“For many of us, our addiction to marijuana came as we sought a greater reality, or even a mystical experience through the drug.”

– Life with Hope, first edition, page 55

When I used marijuana, I thought I was gaining clarity and getting closer to my Higher Power. Instead, I became socially isolated and withdrawn. Weed became my Higher Power. Self-centeredness was my form of devotion. I know all too well where the use of marijuana will lead. It isn’t a very long path, and there isn’t much to see at the end of it. I have already spent far too much time here. There is no mystery left for me in the return to addiction.

The path of sobriety, on the other hand, remains a complete mystery. Every day, I wake up with wonder at what will happen today. I do not know where this path of recovery leads and my curiosity will keep me sober for today.

I have seen the program work miracles in those around me who work the program. I was told early on to stick with those actively working the program, and that allowed me to become humble enough to ask a fellow addict to become my sponsor. This led to self-discovery through the 12 Steps. I have become a kind person again. The journey of recovery is filled with excitement and wonder. With each prayer or meditation, I move further along this mysterious path. As I seek conscious contact with my Higher Power, I remember I am no longer in this alone. The road to addiction is all too familiar. It does not lead to where I want to go. The program takes me where I failed to go through marijuana use.

Final thought: Today, I will revel at the mystery of life and be grateful for the opportunity to walk a path that leads somewhere I have not yet been.