Conscious Contact
Daily Meditations for the Chemically Dependent
Copyright 2011 C.D.A. COMMUNICATIONS INC. GENERAL SERVICE OFFICE,
All rights reserved.
Published in eBook format by
C.D.A. COMMUNICATIONS INC.
Converted by http://www.eBookIt.com
ISBN-13: 9780977850617
The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions have been adapted with the permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (A.A.W.S).
Permission to adapt the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions does not mean that A.A.W.S. is affiliated with this program. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcohol only—use of A.A.’s Steps and Traditions or an adapted version of its Steps and Traditions in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or use in any other non-A.A. context, does not imply otherwise.
Dedication
We, as members of C.D.A., would like to dedicate this meditation book to all people in recovery from addiction to mood-changing and mind-altering chemicals—past, present, and future.
Inspired by our Higher Power, this book was written and produced exclusively by C.D.A. members for the benefit of those who still suffer from chemical dependency, both in and out of our Fellowship.
C.D.A. was established as an "inclusive" program of recovery rather than "exclusive.” We are a bridge between fellowships, a 12-step approach that offers recovery to people who are addicted to any type of chemical substance. Our goal is to practice and demonstrate the spiritual principles of love, tolerance, and unity as found in our Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
In Love and Service,
C.D.A. Meditation Committee
The C.D.A. Fellowship
Chemically Dependent Anonymous deals entirely with the disease of addiction. We of C.D.A. do not make distinctions in the recovery process based on any particular substance, believing that the addictive-compulsive usage of chemicals is the core of our disease and the use of any mood-changing chemical will result in relapse.
C.D.A. is not affiliated with any political, religious, or commercial organizations or institutions. The primary purpose of C.D.A. as a whole is to remain clean and to help others like us gain recovery. By sharing our Experience, Strength, and Hope with each other, we solve our common problem and help others to recover from chemical dependence which has made our lives unmanageable.
C.D.A. remains grateful to the co-founders and fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous for the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Promises which are the basis of our program.
January 1
The sky’s the limit! ~In loving memory of Ron R.
Because of the commitment of the men and women who began our fellowship, we have seen our members overcome all types of obstacles. In C.D.A. we consistently demonstrate the perseverance, willingness, and commitment it takes to turn around battered lives in ways we never thought possible. We become better spouses, parents, and friends; we can change or start new careers; we get out of debt; and, we overcome other addictive behavioral or personal challenges. Our founders were not just interested in recovery; they were committed to it. They believed in themselves and in us. Because of this commitment we now have the ability to live fulfilling lives and see our dreams come true. Living the C.D.A. way of life is not something we do when it’s convenient. We carry C.D.A. forward with no excuses, only results.
Today is always a new day in C.D.A.
With each day I make a new commitment
to our wonderful way of life.
Through C.D.A., these people have been able to establish new lives for themselves, with a commitment not often found in others.
∼Chemically Dependent Anonymous P 26
January 2
If you judge, investigate. ∼Seneca
HOW to work the Program is simple: Honesty, Open-mindedness, and Willingness to try. Yet so many of us had already made up our minds prior to attending even our first meeting that this program was not for us because ________ (fill in the blank). We had not investigated C.D.A.—we just knew it wasn’t any good. We had contempt before we knew what we were talking about. Maybe we based our contempt on what others had said. Maybe we “knew” better because we had been to another 12-step program. That is not the HOW of recovery. Sadly, after we get to C.D.A., we may still fail to investigate people, places, and things before judging. How about that meeting we “know” we won’t like? Or talking to that guy who is such a blowhard? By learning to be honest, open-minded, and willing, we allow ourselves to investigate options before snapping our mind shut. This simple concept is what keeps us growing each day the C.D.A. way.
I know HOW to approach this day:
Honestly, Open-mindedly, and Willingly.
Honesty, Open-Mindedness, and Willingness to Try are H.O.W. the program works. With these qualities, we are on our way to recovery.
∼Chemically Dependent Anonymous P 103
January 3
We faced three disturbing realizations: 1. We are powerless over our addiction and our lives are unmanageable; 2. Although we are not responsible for our disease, we are responsible for our recovery; 3. We can no longer blame people, places, and things for our addiction. ~Narcotics Anonymous P 15
Yikes, WE are the addicts! WE are responsible for our recovery, NOT the people we blamed for our addiction. We can blame them no longer. Yes, these are disturbing realizations. Who wants to look at themselves as the source of their problems when blaming the other guy means that guy has to do something about it, not us? Yet, we learn that our recovery must be based on personal responsibility. The good news is we don’t have to assume full responsibility forever—just for today. Taking responsibility for today is all that is required of us. At some point, these disturbing realizations are no longer disturbing.
I am responsible for the actions
that support my recovery.
My disease didn’t arise out of a lack of parental compassion {…}. They helped to give me something to return to when everything else around me had deteriorated.
∼Chemically Dependent Anonymous P 223
January 4
Alcoholism comes to a person; a person doesn’t go looking for it. ~Sister Maurice
It’s a pretty safe bet that none of us woke up one fine morning and announced, “I think I’ll become an addict today! I want to make my parents proud and impress my friends. Why don’t I swing by the liquor store and pick up a 12-pack and then on the way home stop by the crack house and give them any money I have left?” Just like a heat-seeking missile, chemical dependency hunts us down, and we usually are not aware of just when the disease goes off inside us. But, just because we didn’t ask for this disease doesn’t mean we get to pity ourselves. Who asks for cancer, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis? Unlike most other diseases, we actually have a choice in our recovery! Wow, what a blessing! So, instead of feeling sorry that this “terrible” disease found us, we ought to give thanks that such a glorious recovery has found us!