Addiction is a disease that controls our lives entirely. Where we go, what we do, who we surround ourselves with, all become dictated by our disease. We often come to a point where we feel trapped. No matter how hard we try, our addiction and perceived need for intoxication pulls us into a seemingly inescapable cycle. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous tells us that our higher power intends for us to be “happy, joyous, and free,” but what does freedom in sobriety mean and how are we to find it? The shackles of addiction can be strong, and without help we are unlikely to escape from the cycle. The disease is such that we feel restless, irritable, and discontented, unless we can “again experience the sense of ease and comfort which comes at once by taking a few drinks—drinks they see others taking with impunity.” Eventually, we succumb to our desire and begin using or drinking again, emerging “remorseful, with a firm resolution not to drink again.” We repeat this cycle over and over, until we experience and entire psychic change and spiritual awakening that shifts our motivations, desires, and emotions. Freedom does not mean that we have simply stopped using or drinking– it is much more than that. We come to a point in our recovery where we no longer suffer from a hopeless state of body and mind. Our mental, physical, and spiritual lives are healthy and we experience, often for the first time, true freedom and happiness. The Big Book explains that by working the 12 Steps, we will “have ceased fighting anything or anyone—even alcohol,” and, “We are not fighting it, neither are we avoiding temptation. We feel as though we have been placed in a position of neutrality—safe and protected. We have not even sworn off. Instead, the problem has been removes. It does not exist for us. We are neither cocky nor are we afraid. That is our experience. That is how we react so long as we keep in fit spiritual condition.” Sometimes, we can “white knuckle” our sobriety; that is, we can simply force ourselves not to drink or use. It may even work for a period of time, but we will not know freedom or happiness unless we engage in a program of recovery that entirely removes the problem. Happiness, joyousness, and freedom come from experiencing an entire psychic change and spiritual awakening that make the problem nonexistent—we are not free if we are using substances, nor are we free if we are constantly fighting our desires and temptations to use. Instead, we work a recovery program that places us in a position of neutrality and removes our mental obsession with intoxication. Then, as stated in the Big Book, “we will know a new freedom and a new happiness.”
Your story can become one of happiness, joyousness, and freedom in sobriety. Addiction and alcoholism do not have to control your life. You can make the decision to seek help today and begin building a brighter future. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment facility in beautiful Laguna Beach, is staffed with experienced and compassionate professionals dedicated to guiding you toward a better life of lasting sobriety. For information about individualized treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
