Mr. Larry J. gets his 2 year chip tomorrow ! Sponsoring people in recovery truly teaches you(the sponsor) what you know and what you don't know as well as you need to! Years ago when my sponsor Dr. Al W. would say," I get more from you than you get from me!" always seemed impossible! Now after a few years of helping others, I understand. The AA program teaches that we keep our sobriety by giving it away! We focus on helping the next alcoholic which makes us "involved in the recovery process!" Being actively involved in recovery means I am less likely to "pick up!" We all know that we have to "pick up" to administer our chemical of choice! If we don't "pick up" we remain abstinent, thus, sober! "Every day well lived is a fond memory of yesterday and hope for tomorrow, so live well therefore this day!"
CONGRATULATIONS MR LARRY J!!! Many more!
Mr. Denny Goodpenny,www.acureforaddiction.com

The joy of witnessing recovery in the lives of fellow survivors is truly wonderful. Today’s example is from a man I will refer to as Mr. E. His recovery is occurring in multiple paradigms and he is doing well it seems. Physical, he is sober several months and feeling more confident about his recovery. Social, he had the courage to see a young lady for dinner with friends and learned about what he knows about dating and would like to improve. (Good Job!) Financial, he paid the check for everyone? {TILT!} That is what happens when you are too rough with an old pin ball game by, thumping, kicking, pushing or otherwise attempting too control the course of the “BALL!”{TILT!} You loose your turn!
Control is the power word here. Why did Mr. E have to pay the check? To impress his date? He invited everyone out so he felt responsible? Needed to be “A big spender” to gain self esteem? All possibilities?
Step 10 encourages us “TO LOOK BACK AT OUR BEHAVIOR AND IF NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO ANY PRINCIPLE AND WE FEEL GOOD ABOUT OUR CHOICES AND ACTIONS?” Alright then!
If we did these things for any other reason than this, perhaps we could look at our recovery closely. It is never acceptable to harm ourselves in a vain attempt to gain approval or position from others. We never will. If our actions are well thought out and meet our needs which are clearly defined and understood, also fine! However, if “self will is running riot?” Get a grip on this behavior. Finances are a crucial part of recovery.
If we had all the money we have wasted on chemicals and “GRANDIOSE BEHAVIORS?” OUR FINANCIAL CONDITIONS WOULD MOST LIKELY BE SOLVED! Think careful before you part with large amounts of your income. Retirement will be much more difficult in the future. Spend carefully and wisely! As long as no person is damaged, including you, have a good time in recovery!
GOOD HEALTH and BE BLESSED! Mr. Denny Goodpenny www.acureforaddiction.com

It is a very happy time when you celebrate recovery with those that you have grown to love and respect. At our AA group the SOS meeting in Springfield, Missouri today there was cake, coffee and good times to be remembering all those who made this group possible. Sacrifices, hard work, responsibility for making coffee, opening the door, locking up and managing the member activities are all part of being a member. When all was over we had remembered those who came before us, some dying of the illness, others continuing their recovery into their third decade! When the group is growing or getting smaller, as they always do, the loyal members continue to do what has made them successful. Regular meetings, reading the literature, working with other alcoholics/addicts (really there is little difference!)and making 12 step calls on the suffering chemically dependent person. Today is the most important day of our recovery. Live it sober and you have lived well, indeed! Good Health and Be Blessed! Mr. Denny Goodpenny

Probably! Better safe than sorry! Trust but verify is the word! In early recovery it is very difficult for the addict to know what the truth is? Self deception has occurred for so long that confusion is the rule. It takes a lot of debriefing through meetings allowing for reality to come into the addicts mind. Deception does occur deliberately! Be cautious! Take risks to help! We must try to help or the addict may die! Consult with your sponsor regarding your choices to help the addict or bear the consequences be they good or bad! Better safe than sorry is a wise adage, ask your sponsor! Good Health and Be Blessed! Mr. Denny Goodpenny

Thanks for responding to this mail. I am a retired addiction expert. Retired means I am not in "business" anymore. The work I do now is ministry but I don't preach! A Judge told me not long ago that I could not preach to my clients! I responded, I only preach "obey the law!" Problem with that Judge? He giggled at me! We have had many, many clients over the last 20 years.
You, I am proud of you! Most addicts die rather than admit the disease. I will help when I can. What does your inventory look like? Legal? financial? Are you safe? Meetingsmeetingsmeetings!everyeveryevery day! When the going gets tough, the winners go to more meetings! Keep me informed! Good Health and be Blessed! Mr. Denny Goodpenny