Starting from this basic truth, the next question arises. If I am whole, perfect and complete, then why would I contradict that truth with anything less that this perfection when I identify myself as an alcoholic, addict, binge overeater, sex addict, etc.?

Here is one way to look at it. I am whole, perfect and complete - that is the spiritual truth of me. My spiritual nature is whole. As I live in this physical world I am faced with the opportunity to still know the truth of who I am regardless and irrespective of how things appear in the physical form.

My experience of addiction is only an experience. It is not who I am, as much as it is what I experience. When folks identify at a meeting it is an act of letting others know, “I have had a similar experience.” I see it as the code phrase to gain access to the spiritual tools of a recovery process that has shown me a life free from addictions and freedom from a false belief that I am separate from my Source.

Words don't have meaning - people give the meaning to the word. What does your word mean for you? Early in sobriety I learned the acronym for the word alcoholics is A Life Centered On Helping Others Live In Complete Sobriety (spirituality, serenity). When I identify as an alcoholic, this is what I mean. My life has been dedicated to living out this mission of helping others live in serenity, sobriety and spirituality.

Not picking up a drink or substance - being dry - is a start. The bigger part is uncovering the thinking, fear and misconceptions that lead me to seek solution and solace in chemicals or in a bottle. That is where the work is.

There is a solution and the solution is not spirits but Spirit, not substances but Substance! Spirit and Substance are terms for God and we have been looking outside of ourselves for the answer. It has been said that the Kingdom of God is within. The Indwelling Presence is what we seek to recover our whole self back from the misconceptions, stinkin' thinking and fears that have run rampant in our life!

When we take a closer look at the 12 steps, we realize they are designed to connect us with the Creative Intelligence that becomes the solution to all of our daily living problems. At least half of the steps make some reference to this powerful spiritual connection. Those who really use the power of these steps emerge from their living hell to their greatest sense of heaven, when heaven is defined as a state of consciousness; a life of freedom, joy and peace. It seems that sobriety and spirituality make a perfect team.

I am so glad my alcohol addiction brought me right back to myself, my whole self.