12 Step Recovery Gifts

The spiritual gifts we gain from recovery through the 12 step program in AA are laid out in step 9. They come in the form of promises and demonstrate the healing that is occurring.

The gift of freedom and happiness. Many in recovery cannot comprehend that such a state is even possible, and part of the addiction is believing that we can never be free of our addiction or find happiness in life without it. However, a spiritual awakening does bestow this gift.

The gift of honesty. Our addiction lives in lies. When we learn to live in the truth, we can look back and accept our past without regret. This spiritual gift allows us to face all the junk we’ve stashed away, out of sight.

The gift of serenity. Along with an honest look at who we really are, the peace of mind not to let this picture cripple us is a wonderful gift. The ability to live our own lives as they are meant to be – the ups, the downs and all the in-betweens, abandoning fear and knowing peace.

The gift of contentment. Beyond the temporary emotional boost that comes from a temporary success, contentment is a true spiritual gift from recovery – the deep satisfaction of enjoying your own life, not just when things are good, but all the time.

The loss of selfishness. This recovery gift allows us to move away from being the center of the universe and the self-pity that comes with it. We find that the needs of others are our concern and we no longer feel useless or alone.

The list could go on from here, as the sickness fades, true recovery brings ever more spiritual growth and the gifts of living without a disease in the driver’s seat of our lives. We become capable once again of faith, hope and love.