18 years sober, here, brother.
I kind of disagree with the bolded part. For some, throwing themselves into helping others is part of their recovery. The 12th step is, after all, "Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs." Perhaps Cochran has and continues to work the steps and is putting the 12th into practice in a meaningful way.
At least, that's my hope.
Like you and Padre, I've seen too many folks think they have it all figured out and become the smartest guy in the room. Those folks, inevitably, fail. And fail hard. After a few relapses, you figure out that you're actually the dumbest guy in the room and need to do things differently. My cousin did it that way. Unfortunately, he OD'd and didn't get another chance.
Maybe Cochran has found his way to do things differently.
Fingers crossed that he has.
I’m a firm believer in continuing to “carry the message” of hope, as is my son (13 years clean time). We both continue to work groups as servants and in sponsorship. I work closely with a family program locally to help families heal in terms of dealing with codependency issues and become a healthy support network for their loved one. It took us both years of inventory and amends work to reach the point of doing what we do now.
For Scott, after two relapses and only short periods of sobriety, jumping into a 12th step can be detrimental. This isn’t my opinion. This is almost a consensus opinion among many medical and treatment directors when it comes to addiction. Amends, personal inventory, contemplation and reflection take years. Sharing that personal story with those still suffering over the years builds the foundation for people to do what eventually Cochran is talking about.
As I said in my opening remarks, I applaud Scott Cochran for opening up about his issues, sharing his story, along with his honesty and humility. We need people to step up and step out. There is no shame in admitting to the problem. The shame is not seeking help. However, in order to help yourself by helping others, a firm foundation must be built. Rock solid, not built on shifting sand.
Scott, like you and I, has a lifetime to carry that message. Scott, in my opinion, needs continued investment in himself. Recovery, as you know, early on is a selfish program. It is about establishing the can and cannot, the boundaries, and what is good and bad for you as the addict. In many ways it is about self protection.
I hope Scott proves me wrong. I’ll just close by saying situations like what
@Padreruf and you and I have seen say otherwise.
Congratulations btw on your continued progress. Peace be with you.