The Three Pillars of Recovery

When I first got sober, I thought my only job was to stop drinking. I figured if I could just put the alcohol down, everything else would somehow work itself out.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Sobriety isn’t just about not drinking. It’s about building a life worth staying sober for. Over time, I’ve realized my recovery stands on three pillars: Recovery, Unity, and Service. If one of those pillars weakens, my sobriety becomes unstable.

Pillar One: Recovery

Everything starts here.

Recovery is more than abstinence. It’s about change.

For me, that meant admitting I couldn’t do this on my own, getting a sponsor, working the Twelve Steps from the Big Book, being honest, and becoming willing to let go of the person alcohol had turned me into.

Recovery isn’t something I completed years ago. It’s something I choose every single day.

The minute I think I’ve “got this,” I’m in trouble.

My recovery has to come first because everything good in my life depends on it.

Pillar Two: Unity

Alcoholism isolated me.

I thought no one understood me. I believed I was different.

Then I walked into AA.

I found people who had lived the same insanity I had. People who understood my thinking before I even opened my mouth.

Unity reminds us that we’re stronger together than we are alone.

We don’t have to agree on everything.

We simply have to remember why we’re here.

The person sitting next to you at a meeting might save your life one day without even realizing it.

That’s the power of unity.

Pillar Three: Service

This pillar gives recovery purpose.

When I was drinking, everything revolved around me.

Today, I try to ask, “Who can I help?”

Service isn’t about recognition.

It’s making coffee.

Greeting the newcomer.

Sharing honestly.

Sponsoring another alcoholic.

Picking up the phone.

Writing these weekly blogs.

Creating recovery content.

Working to normalize sobriety.

Helping someone else stay sober reminds me why I fought so hard for my own sobriety.

Someone once did those things for me.

Now it’s my turn.

Why All Three Matter

Recovery keeps me sober.

Unity reminds me I’m not alone.

Service gives my sobriety purpose.

Remove one of those pillars and the foundation begins to crack.

I’ve learned I can’t just work on one part of my program.

I need all three.

When my recovery is strong, I can help others.

When I’m connected to other recovering people, I stay accountable.

When I’m giving back, I remember where I came from.

That’s how this program continues to save lives.

Final Thoughts

The world has done a great job of normalizing drinking.

It’s time we normalize sobriety.

No matter where you are in your recovery, ask yourself:

• How is my recovery today?

• Am I staying connected to others?

• Who can I help this week?

Those three questions have a way of keeping me grounded.

Build your sobriety on these three pillars, and you’ll have a foundation that can withstand just about anything life throws at you.

Keep it Clean. Keep it Simple. And we’ll see you tomorrow.

— Kyle C. Alsteen

NormalizeSobriety.net