For those who are new to 12-step program lingo, this is a strange-sounding phrase. Its meaning will become clearer over time, but is confusing at first. Just what do they mean by “one day at a time”? Most newly recovering addicts will argue that they are here for long time recovery or to quit forever. As usual, this is a great idea, but a tough one to live out.

For most who have developed a lifestyle that is centered on their addiction, the specter of remaining abstinent looms dark and forbidding into a future that seems bleak without the companions of substances and behaviors that have been the only friends an addict sometimes has left. Take these away, and just what, pray tell, are they supposed to do? A savvy friend or sponsor will laugh then and tell them that they only need to remain abstinent for this one day. “Oh…so that is it,” thinks the newcomer…”but I still don’t understand.” And of course, they do not understand. Other than the loss of the horrendous consequences they have been paying for their addiction and its accompanying behaviors, there is little to recommend a life without the practice of active addiction. And, if there is a life without it, what kind of life could it possibly be?

Certain that there is no more fun to be had in their lives, that they will never laugh or enjoy themselves again, because they are so uncomfortable without the security blanket of their drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, or whatever their addiction was, even one day seems to stretch out in front of them, dreary and bleak. They have become so used to the feelings of being in an altered state of mind that it is impossible to see how it could ever be any better without the only friend(s) they had left.

So, one day at a time can mean that they only have to figure out how to go through this 24-hour period of time without substances. To even contemplate staying abstinent for any longer is an overwhelming idea. So, it can be broken down into segments that are comfortable for the newly recovering addict…one day, which can be further broken down into hours, or even minutes if their anxiety about not using or drinking or participating in an addictive behavior is at stake. With the help of their newly-formed support group and a strong relationship with a sponsor, it can go that slowly…one minute, one hour, one day at a time. Somehow, they will wake up in the morning after a strenuous day and feel amazed that they remained abstinent for that day!

The true miracles of recovery are those first days. They are absolutely impossible to achieve, and yet, it does happen! With or without a treatment or recovery setting, there is hope! With the hope that they can do it for just one more minute, one more hour, or one more day coupled with the experience of actually having done it for a few minutes, hours and days, there is hope and a sense of certainty. A support group will provide this certainty as well. As the newcomer hears the stories of the recovery of those in the meetings, they become more assured that, “If they can do it, so can I!”

Kelly McClanahan has an MSW in clinical social work, with a specialization in substance abuse treatment. Having worked in this field for over 20 years, she is currently working on her certification as an addictions’ counselor.

Service is one of three principles in Alcoholics Anonymous. The other two are unity and recovery. While service may seem to be an obvious principle to interpret, it can cause some confusion when it is used as a manipulative way to attempt to control others. Recovering addicts may be some of the best manipulators in the world. They certainly have the skills, which are honed sharply while in active addiction. Because they may not be completely laid to rest when in early recovery, there are some who are using that skill in 12-step groups. This is not news to any members attending the groups. However, there will be things said frequently in the groups that are not in the spirit of what the founders had in mind when they stressed the importance of being of service to others as a way of enhancing and strengthening personal recovery from substance abuse.

Early in Alcoholics Anonymous, there was a completely different need for service than that seen today. There were only two original founding members. They were hard-pressed to spread the word about recovery to those who were still in the thralls of practicing alcoholic drinking. As they were able to achieve success with new members, there was some relief of the workload as those members began to spread the good news. Soon they had a small group and from there they changed the history of addiction by forming Alcoholics Anonymous. This is a brief explanation of work that was done for the love of the recovery they had found. This kind of work is no longer needed in Alcoholics Anonymous. While there are thousands of meetings in countries all over the world, there exists a huge need for service work to be done at many levels.

This work does not go away, but increases every day. Service to Alcoholics Anonymous and in other 12-step communities is rewarding, sometimes frustrating, and usually under-appreciated, but it most often leads to a stronger recovery for the person who performs it. The problem occurs when those who do not understand the nature of service tell others in the group things that are patently untrue. A frequently heard phrase is, “Never say no to an AA [or NA] request.” The origins of this saying are unknown. Too often, it is used to bully others into doing what that person wants them to do. This is not service; it is manipulation. The person being cornered into doing what the other member wants them to do will perform this function, but do it with much less than the spirit with which service is intended. They have been conned, manipulated, and trapped into doing something because that phrase is believed to be true by them.

