The Power in the First Step: Accepting Powerlessness For Recovery
That makes “admitting powerlessness” a form of strength. It is admittedly off-putting to think of yourself as “powerless.” Many people see asking for help to overcome a particular struggle as a sign of personal failure. This pervasive stigma is a big reason why seeking help for substance abuse, or even admitting powerless over alcohol you struggle with substance abuse, is so hard. However, some problems can escalate beyond our control. Many 12-Step programs are well-known groups that use the concept of powerlessness to benefit recovery. The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Big Book says “powerless over alcohol” as its first principle.
MARR Addiction Treatment Centers specialize in treating individuals whose lives have been destroyed by addiction. Relying on 48 years of experience in the treatment industry, MARR identifies each individual’s underlying issues and uses clinically proven techniques to treat them. By Buddy T
Buddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website.
How to Simplify and Interpret Step One, Then Put It into Action
Once you relinquish control, you are well on your way to mastering step one. If you’ve struggled with alcohol addiction for years, you’ve likely made many excuses to work around your disorder. You have lived in denial, believing you can stop using alcohol at any time. For that reason, addressing your misguided thoughts is crucial. That’s why admitting that you are powerless over alcohol is critical. It forces you to be honest about your relationship with alcohol so you can stop making excuses and start working toward sobriety.
- We are beginning to believe that we are capable of living in a different way.
- The mental obsession and physical cravings increase after the first drink, causing the person to drink more.
- Then, you must accept that an outside source of help will allow you to overcome your struggle with addiction.
By seeking help for alcohol addiction in Step 1 of AA, you admit that you’re powerless to stop drinking on your own. Your counselor can help you learn strategies to stop drinking and can be one of the people you reach out to when you are struggling. How does AA Step 1 help you continue with the remaining steps?
What Is the Purpose of Alcoholics Anonymous Step 1?
12-step programs have been statistically shown to have a 5-10% success rate. Step One isn’t the only reason for this, but it is clearly a part of the problem. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the oldest and perhaps the most recognized alcohol addiction treatment programs. With a history stretching back for decades, AA operates on its 12 Steps method, which gives a roadmap for those seeking recovery. Understanding the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous can be vital in helping you achieve or maintain recovery. Humans naturally gather together, which is why group therapy remains a powerful therapeutic tool for alcohol addiction.
While admitting powerlessness over a substance may seem at odds with efforts to hold addicts responsible for their behaviors, the opposite is true. By accepting that you’re powerless over alcohol, drugs or addictive behavior, you’ve come to terms with your personal limitations. Acknowledging powerlessness over alcohol and drugs can be liberating for many people. It frees you up to focus your time and energy on things that are within your control.
Are you Powerless Over Alcohol?
Sometimes alcoholics keep their desire to drink secret because they’re ashamed or think that deciding to quit drinking means they aren’t supposed to be tempted. By admitting to at least one other person that you’re having a hard time with your sobriety in Step 1 of AA, you acknowledge that you are having difficulty maintaining control in regards to alcohol. Recognizing your powerlessness over alcohol isn’t a sign of weakness but rather an acknowledgment of the addiction’s strength.
- In Steps 1 and 2, AA instructs members to strip themselves bare of ego and power.
- Recovery is possible and healing will take place in mind, body, and spirit.
- Has a love for the 12 steps, as working through them several times has helped her steer clear of addictions and grow personally and spiritually.
- For many people, simply getting to the first step of AA is harder than any other part of the recovery process.
This is a pivotal part of the program as it is a requirement to be honest, open minded, and willing! I wish all of you the best as you embark on the spiritual trip of a life time. A person with alcohol addiction is powerless over alcohol because his or her behavior changes in ways that would not happen when sober. The mental obsession and physical cravings increase after the first drink, causing the person to drink more. Many people with an addiction to alcohol feel guilt, low self-esteem, and shame. When a person admits that alcohol is affecting his or her life, they can start recovery.
