Sobriety is not achieved through external solutions, but only by the internal solutions offered by my Higher Power.
When we begin the journey of recovery towards sobriety, we are singly focused on stopping the offensive and hurtful behaviors. So I am motivated to add all sorts of external solutions to keep me from those behaviors. But the external things I put in place or begin to practice are NOT the solution. They can lead me toward the real solution, but there are no guardrails, no protections, no will power, no white knuckles, and no supervision that is strong enough or unwavering enough to keep me away from something that I pursue in my heart and mind. The true solution is in addressing that internal pursuit. That is the realm in which only my Higher Power has skills and ability.
But the external solutions will provide the safe environment that I need to learn the new vocabulary, understand my past influences, and learn new skills in dealing with the issues of life.
External Solutions
Some examples of guardrails and protections we initially employ are:
- Internet filters like Covenant Eyes
- Switching to a flip phone
- Deleting certain email accounts
- Changing my phone number
- Leaving your phone downstairs to charge when we go to bed
- Not being at home alone
- Attending SA meetings
- Doing the Steps
Internal Solutions
- Making check-in phone calls
- Practicing Step 10
- Praying prayers of surrender
- Choosing self-care activities and practices