❓Recovered versus recovering

Q. Why do some in AA say they are still Recovering if they have already taken the steps?


A. Recovered versus recovering FOR ME
For myself, it happened exactly where the big book said it would happen. It was almost creepy!! Before I was halfway through with my 9th Step, I was experiencing the ninth step promises. By the time I got to the 10th Step, the 10th step promises had come true for me as well. Those 10th step promises coming true (for me) is what determines whether I had recovered or not. Sanity around alcohol had returned. I am now rarely interested in liquor. If tempted I recoil as if from a hot flame. The problem has been removed. It no longer exists for me. I react sanely and normally and this happened automatically. No effort on my part. It just came. That is the miracle of it! This happened for me over 14 years ago. I am now over 15 years sober. The insanity of alcohol has not returned.
But again, everyone's process is different.
Bill Wilson recovered almost immediately! He had a white light experience. An immediate upheaval! While on the other hand, doctor Bob didn't recover until he was two and a half years sober.
Sometimes quickly sometimes slowly.
Personally, I know some people who have been sober for years who have not yet recovered. They still have to avoid slippery places and people who drink... But then on the other hand, I've known many alcoholics who recover in the first few months of their sobriety.
What's important to remember however, is that after we recover by taking steps 1 through 9, but we don't graduate! It's not a 9 Step program. We are granted three additional steps which the book refers to as maintenance and growth steps.
These are the steps I get to live every day for the rest of my life if I want to hang on to my sobriety and not have to go through the excruciatingly painful recovery from active alcoholism again.
This is why I try my best not to rest on my laurels. I stay VERY active in my home group, continue to take personal inventory, working with others, and in practicing these principles in all of my affairs.♡♡

#AFewSimpleRules
#TenElevenAndTwelve
#TrustGodCleanHouseHelpOthers
#WashRinseAndRepete

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