WORDS OF WISDOM (23) – THE LESSONS OF SOBRIETY

From the book: Seek Sobriety – Find Serenity by Abraham Twerski

The lessons of sobriety have wide application. A concise statement of the philosophy of recovery is:

Addictive behavior is – short-term gain – with long-term risks.

Sobriety is – short-term sacrifice – with long-term gain.

Notice that this rule does not mention alcohol or any other chemical.

Suppose you are provoked by someone and react with anger or rage. Invariably, you later regret your behavior and the immediate discharge of your feelings results in – a prolonged period of painful regret.
Perhaps you are overcome by an urge to buy something you really can’t afford, and are then burdened with – long-term indebtedness. Or your binge on sweets and then spend – days – trying to get rid of the weight that took just a few – minutes – to acquire.

It we could feed data into a computer and print out a message that said:

CAUTION! THIS IS A SHORT TERM GAIN – WITH LONG TERM LOSS!!!!

We might then avoid much destructive behavior. In the absence of such a device we have other options:

1. Pray
2. Call your sponsor or a friend in the program.
3. Take five deep breaths to get a surge of oxygen to the brain so "rational" thought can get through.
4. Exercise – 5 or 10 pushups.
5. Listen to relaxing meditation music for 7 minutes. (Check out www.prescriptionaudio.com)
6. Read recovery literature – just for one minute.
7. Repeat positive affirmations.
8. Go for a short walk.
9. Go to a meeting.
10. Scream – preferably in you car – with the windows shut.

The most important thing to do is:

THINK before you ACT on impulse. Read the next blog 12 QUESTIONS TO ASK – BEFORE – YOU ACT. Post it on
your refrigerator or bathroom mirror.