In Times of Illness - Narcotics Anonymous

“My gratitude for a few addicts and my sponsor leaves me withoutwords to convey my appreciation. They didn’t allow me to isolateor wallow in self-pity. Calling and stopping by daily, taking me tomeetings, fi xing up their cars with pillows and blankets so I couldride comfortably are a few acts of their kindness.”One addict helping another is an active demonstrationof empathy. By allowing ourselves to experience thetherapeutic value of sharing our recovery with otheraddicts, we are able to concentrate on living. We donot allow the illness itself to become our focal point.There may be times when we are unable to attendmeetings regularly or continue with our serviceand sponsorship commitments. It is importantto let our NA friends know that we will not beattending meetings for a period of time and thatwe are resigning from our service commitments. Weexperience humility on a deep level when we admitto ourselves and those around us that our illnessand treatment have impaired our ability to serve.When we make a decision to step down from ourservice commitments, we are demonstrating recoveryprinciples. Being honest with our sponsor andsponsees by asking for their support can strengthenthose relationships. Keeping in contact with our NAfriends when we are unable to be physically presentfor a period of time is vital. We may ask that theybring a meeting to us. During the time when we areconvalescing, we may find that the phone is how westay connected to NA. We strive to get outside ofourselves and maintain regular communication withour NA support system.In Times of Illness29