on a 3rd D.W.I. in the state of Missouri! This is Dans story. For the last 15 months we have worked very hard to overcome 35 years of addiction in his life. We first worked together 20 years ago on his 1st offense. When I came back from Thailand 2 years ago, (some people get executed for drugs there) we ran into each other at a recovery meeting. Daily phone contact, family illness, employment hardship and sobriety maintenance allowed this man to "dodge a landmine!" He has the privilege of using an (Ignition Interlock devise)on his company and personal vehicle, 200 hours of community service, a stack of fines(I could not reach that high)and an opportunity to prove to himself that this sober life really is worth it! Great work Dan! Good Health to all and Be Blessed! Mr. Denny

very little if we use today! Recovering group members of all types tend to revere the "Old Timers" as those who can not relapse or return to suffering from their addiction. An old adage of recovery is that "The further away you are from your last spree, the closer you may be to your next one!" In other words, the allergy we suffer to chemicals will remain with us for the rest of our days. We can not expect science to "find a cure!" Yes they may someday develop a "pill" or a "therapy" which removes the obsession to use but the risk I take to experiment with their "latest new thing" could kill me! Life is tooooooo gooooood today for me to risk such idiocy in my life! Perhaps that is what recovery step 2 means" to be restored to sanity?" I think so, how about you? Good Health and Be Blessed! Mr. Denny

As addicts and alcoholics choose new ways of living that do not include booze and drugs they are challenged to discover what normal is? When we practice our disease, "drinking, drugging, ripping, running, lying, cheating, stealing and "doin' our own thang" we fail to perceive that our behavior is unusual i.e. dysfunctional! Not everyone drinks warm beer with cigarette ashes in the can. Not everyone finishes the only mixed drink left on the poker table when they come too i.e. regain our senses. Not everyone smokes crack or "bangs a shot of dope in their arm!!! In recovery we learn that there are only degrees of abnormality. Choice is what does separates us from them. As the sickness worsens we will experience the things we vowed to never do. Recovery requires new choices and support to survive. Many of us do not! Good Luck and Health, Be Blessed! Mr. Denny

that we place principles above personalities. See prior attribution statement for AA. The principles before personalities places responsibility for success squarely on the shoulders of the recovering person. No other person can "make you feel????" The principle is intellect over emotion. It does not matter what others think or say. "It only matters what you do!" Recovery requires that we do certain things and avoid others. It is a personal choice to win or loose your stated goals! Don't get caught in the trap that others have power over you. You choose the correct behaviors and eventually your reputation, credibility and responsibility, will be restored in your life. "You MUST LEARN IT TO EARN IT!" PRINCIPLES ARE TRUE BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS HAVE BEEN! Good Health and Be Blessed! Mr. Denny

One of my men called this evening with a report that his relationship with his wife had improved significantly. We discussed the importance of applying partnership principles in his relationship. My Pamela and I decided years ago that she would be the custodian of our home and children. As we were new in business every decision was a risk of failure! Our employees were well paid by industry standards but the risk of business was all ours! When he applied the same principles of communication, and accepted his duties in producing a satisfactory living while consulting with his "primary investor," his wife,the combined power of cooperation and goal seeking becomes a potent, counter behavior to substance abuse. This replacement is not only acceptable but beneficial to the societal goals of peace and prosperity in community. Men must share the inspiration of their mates and place a significantly high value on their contribution to the family. Teamwork is a win, win for families! Good Health and Be Blessed! Mr. Denny