Elephants are dynamic creatures that you can either see at the zoo or view in photos unless you make it to Africa to see their dominant presence in the wild. One of the most notable traits that female elephants display is their protection for their young. Elephants form deep family bonds that lead them to live amongst tight matriarchal family groups which is classified as a herd. This herd is led by the oldest and largest female in the herd, called the matriarch, which can consist anywhere from 8-100 elephants depending on their family size and the terrain they coexist in.

Elephants travel in a single file line with the young holding onto their mother’s tail to keep up. While they are in transit, there are times that lions and hyenas will try to attack the elephants. Once the attack happens, the biggest elephants stand shoulder to shoulder facing outward in a circle towards the threat while the young, sick, and elderly elephants are herded into the center for protection.  

For someone in a 12-Step program, the illustration of this elephant herd is what an old-timer or a middle-timer does for a newcomer. The newcomer will receive “protection”, a.k.a. being of service and offering the solution, from other members of the group to help them with their recovery efforts to stay sober. “Getting in the middle of the herd” is a phrase that symbolizes the unity that 12-Step programs have used over the decades to keep their groups strong enough to survive. The program protects their newcomers, so they no longer have to suffer from the awful ramifications that substance abuse creates.

Alcohol and drugs will continuously hunt you until you are middle of the herd. Going to meetings, being of service to your group and community, and working the 12 Steps are ways that help you to get out of the middle of the herd to stand shoulder to shoulder with other members who have done the same to continuously muster newcomers in the right direction.

Becoming part of the fellowship that is so important to begin the journey in recovery is crucial to finally feel like you belong somewhere. Start in the middle of the herd until you become strong enough to carry the message to others who are still out there suffering from drugs and alcohol.  

The Kimberly Center is a treatment center that uses evidence-based methods of recovery to focus on your individuality and inner strength to help you get sober from drugs and alcohol. Your plan of recovery will be customized to fit your background and experience with addiction.

Call us today to begin: 855-4-KCENTER (855-452-3683)