ACA Service…..My Natural High

There is something in my DNA that makes me want to learn everything I can when I become interested in something. ACA was no different. After only a couple of months, I loved the program and wanted to understand what made it work.

I was familiar with AA because of my dad and had tremendous respect for the program, but I had never looked closely at how it functioned. With ACA, I wanted to know more. Who keeps the meetings going? Who maintains the websites, develops literature, supports outreach, and helps carry the message? None of it happens by itself.

I first saw service at the local meeting level. Fellow travelers opened the room, chaired meetings, welcomed newcomers, and handled the many small tasks that allow a meeting to continue. Before long, I was chairing meetings, opening the room, and helping wherever I could. I enjoyed it.

My service then expanded to our Intergroup. I began asking questions and learned that the website needed to be updated. I helped rebuild and update it so others could maintain it going forward. That experience helped me realize something important: service was not taking away from my recovery. It was strengthening it. I was giving back a little of what ACA had given me.

Eventually, I became curious about ACA World Service Organization, or WSO. Once again, I found fellow travelers doing the work. I began serving on WSO committees and discovered how much effort goes into keeping ACA functioning and carrying the message worldwide. Without members willing to serve, much of what we depend on in ACA simply would not happen.

I also learned from my dad’s AA journey that recovery needs to remain a priority. For me, that includes attending three to five meetings each week. I have received tremendous benefit from listening to the shares of others, and that taught me that simply showing up can be a form of service. Someone in the room may need to hear what I have to share, just as I may need to hear what they have to say. Our presence matters.

I have never drank alcohol, but I spent my career in sales and often experienced what I called a “natural high” when a sale came together. I once thought that feeling came mainly from the financial reward. ACA taught me otherwise. I experience a similar feeling when a service project turns out well—when something I helped imagine, plan, and complete benefits ACA or another fellow traveler.

Service sometimes requires me to step outside my comfort zone, learn something new, and take a chance. But every time I do, I grow. My recovery grows, and ACA becomes a little stronger.

That is why I encourage every fellow traveler to consider service. Start small. Help at a meeting. Join an Intergroup. Explore a committee. Service is not only about giving back. For me, it has become an important part of healing, connection, and recovery.