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. Step One in the 12 step program of AA (which is also used, in modified form, for almost all other 12-step fellowships and programs) is actually a two-part step. The first part of Step 1 is an admission of powerlessness over the drug of choice. Though there is much debate about what constitutes ‘powerlessness’, one can say it simply means that the individual cannot control their intake of the drug or alcohol.
Until we can accept powerlessness, we will not fully seek Power. Accepting our powerlessness (complete defeat) is the bottom that an alcoholic and addict must hit. A crucial part of completing AA Step one revolves around admitting powerlessness. Step 1 of AA requires a great deal of strength and courage as you accept that alcohol has taken over your life. Humans naturally gather together, which is why group therapy remains a powerful therapeutic tool for alcohol addiction. Further, groups with trained leaders, such as AA sponsors, can positively promote substance abuse recovery.
What Does It Mean to Be Powerless?
If you or someone you love struggles to manage their drug and alcohol addiction, it is vital to seek drug addiction treatment. Our comprehensive treatment programs and addiction specialists at Lighthouse Recovery Institute can help you find the right path to recovery. 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. The first step is about powerlessness over behavior that makes the individual’s life unmanageable. Admitting powerlessness means we can’t control our substance abuse.
But it is an important step, to realize the severity of your powerlessness. Hope is very possible, but it must begin by realizing how much is at stake. powerless over alcohol examples One drink or drug hit could send you back into a state of powerlessness. Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous is often one of the most difficult for people.
How Do You Get to Step 1?
Many have said that taking that first step is one of the most difficult things to do. This cycle of lies and keeping secrets can go on for years, and that in itself can create an atmosphere that actually causes the situation to deteriorate faster. That is why many people consider it to be a family disease. Whether or not you have a problem with alcohol, how often have you heard the phrase “honesty is the best policy”? There’s a reason for that—being honest with yourself and others is key to living the kind of rich, self-assured, fulfilling life that we all want. If you’re struggling with alcohol use—whether or not you’re in AA—it is up to you to choose how you describe your situation.
- Whether you’re looking for treatment or for aftercare options, we can point you in the right direction.
- When a person realizes they are powerless over alcohol, they have taken the first step to live a healthy, sober life.
- Last year, we expanded our services to include robust mental health treatment, a new outpatient location, and specialized programming for our nation’s veterans, with more to come this year!
- It demonstrates the paradox of powerlessness and the role of surrender.
