“Addiction is a terminal disease that does not go into remission simply because we’re not using. Constant vigilance is critical if we are to keep this disease at bay.”

– Life with Hope, third edition, page 61

One of the most powerful pieces of wisdom I have heard at a meeting is “the good news is the monkey is off my back, the bad news is the circus is still in town.” This is such an important analogy about the continuing need for me to maintain a strong recovery program. Even though I have been clean for a while, I can clearly see addictive thinking and behavior periodically coming into play in my life.

When I attend meetings and hear others share about their struggles with addiction, I am reminded of the fact that I may be a recovering addict but also that this is a life-long process. It is quite clear to me that it will be necessary for me to go to meetings for the rest of my life.

I am so grateful for having a clean life, and have made many wonderful friendships through MA meetings, so the idea of continuing to attend meetings is not a chore but is a very important component of having a happy and balanced life.

Final thought: I am convinced that going to meetings, being of service, talking with newcomers and other MA members, and talking with my sponsor are all crucial pieces of my continuing recovery.