Expert: Druideck - 10/22/2008

Question
I am a recovering alcoholic 40 year old single male uk national.I have been 18 months in a rehabilitation center in south Africa. I am leaving soon and am being told I should spend at least 12-18 months on leaving doing step 12 work and that I should not return to sales which was my career. Am I going to relapse if I go back to a selfish money orientated job or do I need to downsize be happy with less and give back.

Answer
Good day Daniel,

it sounds like you have a great
start on recovery, good work!

When living sober you can
serve humanity in any way you
choose. If you feel secure and confident
in your old career there is nothing wrong
with that. You will not relapse if
you continue with the twelve steps
as a guideline for living.

Don't worry about doing whatever work
feels enjoyable to you. All work is
giving to others at some point and
it helps you to be responsible
for yourself as well.

If you feel stressed or shaky
or overwhelmed in any way then
you should do whatever work suits you.

You can contribute time to an AA group
or just contribute by living a good
sober existence.

Keep your thinking straight by
reading and thinking about what
the 12 steps mean to you.

Keeping a journal of any ideas
or thoughts you have may help
to keep balanced attitudes.

Relapse only happens when we
wander too far from the ideals
the 12 steps engender and our
thinking starts to deteriorate.

Think good thoughts, live right
and help when and where you can.

Also very important is caring
for your own self as this
keeps you healthy in mind, body
and spirit.

Do whatever work you can find to
do and don't let fear control
your choices. Many people are
afraid to live fully but that
is what recovery is, becoming
a whole sober functioning person again
without leaning on alcohol which
destroys us.

Good luck in recovery and
I hope your work gives you
a sense of accomplishment whatever
you choose to do.