Did you get any new numbers this week? Who did you help in the last seven days? How many meetings did you attend recently? Are there new resentments? These are questions, among others, that our sponsor asks when we connect.
When we come into recovery, we have minimal assets that can be used to protect us against a relapse. We probably had a couple of phone numbers of people who knew something about recovery. We might have had a book or a brochure that talked about addiction. We knew very little about recovery program options, and we were loaded with resentments and an unresolved past.
In summary, we had many liabilities and very few assets. Early on, it was suggested that we build up recovery-based holdings to fend off the temptation to return to our old ways. Some call this recovery capital.
A simple web search returns areas of assets that we can build along the way. There is the physical (Health, housing, transportation), human (education, skills, employment, social support networks), psychological (Hope, self-esteem, coping mechanisms), Financial (Income, savings, debt, planning structure), social network (Family, friends, peers in recovery, support groups), social roles (Volunteer work, parenting, community involvement), treatments and services (Substance abuse programs, mental health services, employment training) and recovery Infrastructure (Support groups, recovery housing). Though there are more categories and subs, we presented these as the main ones.
These topics rang familiar to us as we recall questions that we were asked upon discharge from the hospital. The point is that upon release, we had some infrastructure in place to give us the best shot at rehabilitation. This service is extended to the heart patient as well as the addict.
The idea is to identify current assets that can be used today and build on the inventory that can be tapped into in a time of need.
Everybody's catalog shapes out differently. Each circumstance and surroundings are unique, like DNA, as some may be fat in areas where others are skinny. The point is to own what there is to work with and to be willing and ready to beef up protection properties.
Our sponsors aren’t wrong to ask about our support networks, service load, and strength-building activities, but it is up to us to examine our entire portfolio to ensure that we are prepared for as many scenarios as possible.
Constant review of our assets and liabilities returns an answer to the question: am I healthy today? – Am I prepared for whatever life delivers?
A list of specific queries could look like this: Am I taking care of my health the best I can? Am I responsible for my basic needs, such as housing and transportation? Have I expanded my learning lately? Am I sufficiently plugged into my support network – family, friends, and recovery peers? Am I serving their needs as well? Am I more positive than negative as of late? Have I added tools, such as coping mechanisms, to my arsenal? Am I fair or critical of myself? Are my finances in order, or are there areas that could be improved? Am I, in fact, a contributing member of society? Furthermore, am I actively involved in the recovery community? It is as simple as looking at the recovery capital line items and taking personal inventory through questions and answers from each area.
The exercise should give us confidence or concern, but we should always list areas we can beef up. Things change, and this review should, as well.
We are grateful that our sponsors check on our sobriety. However, they don’t cover all areas that influence our recovery. It is up to us to make sure that we discharge ourselves daily into a safe environment and share that information with them, as it is all about where we are today.
Does our bank need deposits? Time for some questions….
Thoughts and ideas for this blog post were taken and built upon from a sober.coffee bonus podcast #66 titled "Giuseppe Introduction to "The Better App" The podcast dropped on 6/29/2022. Click here to hear the podcast.
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
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Alcoholics Anonymous and AA are registered trademarks of Alcoholics World Service. Inc. References to AA, the 12 steps, and 12 traditions does not mean that AA has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication nor that AA agrees with the views expressed herein. This publication is intended to support personal growth and should not be considered a substitute for healthcare professionals' advice. The author’s advice and viewpoints are their own.
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