Do not overlook the value of Recovery Buddies and Accountability Partners!
Did you know that studies have proven that one horse pulling alone can pull 2,500 pounds. But that two horses pulling together can pull 12,500 pounds! That is not twice but 5 times the amount of weight that one horse alone can pull!
Now think about that in terms of your recovery. You may not be able to overcome temptation by yourself, but you will be more than strong enough if you call on your recovery buddy for a little extra help.
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
It is almost impossible to recover unless we have the support of others who are in recovery. They have the strength when we are strong and the wisdom when we are being stupid. When we fall down, they pick us up. When we feel cold and alone, they are there to warm and cheer us up. Alone we are quickly overwhelmed by our addictions and circumstances, but in the company of another we are strong.
He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
As you sponsor or act as a buddy to another person, you will find yourself renewed and strengthened too!
You can get to know people and ask for a sponsor or buddy of the same gender in the Message Boards or ask someone in a CIR meeting to sponsor you.