Joy in Recovery

Getting sober, starting on a path of individual recovery, trying to stop using drugs and alcohol--all sounds like serious business. And to a certain extent, it is serious--dead serious. An alcoholic/addict, unarrested in the disease process, has a high likelihood of debilitating physical ramifications and obviously even death. So yes, recovery is serious business and needs to be taken seriously.

But that's not to say that all of recovery is approached with a grim visage or the expectation that the good times are all in the past.

Recovery can be a joyful and remarkably uplifting journey.

First, people in recovery are generally terrific people. Spend some time at an AA or NA meeting and listen closely. Sure many share their sad and difficult times, but so much of these gatherings is based on fellowship, friendship, laughter and joy. Recovering alcoholics have wicked good humor and are more than happy to turn their tragedies into comedy.

Secondly, many in recovery take great joy (and at times a little pride) in the process of uncovering. Recovering folk have to develop a better understanding of themselves and their places in the world. This process of self-exploration is one of continued interest to those that do the work in earnest and pay attention.

Thirdly, recovering people learn how to play--how to actually have fun without relying on the ingestion of some form of chemical. Recovery is a time of infinite possibility in terms of recreation--exposure to activities that were never possible for the using person.

And lest we forget, once sober, recovering people get to remember the good times they've had.

So if you're worried that giving up your addiction will be the end of fun, think again. you have nothing to lose by making that call and reaching out. And you have both your life and some fun to gain if you try.