, poor balance and poor reflexes are all a predictable outcome from our addiction.

FRIENDS –

Friends can provide the support and encouragement we need in order to remain on the path of sobriety. Also, following lapses or relapses, friends can provide us with the impetus to get back on track. It is important, however, to distinguish between those friends who respect our decision to be clean and sober and those “friends” who would just as soon sabotage our recovery for selfish motives, in order to have someone to drink or get high with. True friends will not drink or use drugs in the presence of the recovering person. Their friendship will be based on common interests and activities unrelated to drugs and alcohol.