Unity
What is unity?
Unity is a condition of harmony, a state of being where many things are made into one whole entity.
Recovering people working the Twelve Steps experience unity because they share a common disease, addiction, and a common goal, abstinence and healthy sobriety.
The Big Book, page 17, “There Is a Solution,” says:
We are average Americans. . . . We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful. . . . The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution.
The Big Book, page 261, “He Sold Himself Short,” says:
He spent two hours with me that night telling me his story. . . . I thought at times that he was telling my story! . . . Here was a man with essentially the same outlook on life, except that he had done something about it. . . . I began to hope, then, for the first time; and I felt that if he could regain these things, perhaps it would be possible for me too.
How can unity with others affect your recovery?
Many of us in recovery can remember feeling isolated even when we were among lots of people at parties or celebrations. You may have used alcohol or other drugs to fit in or feel more like part of the crowd. While you were drinking and using, alcohol and other drugs may have offered a reprieve from feeling inadequate and insecure. Using substances at parties suddenly made you feel okay: people liked you, you were popular and funny, and everything made sense.
Remember that you don’t have to work your recovery alone. Any time you go to a Twelve Step meeting you will find a room full of understanding people who have experienced the same feelings of isolation. Talking with supportive friends will help you regain your sense of humor and belonging. You need help from others, from your Higher Power, your sponsor, and your recovery support group.
Unity is also a key principle of Twelve Step programs. Whenever an issue
is in dispute, the primary goal is to make a decision that will protect the unity of the Twelve Step group. Instead of only looking out for your own self-interest, look out for the good of others in your group and in the program. This will ensure unity is maintained.
You can have disagreements and still have unity. The key is to resolve these disagreements in healthy ways that strengthen your community, rather than tearing it apart.