To gain recovery all addicts utilize some form of step work. But there is one crucial step that needs to be taken before that work begins. It is the moment of realization that there is a problem and we need to fix it. Before this realization, we know that there is a problem but we foolishly believe that it is under control. We believe that we are not hurting anyone. Because of the temporary pleasure we feel we are blinded to the true pain we cause ourselves and others. We are still not fully awake to the damage we are causing. 

The moment we realize that we need help can come at different times. For some, it is when they are caught by their wife or children. Others may lose their jobs or get arrested. And there are those who are exposed but still believe they can continue with even more determination to hide it. There are the rare few that acknowledge their addiction and get to work without damaging their relationships. 

 It does not matter how we got to this point in our lives, what matters is that we accept and embrace this step. It is the beginning and it is painful but it allows us to strive to be free. This is where we start taking the hammer to ourselves and start demolishing the parts inside that need remodeling. It is hard work to remodel especially ourselves but in the end, we become an honorable person. It all starts with waking up.