Service Work: Finding Purpose in Recovery

Decorating, hauling chairs, and dodging relapse one task at a time

Service work has been one of the cornerstones of my sobriety. In the early days, I committed myself: if there was an opportunity to help another alcoholic or get involved in recovery, I'd say yes.

Baptism by Fire: Sober in June

I got sober in June, which meant I plunged headfirst into the holiday season. If there's one thing that can keep a person in early sobriety far away from the liquor store, it's being "voluntold" for an endless parade of sober celebrations. Picture this: I was spooking up the halls for Halloween, wrestling with Christmas tree ornaments, and constructing a giant disco ball piñata for New Year's Eve—all while trying to maintain a semblance of sanity. Valentine's Day? No problem! I was zhuzing tables like I was cupid.

I was shopping for supplies with such eagerness that it felt like my existence depended on it (which, honestly, it did). I learned that if a task allowed me to keep my hands occupied and my mind distracted, I was all in. So, by the time June approached again, I had a full year of sober holidays under my belt and acquired a reputation as one of the many go-to persons for getting things accomplished—because there's nothing quite like a reputation for reliability when you are successfully avoiding the distractions of temptation.

From Cookies to Coffee Pots

Over time, service evolved into more than just staying occupied. I began making coffee, setting up chairs, and ultimately chairing my home group. Nothing enchanting—nobody claps for the person scouring out the old coffee pots or hauling trays of cookies—but those were the small, thankless tasks that kept me sober one more day.

Craft Projects, Cookies, and Other Weird Things That Kept Me Sober

Service isn’t only about coffee pots and chair stacks—it can also be about creating spaces where people in recovery connect and laugh without booze in the mix. Some of the most grounding things I’ve done weren’t fancy, but they worked:

• Vision Boards – Grab some magazines, scissors, and glue. It’s surprisingly therapeutic to cut and paste the life you’re aiming for.

• God Boxes – A shoebox, some paper, and a pen. Write down what’s driving you nuts, drop it in, and let it go. Instant relief.

• Holiday Cookie Decorating Party – Sugar, frosting, sprinkles, and chaos. It’s loud, it’s messy, and it’s a hell of a lot more fun than sitting alone thinking about drinking.

• Sober Bowling Night – Gutter balls, rented shoes, and belly laughs beat hangovers any day. True story—my husband and I even started a sober bowling group called Gutter Busters. It was a blast.

I’ve done every single one of these, and each gave me connection, joy, and another reason to stay sober. None of it has to be perfect. It just has to keep us laughing, moving, and together.

The Next Indicated Action

Early in recovery, my fellowship suggested that I "do the next right thing." Some days, I still can't tell you what the hell that's supposed to be. That's when I lean on the "next indicated action." Service gives me something stable to grasp onto when my thoughts are trying to destroy me.

Service Work Starter Pack

If you're new and wondering where to start, here are a few things that helped me:

• Set up or clean up meetings. Chairs, coffee, trash—it all counts, and someone's gotta do it.

• Offer rides. Not everyone has wheels in early sobriety, and a ride can save a life.

• Bring food or baked goods. Providing sweet snacks can be a generous way to help those who are newly sober, especially since sugar is often encouraged to help calm cravings for alcohol.

• Say yes during the holidays. Decorating, shopping, party planning—these can keep you too busy to romanticize booze.

• Volunteer to read or share. Terrifying? Sure. But it matters. Never fear, you will eventually conquer the word "anonymous" if you are in Alcoholics Anonymous; that tripped me up for the first month!

• Take on a group role. Chair, greeter, treasurer—pick your poison (except, you know, not that kind).

• Set up sober group activities:

• Say yes more often than you say no. If it maintains your sobriety, it's worth it.

  
  

Final Take: Service—Cheaper Than Bail Money and Better for My Liver

Here's the truth—service work isn't enchanting, and it sure as hell isn't always convenient. But it's what keeps me grounded. It yanks me out of my head and reminds me that sobriety isn't a solo gig. Every time I stack chairs, scrub a coffee pot, or say yes to something that feels like too much effort, I'm saying yes to my recovery.

Service isn't about being a saint. It's about staying sober. And for me, that's the whole damn point.