(1) Can I see that lack of power is my problem? As long as substances, lust, sexually acting out, and people are my higher power, I am a slave to them. I call it King Lust, but even clearer for me was King Marijuana which was my most dependent relationship of them all. He controlled my moves and was running the show completely wherever I was. I never had the power on my own to stop using these things. I have seen clearly from personal experience and the AA Big Book that self-knowledge did not get me sober. I lost the power of choice. The Steps give that back to me, through connecting me to THE POWER – and I get back the proper use of will!

(2) What is ‘power’ in this context? Well it’s not only the power to stop with a small “p”- it’s so much more. It’s my own personal connection to a Higher Power that I can rely on absolutely. That’s more attractive than any drug or person or escape mechanism. For me “power” is God and I get that connection with God through the fellowship, the Steps, and being of service, including to newcomers.

(3) Can I see that others have received this power? Absolutely. From Bill W., through to Jess L., Harvey A., and the many recovering addicts in my life today who shine with a connection to their Higher Power and a message of hope that they share freely. The process that unlocked the power for them will unlock it for me.

Physical sobriety is only the start and the keystone to the arch through which I pass into mental, emotional, and spiritual sobriety (though I am yet to define that last one, other than maybe conscious contact with God in a really powerful way). I am willing to go to any lengths to experience more and more of God’s presence – replacing any agnosticism as it crops up in my life.