It is strongly hoped that their sponsor will enlighten them about this untrue phrase. It has become a widespread expression, used altogether too often. New members of 12-step groups fall prey to it frequently. They are manipulated into doing things that they do not want to do by guilt imposed from another member mouthing a phrase that should not be used. Again, this is NOT what service is about, nor what it was intended to be. Anything done through manipulation, guilt or shame is not service, it is slavery. Resentment and anger are the byproducts of this type of work. Love is the byproduct of service. Anything that is undertaken through guilt cannot produce the love that was the very spirit of those early founding members. This is truly the spirit of service.

Kelly McClanahan has an MSW in clinical social work, with a specialization in substance abuse treatment. Having worked in this field for over 20 years, she is currently working on her certification as an addictions’ counselor.

Mental health professionals are often resistant to phrasing in Step 1 in 12-Step recovery, which states the member is “powerless” over their addiction (substance). The reason for this resistance is especially strong for women substance abusers. Many women have been traumatized both before and during their substance abuse by men who held the power in their relationships and abused that power. In many instances, women have been subjected to sexual abuse as children by fathers or other males who were either older, stronger or both. Cases of rape can be underlying cause of shame for these women. There are women, too, who drink and are involved in sexual relationships that they would not have participated in when not drinking or drugging. There is sexual, physical or emotional abuse that women substance abusers have been working to forget, situations where they were powerless. While this is the case for some men, it is more often true for women. Their sense of shame is further deepened upon hearing the term “powerless” in early recovery.

This becomes a sense of hopelessness because they cannot handle substances that had temporarily allowed them to forget their past. Therapeutic communities strive to empower those who are disenfranchised and/or disadvantaged in some aspect. They work with these members to give them a voice where before they had been silent. For women who have been physically, sexually or emotionally abused, “powerless” may not be the desired term to use therapeutically. However, there is much to be said for the importance of this particular word. While it is not desirable to discount the trauma(s) abused women have experienced, it is important to recognize how ineffectual an addict’s best efforts have been in the battle of the addiction. They have brought all in their power to bear against the ravages of the substance abuse.

Time after time, they have used all of the will power at their command to NOT do what they are compelled to do, causing further harm and damage to their lives. Seen through the lens of society and their family and friends, this behavior is certainly out of their control. Few who approach early recovery from substance abuse want to believe that they are powerless over their addiction. It damages the fragile ego defenses that have kept them going despite the horrific effects of substance abuse. For many, however, admitting defeat is exactly the remedy that allows these defenses to be torn down. Destroying the defenses that have supported the substance abuse behaviors and fed the denial that has kept it going is necessary before any inroads to recovery can be made. Most persons will admit that they experienced a sense of relief in admitting that they could not do this thing themselves. They simply could not stop! Our social environment praises those who overcome adversity and triumph over calamity.

When it comes to substance abuse, the hardest thing for those who are introduced to the term “powerless” is the idea that they have somehow failed. What is important to remember when encountering the shame of becoming “powerless” in this instance is that they are soon to be asked to find a power that can help them resolve this hurdle. Even women who have been abused and suffered the pain of that kind of powerlessness can appreciate the strength to be found in allowing assistance in order to gain mastery and power once again.

Kelly McClanahan has an MSW in clinical social work, with a specialization in substance abuse treatment. Having worked in this field for over 20 years, she is currently working on her certification as an addictions’ counselor.

Art therapy, as defined by the American Art Therapy Association, is “a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages.” Art therapy can be implemented in a variety of mental health and substance abuse settings, with many different kinds of people. It has helped individuals work through past trauma, process emotions in a healthy way, and allowed for safe nonverbal communication with others. While art therapy can be used in many different ways, it is especially helpful for people who are in recovering from abusing drugs and alcohol.

Skills Learned
There are several skills that are vital to recovery that can be improved through the use of art therapy. People can not only learn how to communicate feelings and conflicts by sharing and discussing their art, but also learn that sharing feelings can be safe instead of scary. For many, issues with trust are worked through by sharing artwork. Making art can also lead to an increase in self-respect and confidence, and enhance levels of patience and tolerance. Art therapy can also be used to address shame and strengthen self-efficacy.

