For many of us, the desire to quit drugs wasn't our strongest wish when we came to Narcotics Anonymous. Sure, drugs caused us problems, and we wanted to get rid of those problems, but we didn't want to stop getting high. Eventually, though, we realized we couldn't have one without the other. Even though we really wanted to be high, we didn't take anything. We were no longer willing to pay the price. The longer we stayed clean and the program worked, the more freedom we experienced. Sooner or later, the compulsion to take drugs was completely removed, and we stayed clean because we wanted to live clean lives.

The same principles apply to other negative impulses that might be troubling us. We might feel the urge to behave destructively—just for the sake of it. We've done it before and sometimes think we got away with it, but sometimes that simply didn't work. If we're not prepared to pay the price for acting on such feelings, then we don't have to act on them.

It can be difficult, perhaps as difficult as staying clean in the beginning. Others have felt the same way, however, and have found the freedom to not act on their negative impulses. By sharing our experiences and seeking help from other recovering addicts and a power greater than ourselves, we can find the guidance, support, and strength we need to overcome our addiction. aller to contain destructive and compulsive behaviors.