Being of Service

At meetings, we often hear announcements for service commitments, and I used to wonder what service was really about. In the Basic Text it says, “...NA service allows us to spend much of our time directly helping suffering addicts, as well as ensuring that Narcotics Anonymous itself survives. This way we keep what we have by giving it away.” (Basic Text, p. 59, What Can I Do?)

For me, service helps me get out of myself and gives me a way to return what was so freely given to me. It isn’t always easy, but when I think about what my recovery is worth, the answer is everything—my life. Without recovery, I truly believe I would not be here today.

I’ve thought about what it means to show up for my commitment as secretary at a meeting. I’ve come to realize how important it could be to be there for someone walking in for the first time, looking for help, just like I once was. In my addiction, I always found a way to get what I needed to get high. In my recovery, I’m learning to find ways to show up for others instead.

Service doesn’t always have to be something big. Sometimes it looks like giving someone a ride to a meeting or sitting with someone who is struggling and listening. I know there are times when I need others to be there for me, and I’m grateful that they are. Being of service allows me to give back what has been given to me, it helps me stay connected. and reminds me that I’m not alone. They say that we can only keep what we have by giving it away—service helps me keep what I have.

I’ve also come to understand that service is part of what keeps our fellowship alive. NA exists because people show up, share their experience, strength, and hope, and make themselves available to others. When I think about where I might be without the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous, it brings a lot of gratitude. I’m also so grateful for the gift of willingness to be of service, which is truly a gift of my recovery.

Today, when I hear a call for service, I try to stay open and willing. For me, being of service is one of the ways I continue to grow in my recovery. It helps me stay grounded, connected, and grateful for the life I have today.

-Mary Jo