Overheard in Recovery: Tornado Spotters

The guy sitting next to me was talking about what he knew was important for his ability to maintain sobriety.

What I need in my life are tornado spotters. You know, people around me and something in me that do what storm chasers do. Look out for the signs and symptoms of a storm heading my way and issue the warning.

Needless to say it caught my attention, being a trained storm spotter. I thought about the training I had from the Weather Service and Ham Radio instructors. They showed me pictures of things to watch for in the skies and in the air. They explained how to think about tornadoes when the sky is still blue and there isn't a sign of a cloud in the sky. They urged me to be cautious and always be on guard- aware and mindful about quickly changing conditions.

Which is what my friend needs- as does anyone who wants to maintain sobriety. He needs a way to be warned when the illness of addiction begins to look for ways to sneak back into action. As we talked we realized that there are three indications that Bill W. and the first AAs saw as important indicators of the presence of alcoholism: Being restless, irritable, and discontent.

They are restless, irritable and discontented, unless they can again experience the sense of ease and comfort which comes at once by taking a few drinks....

--Alcoholics Anonymous, The Doctor's Opinion, pp. xxvi-xxvii

So, among the things the Tornado Spotters of the Sober Soul needs to look for are those three:

• Am I restless? Are things just not grabbing my attention?
• Am I irritable? Is life just bothering me? Are people bugging me for no reason?
• Am I discontent? Is nothing satisfying me?

If any of these are the case, do something about them.

• Be grateful for what you have.
  
• Take time to slow down.
  
• Talk to friends.
• Read a good book.
• Listen to some good music.
  
• Connect with your Higher Power.
  
• Enjoy the day. It is the only one you have.

Oh, and you don't even have to be a recovering alcoholic or addict. I'm told this works quite well for everyone.