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If we have been or are in the addict’s path, we have dealt with having to compromise.

We can “turn it over,” not because we believe there is a God who will do something for us or to us, but because we understand that recovering from addiction depends on outside help.

Many of the suggestions are counterintuitive (did you know that mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce cravings?), but all of the suggestions are grounded in science.

Plenty of addicts and alcoholics starting the journey of recovery from addictive disease can’t bring themselves to accept the spiritual program that’s helped so many. There are other options.

There may be new practices specifically to support recovery — taking up yoga or meditation, a sport or hobby, or making important changes in diet or exercise.

Seek outside advice. Good advice, that is. Not the sort from the guy on the next bar stool.

Sponsors, the saying goes, carry the message, not the alcoholic.

This ‘cheat sheet’ is a quick reminder about some very basic principles of relating to a person who happens to be in crisis.

Their fondness for risk and excitement makes them ill-suited to a ‘straight’ lifestyle they would no doubt describe as boring.

The more we exert ourselves to help those with problems like ours, the more concrete benefits we receive from AA.