Making art can also help a person to obtain an identification and acceptance of self. Many people new to recovery have no sense of who they really are, and making art can help a recovering addict gain a true sense of self. Art therapy can also help a person in recovery to explore the concept of a higher power, as there are many connections between art and spirituality. Some people have even said that they feel a natural “high” as a result of engaging in the creative process.

Therapeutic Aspects of Art
Art therapy can also be used to promote a sense of relaxation and well being for people in recovery. Some people find that just the process of creating art is soothing, and they are able to enter a meditative state of being when fully engaged in this process. Addicts live a life of chaos while in active addiction – worrying about where or how to get the next fix, lying, stealing, hurting those that mean the most to them. In recovery, an addict has the opportunity to use art to calm the mind and free themselves from the chaotic life they were living.

One of the ways art therapy is most helpful to someone in recovery is by serving as a visual journal of the journey that person has taken in recovery. Art is a way of marking a period of time in a person’s life, and looking back at art that has been created in the past can help a person in recovery to realize how much progress he has made. Art made in early recovery is bound to look much different than art produced after years of sobriety.

The connections between art and drug use has been seen in legends like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison. These artists struggled with addictions and used art to help them escape the difficulties that came as a result of living their everyday lives. Art therapy aims to help those in recovery not to escape, but to participate in something life-affirming. Recovery can be found, enhanced, and maintained through the use of art therapy as a part of treatment.

Jessica Parks is a certified alcohol and drug counselor in the state of Illinois and has her M.A. in art therapy counseling.

So, you’ve been asked to attend some AA meetings. Or you want to attend some AA meetings. You are probably wondering what to expect. Unless you’ve been to AA before, then perhaps you may think you know what to expect. But, luckily, every AA meeting is a little different. That means you can lay aside your expectations and just enjoy the experience.

How to find an AA Meeting. The oldest way is to look in the phone book, under Alcoholism. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll find a listing for Alcoholics Anonymous. On the Internet search “AA meetings in (your city).” On your smart phone, search for applications under the topics “AA Meetings” or “12 Step Recovery.”

Open or Closed? If you believe you’re alcoholic, try a “closed” meeting, as they are for alcoholics only. If you’re unsure about your status, try an “open” meeting. The most important thing is to GO! It’s really recommended you try about eight meetings before you make a decision about whether or not AA is for you.

Do I have to talk? No. Every AA group is different, however, they all essentially operate the same. You may or might not be asked to share or talk. It’s definitely ok to pass. You don’t have to announce yourself as an alcoholic or share anything unless you want to. It’s helpful to arrive at the meeting a little early, that way you can get a seat and not draw too much attention to yourself as a newcomer. The folks that are early to meetings are usually pretty sturdy AA members; they come early to set up and welcome people just like you. The people you meet will help you adjust to how the meeting works and what to expect. Just tell them you’re new to AA, and that this is your first meeting.

What to bring. The most important thing to bring along is an open mind. It helps to bring a little willingness too. Listening is the best gift you can bring almost anywhere. If you listen in on an AA meeting, often you will be able to identify with or relate to folks who are talking. Of course you can bring a friend in case you’re nervous or scared, but unless your friend is an alcoholic, it’s best to go to an open meeting. Bring a dollar bill (or two) for the donation basket. It’s customary in AA to pay the rent by passing a collection basket. This usually happens about half way through the meeting.

Try to remember that everyone in the room had been new to AA just like you. They all had to find their way to their first AA meeting, they all had to ask questions and feel a little uncomfortable.

Do I have to stay for the whole meeting? No. But if you can, try and stay for the entire meeting. If you can’t, if you’re just too uncomfortable or perhaps too emotional, it’s definitely ok to leave. Be polite, try and wait for a pause in people’s sharing before you exit. Try to remember that everyone in the meeting is really there to carry a message of hope to you and are wanting to offer their support to someone new to AA just like you.

EShepard from Tuscon, AZ, has more than 10 years working as a therapist with families struggling with addiction.