Perhaps you went through a medically monitored drug detox, followed by a medically monitored substance abuse treatment program. Maybe you have managed to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and have quit using alcohol and drugs on your own. No matter how you do it, putting down alcohol and drugs is the easiest part of the recovery process. The real work begins with living life clean and sober.

Recovery is a complex, dynamic process of personal growth. It is based on one basic concept: If you do not use a drug or if you do not pick up a drink, you can't get high or drunk. That concept is then reinforced by the positive actions you take to foster your sobriety.

Before we discuss the ways we strengthen our recovery, we should quickly discuss what is involved in making a commitment to recover from drug addictions. A commitment to recovery is a commitment to yourself. This commitment provides you with a sense of purpose and gives meaning to your new, sober lifestyle. Such meaning is a powerful motivator. Indeed, it can propel you when times get difficult.

Your committed purpose also helps you develop your sense of personal control. Because everything in the recovery process is interconnected, success in one area leads to success in another. Your determination can grow along with your commitment to recovery.

• Develop gratitude for small things.
• Create a discipline of healthy living.
• Attend 12-step meetings.
• Build a strong support group.
• Foster behaviors that increase self-esteem.
• Keep promises.
• Take responsibility for your actions.
• Do service and help others.
• Develop new habits.
• Maintain a willingness to change.

I began using at about age 12, drinking mainly. By age 14 I was drinking daily and using anything I could get my hands on. This addiction progressed rapidly and I continued never having severe consequences because someone bailed me out, or I was just ignored because I was surrounded by other addicts. I was homeless for over a year but was so into my addiction I didn't see it. I got pregnant at age 26. I felt at that time I wanted to stop and be a parent. I did, for the duration of the pregnancy and a short time thereafter. But when I went out for the first time after that, it ended in an arrest. My disease had not skipped a step. I used hard daily and managed to keep my home life going. I got pregnant again two years later. Once again I stopped using for the pregnancy, but it was much harder this time. By age 29 I was an absolute wreck. Prescription pills, drinking and cocaine became my only concern.

September 28, 2009, I was driving with my children in the car and got into an accident. I was found high, drugs in the truck, with a suspended license. They allowed my father to take the children temporarily, my truck was towed and I was handcuffed on the hood of a police car. Hours later all but two officers and I had left the scene. I distinctly remember thinking to myself, 'Thank God it's over.' At that point a female officer removed my handcuffs and looked me dead in eyes and said, 'You will make this right.' God had shown up. When I went home I admitted I needed help and walked into Stepping Stone hours later.

I was willing to do anything to be sober and become responsible. While in treatment I learned things about myself. I realized I could be a different person from that day forward. I saw all my character defects and was guided in how to better myself. I got a temporary sponsor and followed suggestions. I was taught how to prepare myself for future challenges and the steps I should take to stay sober. My therapists helped restore my faith in myself and helped me regain my confidence.

During my stay I began to make adjustments. The people, places and things in my life had to change. With support of my therapists and temporary sponsor I was able to work on my issues with healthy boundaries. I left an abusive relationship and had to cut all contact with my family and friends. I began attending meetings and found a sponsor who had the experience strength and hope I desired. I knew the transition would be difficult so I opted to stay in outpatient therapy.

The first year was extremely hard. I left treatment with nothing but two small children and a duffel bag of clothes. I had a great network of support through the fellowship and followed suggestions and just kept doing the next right thing. My kids and I went to a shelter and I struggled to find work. After about six months, I was working and had an apartment. It was not easy and sometimes I felt overwhelmed, but when I did, I had people to turn to.

Today I wake up and give thanks to my higher power. I am aware that there are challenges to overcome. I know my recovery comes first, because without it I will lose everything dear to me. I do what is required and try to reach out to others in need. I make sound decisions and have learned how to react in a positive way. I have learned also that no reaction is best at times. I am mindful of my people, places and things. I respect myself and others. And at night I give thanks to my higher power for keeping me sober another day.

After some time and suggestions from other women in the fellowship, I made contact with some of my family. Those women helped prepare me for any outcome and were there for me. I was able to take what I had learned in Stepping Stone about healthy boundaries and apply it. I carried tools given to me and used them. In turn I was able to make a conscious decision in which my recovery came first. I know today what actions to take to keep me sober.

I have friends in active addiction and I can only lead them to recovery by example. I cannot help someone who is not ready to help themselves. I was told to seek help during my active addiction and the result was nil. However, through my experience, strength and hope I am able to help those who do seek a new way of life. I would encourage another alcoholic/addict to receive inpatient treatment for many reasons. Stepping Stone has gone far beyond just taking the poison out of my body; it has shown me how to live a productive and happy life.

Before treatment I was a girl who only knew how to use people to get what she wanted. I was miserable and lonely. When I thought no one was there, God showed up and brought me to Stepping Stone. With recovery today I am a woman with a life even I never dreamed of. I have more blessings than I can count. I have a wonderful home with full custody of my children. I have a great job where I am able to help others daily. I have a fellowship of women and friends who love me. I am able to have relationships that are genuine. For all these things and more I am forever grateful."

by Amy G. Jacksonville, FL

Stepping Stone Center for Recovery's Alumni Program believes in the idea of community and helping another stay clean and sober. You can play an important role helping others stay sober by sharing your own experience, strength, struggles and hopes. Sharing your story might just help another struggling alcoholic or addict get the help they need. It might also give another addict or alcoholic the strength to maintain his or her recovery.