Some Good Acronyms For Recovery

The world of recovery seems to be full of catchy saying and cute acronyms to aid our somewhat befuddled memory. Here are some that I found at various web sites.

H.A.L.T. is Hungry, Angry, Lonely and Tired. These are four things to avoid because they weaken our resolve to stay sober. Consider these the enemy!

F.E.A.R. There are a couple of different versions to this that I have heard because we have a choice. We can either Face Everything And Recover or Flee Everything And Run.

E.G.O. Edging God Out. You mean it isn’t ALL about me???

H.O.W. Honesty, Open-mindedness, Willingness. The only way to approach the steps and the entire recovery process.

G.O.D. Here is another acronym that has two different versions. The first is Good Orderly Direction which is what our Higher Power offers us when we are willing to believe; and the second is Group Of Drunks, which is what many folks use as their Higher Power before they can believe in anything or anyone else.

F.I.N.E. Frustrated, Insecure, Neurotic, Emotional. How many times has someone said, “How are you?” and your response was “fine” when you actually meant “F.I.N.E.”?

N.U.T.S. Not Using The Steps. I can’t argue with this one. If you are not using the steps, you are definitely NUTS!

S.L.I.P. Sobriety Losing Its Priority. The slip began long before it happened. All of the acronyms above have probably happened for this to occur.

K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid. Don't over think your recovery and don't complicate that which is very simple.

Psalms 107:20 -  He sent out his Word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.
This has been a verse that I have relied on time and time again when it comes to remembering the truth about sin, addiction and recovery. The heart and root of all addiction is sin. Our own personal rebellion and independence to do what we want to do, free and unrestricted of any restraints placed on us by others or God.  Not the truth is, as we delve into the world of drugs and alcohol, repeated usage does alter our brains. We no longer think as those who do not use do. We develop a battle between mind and body. The mind says we can use, but the body responds and reveals to us we truly can't process alcohol and drugs in a way that is not destructive. So therein lies the problem. Our brains tells us one thing yet our bodies tell us another. We tend to lean toward the "brain" side, after all, we are in control (or at least that is what our brain tells us). We fall into the delusional trap that "I can work out my problems and I can keep using". 

It isn't until we reach the point of being sick and tired of being sick and tired that we are willing to go to any lengths to break free of this addiction. Breaking free is not found in self-will but in self-surrender.

Psalm 107:27-28
They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits end. "Lord help!"they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.
The Higher and Greater Power of Jesus Christ can do for us what we have been unable to do for ourselves.
Why not think on these things today if you are struggling in addiction.
Feel free to leave a comment here at this blog.
Or contact me at rapha7@bellsouth.net with an Email.
Do be prisoner to the lie that addiction whispers in your ear. "Your always going to be like this. You'll never be able to break free."
God can and will aid you in breaking free.

God on you......
mb