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“As recovering addicts, we find that we are still dependent, but our dependence has shifted from the things around us to a loving God and the inner strength we get in our relationship with Him.”
– Basic Text, pp. 67-68
For many of us in active addiction, dependence was a source of deep frustration and shame. We wanted to believe we were self-reliant, yet our drug use enslaved us, creating a dependence far worse than we had imagined. Recovery offers a new kind of dependence—not on substances, but on a Higher Power. This shift is not a weakness but a profound source of freedom and strength.
In active addiction, many of us believed that using substances gave us the power to control our feelings and our lives. We saw drugs as a way to escape pain, numb emotions, or achieve fleeting moments of euphoria. This illusion of control fed our rebellious nature. We didn’t want to depend on anyone or anything, let alone a Higher Power.
But the reality was far different. Instead of gaining freedom, we became trapped. Our addiction dictated our actions, relationships, and emotions. Far from self-sufficient, we were slaves to our next fix. The freedom we sought came with a devastating price—our physical health, mental stability, and sense of self-worth.
When we come to Narcotics Anonymous, we learn that dependence doesn’t have to mean enslavement. Recovery introduces us to a new kind of dependence: reliance on a loving and caring Higher Power. This shift requires a leap of faith and a willingness to let go of old ideas about control and independence.
In recovery, we discover that depending on a Higher Power doesn’t make us weak—it empowers us. The Power we find in recovery gives us the strength to face life’s challenges without resorting to self-destructive behaviors. It provides the love, guidance, and sense of purpose we lacked when we were trapped in addiction.
This new dependence is liberating. By surrendering to a Power greater than ourselves, we gain freedom from the chaos of addiction and the constant struggle to control everything on our own.
One of the most beautiful aspects of recovery is that we are free to define our own concept of a Higher Power. This Power doesn’t have to conform to traditional religious ideas—it can be anything we find meaningful and supportive. For some, it may be a sense of universal love or the collective strength of the fellowship. For others, it might be nature, spirituality, or a more traditional understanding of God.
What matters is that our Higher Power is something we can trust and turn to for guidance, strength, and comfort. This personal connection allows us to build a relationship with a Power that feels authentic and supportive to us. It becomes the foundation of our recovery, offering us a sense of stability and direction.
Dependence on a Higher Power doesn’t limit us—it frees us. It frees us from the isolation, fear, and chaos that once dominated our lives. It frees us from the need to control everything and from the destructive behaviors that stem from our addiction. This dependence gives us access to a source of love, strength, and wisdom far greater than anything we could muster on our own.
Through this dependence, we find the courage to face life’s challenges with grace and resilience. We gain the humility to ask for help, the strength to persevere, and the clarity to make better choices. This freedom allows us to live more fully, embracing the joys and challenges of life with an open heart and mind.
Today, we are grateful for the relationship we have with our Higher Power. This dependence is not a burden but a gift, offering us the support and guidance we need to live a life of recovery. Each day, we draw on the love and inner strength that come from this relationship, finding peace and purpose in surrender.
By relying on our Higher Power, we discover that we are never alone. We have a constant source of support, one that strengthens us in moments of weakness and celebrates with us in moments of triumph. This dependence enriches our lives, helping us grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.