June 11

In Narcotics Anonymous our definition of being Clean is more than just physical Abstinence. Getting Clean mostly pertains to the Abstinence of all mind altering and mood changing drugs. Living Clean suggests that we encompass Spiritual Principles in every area of our Lives.

Our Basic Text states, "Social acceptability does not equal recovery. We have found that we had no choice except to completely change our old ways of thinking or go back to using. " So for us getting Clean is easier than staying Clean. We only have to get Clean once.

Staying Clean requires a new Change and Practice of Attitudes and Behaviors, different from our active addiction. Many of us returned countless times and picked up the white chip, or key tag. Many returned to active use, kept coming back, and finally did the work to stay Clean and Recover.

Some of us were lost beyond recall. Some of us died.

For us, being Clean and Living Clean and has to mean something more, and different. We started to see that Freedom was more than just the end of active addiction. We began to focus and work for the Spiritual Awakening each Step and Tradition has to offer.

Our Gray book tells us that a Meeting is like a fence around our Clean time. Without Recovery, we don't really need a fence, do we? Or is it just a fence protecting soil with nothing planted? Those of us that Practice a Living Program enjoy the Blessings of the Spiritual Fruits.

Life starts to take on a new meaning as our perspectives change. We are finally Living and not just existing.

We Live in the moment, but have Hope for the Future. Each day is filled with the Opportunity for Unlimited Growth. We become Grateful and it shows as we Share this Precious Gift with all that seek Recovery in Narcotics Anonymous.