Service and Your Recovery: Working the 12th Step

In active addiction, we often revolve around feeding the addiction by focusing on ourselves. As we enter our recovery journey, we must shift focus to helping others. Whether sober for ten days or ten years, aiding others on their own journey plays a huge part in ensuring success in recovery. Remember, Narcotics Anonymous says, “We can only keep what we have by giving it away.” But what counts as service in recovery?  

What Is Service?

Service work allows us to put our gratitude for our recovery and those who support us throughout our journey into action by showing others the same level of support as they begin to discover a better way of life without drugs and alcohol.  

The service portion of your recovery means giving back and carrying the message of hope and the 12 steps to others. For those entering recovery for the first time, a good starting point could be to do any of the following: 

• Join a local home group
• Volunteer to greet others as they arrive to the meeting
• Prepare coffee before each recovery meeting

After getting more sobriety under your belt, service work such as chairing meetings, sponsoring others in the program, and accepting speaking commitments, can be great next steps. The most important thing to remember is that every 12-step fellowship is a “we” program, meaning we cannot do this alone. We need the love, support, and service from others to find freedom from our addictions. So, any act of service is a valiant effort—no commitment is too small.  

Why Should You Get into Service?

Serving others has a twofold benefit. Your commitment not only helps them but aids your recovery, too. Assisting others boosts self-esteem and contributes to recovery. When stuck in negative thoughts related to addiction, helping another person struggling with a substance use disorder can be truly healing.  

Extending a helping hand in recovery brings personal satisfaction and builds accountability. Commitments in recovery are promises to yourself and others, ensuring accountability and support in your journey.