Introduction
The Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, states on page 58, “If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it, then you are ready to take certain steps.” This quote from AA may seem rather drastic, but it presses one up against the question of how determined they are to stay sober.
Are you willing to go to any lengths to stay sober?
The Degree of Willingness Required To Stay Sober
The most crucial phrase in the quote from Alcoholics Anonymous is the phrase, “willing to go to any length to get it.” Get What? In this case, it is to get sobriety. You may have already discovered your willingness to go to any length to get something. What was it? Was it another drink or another high? And to what length were you willing to go? Whatever it takes was likely the level of willingness.
You will likely be unsuccessful if you’re unwilling to do the extra work required to stay sober. Those constantly searching for an “easier, softer way” have not demonstrated they are dedicated to this journey. A person’s resistance to successful methods or holding onto old habits can illustrate self-imposed limitations. Consequently, if an individual isn’t willing to go the extra mile – is sobriety really what they want?
Redirecting That Willingness
After many attempts to stay sober, those who have been unsuccessful have demonstrated that they are willing to go to any length. But it is a willingness directed at staying intoxicated or high. And the length they were willing to go to may have been so extreme as stealing, lying, cheating, or breaking the law.
Obviously, this is a misdirected willingness. But this willingness must be redirected for the person who wants to stay sober. Instead of using it to remain intoxicated, use it now to stay sober.
What Kind Of Willingness Does It Take
Willingness is both the motivation and dedication someone has to achieve something. It’s determined by how much somebody wants something and how willing they are to do the required work.
The first step in overcoming any addiction is the willingness to accept that they have a problem. Admitting that you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol can be difficult, but it’s necessary if you are ever to get better.
Another critical step of willingness is for the person to admit they are powerless to deal successfully with their addiction problem. Once a person has demonstrated the willingness to take these two crucial steps, they face the biggest question of willingness. Are they now willing to go to any length to overcome the problem they have admitted to having?
Going to Any Lengths When Life Gets Tough
A person starting their journey to sobriety may feel elated at their initial successes, but the road ahead is still long. They will face many challenges along the way.
In sobriety, you will still have to deal with troublesome relationships, working to ensure secure jobs and bills getting paid on time. You might also have court hearings come up. You must face these challenges head-on without using alcohol as a crutch. Whatever the difficulty, it is just another obstacle that someone in recovery has to overcome if they want to stay clean and sober long-term.
When it really matters, what counts is your willingness. Are you willing to do whatever it takes, no matter the cost? You must answer this question for yourself. Your actions always speak louder than words–you can only show how badly you want something by doing what needs to be done.
Life will knock you down repeatedly, but you must never let it defeat you. You must keep going – even when every part of you tells you not to.
The biggest test for willpower is how much you can handle when things get tough. It’s easy to stay sober when times are good, but it takes strength to remain clean and sober during difficult periods. That’s when you discover what you’re really made of and how badly you want sobriety.
Many Have Succeeded, And So Can You
Denial is never helpful. We should always seek help when we feel like life’s problems are too much to handle alone. But sometimes, it can be difficult to face our issues head-on because we don’t think there will be a solution.
Going to any length to achieve your goals is not just about being dedicated; it’s about having the right mindset. It’s about believing in yourself and your ability to succeed.
The first and most difficult step in overcoming addiction is admitting that you have a problem. This can be hard to do because substances change how our brains and bodies function, causing us to see reality differently. For those of us who want to stay sober, we need to be willing to trust in those who have assisted others through recovery before us.
Any Lengths Affordable Housing & Recovery Placement
Any Lengths Affordable Housing & Recovery Placement is a nonprofit agency located in Independence, Missouri, that goes to any lengths to cultivate hope for those in addiction. The agency provides a safe, sober place for those in recovery through its affordable housing.
Any Lengths is the perfect place for those ready and willing to go to any lengths to achieve sobriety. For more information, go to Any Lengths or call 816-519-4197.
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I think its not to go to any of lengths to “stay sober”, rather to have a “spiritual awakening”. Spiritual awakening may include relapse. As Bill later says that if you think you are not powerless try a drink and see if you can control yourself.