In Recovery? Celebrate Your Independence
by Larry Solomon

The journey into and through recovery can seem like a series of long, drawn-out battles. It requires sacrifice and loss on a voyage to freedom and independence. Your experience may be similar to America’s struggles to obtain and keep her independence.

On July 2, 1776 the leaders of the thirteen colonies voted to become a nation independent of Great Britain. Two days later the Declaration of Independence was signed. This became the date America now celebrates its independence. The Fourth of July holiday reminds us of a few things. For one, it reminds us the year is half over (only 173 shopping days until Christmas.) It brings back memories of parades, baseball games and fireworks. Hopefully, it also makes us ponder the reason for its existence. The appreciation of our freedom.

It is important for the recovering person to grow in gratitude. Without failure I have witnessed that an individual’s level of gratitude is directly proportional to his level of serenity. As you review the chain of events recounted below take a moment to ponder your own struggle for freedom from the oppression of addiction. A wise individual will not only learn from his own past, but will be quick to learn from the struggle of others as well.

The war with Britain spanned a nine year period. The events that set the Revolutionary War into motion actually began a generation earlier.

Off in a distant land (Europe) the French and Indian war was being fought. The war occurred from 1754 to 1763. Several European countries and India were fighting against Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. England and France were also fighting for control of the colonies in the Americas and other locations. England eventually rose victorious, but at a great cost. Nearly bankrupt, the Parliament chose to generate income by heavily taxing the colonies in North America.

Over the next several years even the most basic items were heavily taxed. The Parliament completely took over the currency system of the colonists. It was also ordered that British soldiers could be housed in inns, businesses and private homes.

In the 1768 the merchants of Boston essentially boycotted goods from Britain. Because it was a primary port, Boston soon became the powder keg that sparked the war. In 1770 Boston citizens attacked British soldiers with sticks and rocks. In an act of self defense the soldiers opened fire on the crowd. It was later known as the "Boston Massacre" where 5 colonists were killed. A couple of years later colonists dressed as Native Americans boarded ships that were docked in the harbor and poured the contents into Boston Harbor. The event is known as the "Boston Tea Party." It is estimated that the value of tea lost that day would be the equivalent of $750,000 today.

In 1775 the British Army devised a plan to secretly converge on the town of Concord to seize a large stock of gunpowder. Late on the night of April 18th, two lanterns in the tower of the Boston Church signaled the British army was approaching by sea. Paul Revere and others rode through the night to warn of the approaching forces.

Early the next morning, the advancing troops approached a field where 70 Minutemen awaited them. For several moments the two sides stared at each other across the field known as Lexington Green. Suddenly a bullet zipped through the air and became known as "the shot heard ‘round the world." The war was on.

The war lasted until 1783. The signing of the Treaty of Paris marked the official end of the Revolutionary War and Britain’s recognition of the sovereign nation of the United States.

Since then the United States has been involved in 19 wars (or conflicts) including the Texas War for independence and the Bay of Pigs conflict. The first involvement following the revolution was the Franco-American in 1798. The most recent are the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Celebrating your independence

Similar to the Revolutionary War, the battle for recovery is long and difficult. Simply making the decision to be free does not grant freedom. In fact, the initial decision to begin a life of recovery will intensify the fight as internal and external conflicts may escalate Just as the signing of the Declaration of Independence actually increased the intensity of Britain’s attacks.

An individual cannot appreciate freedom until he has experienced captivity and oppression. Those who have suffered addictions have experienced first-hand knowledge of this. Addiction is a powerful enemy. It will fight hard to keep you under its rule. Once an individual actually establishes his freedom from his primary addiction, at least 19 more battles await him.

Celebrate your recovery and independence from your addiction. Celebrate with gratitude and you will improve your serenity. However, be diligent. You have a powerful enemy looking to strike again in a moment of weakness. Freedom is a continuous and evolving struggle.