On a spiritual level the core of our disease is self-centeredness. In our interactions with others we operated selfishly because of the addiction; we wanted what we wanted, when we wanted it. Self-obsession has been what defined us throughout our lives. How can we get rid of this obsession with recovery?
We curb the effects of our illness by applying some very simple spiritual principles. In place of self-centeredness we learn to apply the principle of goodwill. Instead of solely pursuing our own personal gain, we begin to offer service to others. Instead of thinking only of what we can gain from everything, we learn to think first of the good of others. When faced with a moral dilemma, we learn to take time, refer to spiritual principles, and act accordingly.
As we begin to "do the right thing for the right reason," we are able to recognize a change in ourselves. Where once we were ruled by our own will, now we are driven by goodwill towards others. The self-centeredness that characterizes the disease of addiction begins to lose its power over us. We learn to "apply these principles to all our affairs." We live in the solution of recovery, not the problem.
