“Our program is not easy, but it is simple.”

– How It Works, Life with Hope, first edition, page 103

I was talking with someone who has long-time recovery. We were discussing the fundamentals of recovery. I was told that there are three suggested acronyms for keeping recovery. Remembering these acronyms helps to keep it simple.

The first is ODAAT; One Day at a Time. I can succeed in my recovery if I concentrate on today, not yesterday, not tomorrow. I am clean and sober today. It can be overwhelming to think that I need to be clean and sober for the rest of my life; I just have to think about today. If I remember this every day, it will get easier along the way.

Next is HOW, which refers to Honest, Open, and Willing; the first three Steps of recovery. I know that I have to be Honest about being an addict. If I stay in denial I won’t face reality and I won’t begin to change. I need to be Open to asking for help; I can’t do this alone. I rely on the wisdom shared by other addicts in recovery. I am Willing to let go of self-control. I can’t find recovery by relying on self-will; I need to have faith and trust others.

Last is NOW; No Other Way. I try to remember that there is No Other Way to recovery. Having a spiritual connection helps me with my recovery. I don’t need to do this alone; I can ask for help. Remembering all of these things helps me to live in the solution.

Final thought: Today, I will remember that recovery is simple if I just remember to live in the solution.