The relapse process occurs in a series of steps and in the direction of a return to addictive or other self-destructive behavior. Along the way, there are opportunities to use new ways of thinking and acting to reverse the process, but we don’t implement them.
The defects are the target of this Step and entirely is the degree by which we are ready to remove them. I invite you to look at the definitions of these words to see how they resonate with you.
I must view myself as one deserving recovery and healthy relationships. Until I see myself in this light, I will not do the things necessary to transform into this person.
I was in such a state of rebellious denial that I was far from admitting I had a problem and certainly not a problem as so seriously diagnosed. The fact that my depression or my addiction or the combination of the two did not kill me still baffles me to this day.
We have a saying in Al-Anon, “The family condition is bound to improve even if only one of its members is practicing the principles of recovery.”