The journey of recovery is marked by a profound shift in where we place our trust and dependence. In the depths of addiction, many of us put unwavering faith in substances, believing they were the answer to our fears and struggles. When those substances betrayed us, we were left adrift. Recovery teaches us that reliance on any human or material thing alone is fraught with limitations. Instead, we are invited to trust in a Power greater than ourselves—a source of strength that is unconditional, reliable, and unfailing.
During active addiction, we often clung to a singular substance or behavior to navigate life’s difficulties. It became our go-to solution, offering temporary relief and the illusion of control. But inevitably, it failed us, leaving destruction in its wake.
Recovery asks us to reconsider where we place our trust. Relying solely on external or human sources, while sometimes helpful, is inherently limited. A sponsor, friend, or partner cannot always meet our needs; they are human and fallible. True stability comes when we connect with a Higher Power, an enduring source of support that transcends human limitations.
When we depend too heavily on other people, we set ourselves up for disappointment. No matter how well-intentioned someone might be, they are subject to their own challenges and cannot always be there for us.
Challenges of human dependence include:
By shifting our trust to a Higher Power, we relieve others—and ourselves—of the burden of perfection.
A Higher Power, as understood in recovery, is not bound by human constraints. This Power offers unconditional love, guidance, and strength that we can draw upon at any time. It doesn’t take vacations, sleep, or have bad days. It is a constant source of renewal and peace, providing a foundation upon which we can rebuild our lives.
Benefits of trusting a Higher Power:
Developing trust in a Higher Power takes time, especially for those of us who have been betrayed by the things we once depended on. It’s a process that begins with willingness and grows through consistent practice.
Steps to cultivate trust in a Higher Power:
Fear often thrives in the absence of trust. When we depend solely on ourselves or unreliable sources, we live in a state of anxiety, always bracing for the next letdown. Placing trust in a Higher Power helps us release this fear, allowing us to approach life with courage and confidence.
As the Basic Text reminds us:
“As we learn to trust this Power, we begin to overcome our fear of life.”
This transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but with time, we experience a growing sense of safety and assurance. We realize we are not alone in our struggles and that we have access to a strength greater than any challenge we face.
Faith is more than belief; it is an active choice to rely on a Higher Power, even when the path ahead is unclear. Living in faith allows us to let go of the need to control outcomes, freeing us from the burden of perfectionism. We become open to possibilities and resilient in the face of difficulties.
When we place our trust in a Power greater than ourselves, we align with a source of strength that can carry us through life’s challenges. In this trust, we find not only stability but also freedom—the freedom to live fully, without fear, and with the assurance that we are always supported.