I. Renunciation: Guiding Principle
I. RENUNCIATION
THE EMPOWERMENT OF RECOVERY
“We understand addiction to describe the overwhelming craving and compulsive use of substances or behaviors in order to escape present-time reality, either by clinging to pleasure or running from pain. We commit to the intention of abstinence from alcohol and other addictive substances. For those of us recovering from process addictions, particularly those for which complete abstinence is not possible, we also identify and commit to wise boundaries around our harmful behaviors, preferably with the help of a mentor or therapeutic professional.” – Recovery Dharma Workbook
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
Quit. Stop. Abstain. Renounce. Put down the drink, the drug, or the behavior. Seek medical and professional treatment where appropriate. It is essential that we eliminate all forms of denial, minimization, justification, or rationalization of our addiction(s). This is a path of letting go of behavior that no longer serves us and cultivating that which does.
EARLY ADVICE
Much of the success of our early sobriety depends on the depth and sincerity of the Wise Effort we put into our recovery process. In an early translation of the Buddha’s words by western scholars, the Buddha was quoted as saying:
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” – Buddha
Find whatever inspiration and motivation you need to begin your path of recovery, but also know that you are not alone. You have a community of Wise Friends, many of whom you have yet to meet, willing to help you on your path: Wise Friends who helped compile this booklet on your behalf.
To paraphrase the Buddha’s words, we must each be willing to take those first steps on the path of recovery for ourselves. No one can do this for us. No one can, and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path. May you find your inspiration; may you find freedom from the suffering of addiction.
DHARMA SAYING
‘Trust the Process, don’t rush the Process.’
PRACTICAL PRATICE TIP
Actively Commit To Sobriety
If you have not done so already, begin your path to recovery today, this moment, right now. Commit to the intention of exploring and developing a Buddhist-inspired practice of recovery as outlined by the Recovery Dharma program both in this booklet and the Recovery Dharma workbook.