Grey Book Reflection
Those of us who have relapsed found the true progression of the disease that plagues us. To know and come to understand that there is a Power greater than ourselves desiring to have a relationship with us, in spite of our faults, comforts us all.
Gray Book, p. 127 (Chapter Seven, Lines 10-14)
Our Literature tells us that relapse is never an accident. We as addicts suffer from a disease that's subject to relapse.
That means it doesn't have to happen; it's not a requirement. Relapse is not part of Recovery; it's lack of Recovery. When we slight in our Program, we open the door for the relapse process to begin. The Gray Book says, "Relapse can be the destructive force that kills us or leads us to the realization of who and what we are." Those who were fortunate enough to survive a relapse tell us it's not getting any better out there.
They tell us that N.A. ruin their high. Their relapse only confirms everything the Program of Narcotics Anonymous has been telling them all along. Our Literature reminds us that those who return to N.A. after a relapse show a Courage not of their own.
The God Of Our Own Understanding is ready to Guide us if we let it. After all God didn't move, we did. Members that return are now ready to apply a rigorous Program to the disease.
They realize that the suggestions that were given, were really subtle demands. The suggestions are free, the ones we pay for are the ones we don't take. There are those that haven't relapsed since arriving to N.A.
These members learn by the example of those who go back out. Those that did go back out learned from the stickers.
We all get a Daily Reprieve Granted by our Higher Power. This Reprieve is also conditional, pending on our Spiritual Maintenance.
We learn that the Love of our God is unconditional and is ready to Comfort us, if we let it.