Step 1 A A. Why the 12-step Journey Begins with Powerlessness

It is hard to admit to yourself that your life has become so unmanageable that you no longer have any power over your own life or mind. While that powerless feeling can feel like an end for you, it is also the beginning of a new chapter. In most 12-step recovery groups, the first step towards recovery is admitting that you are powerless over drugs. This is one of the hardest things to do because, to overcome your addiction, you must first admit to yourself that you have an addiction. The power of admitting you are powerless is the first step to getting your life back. Many 12-Step programs are well-known groups that use the concept of powerlessness to benefit recovery. The Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book says “powerless over alcohol” as its first principle.

Her innovative approach as Director of Operations gives her clients a safe and compassionate place at The Freedom Center to begin their recovery journey. For those of us who used the 12 Steps on our quest to recovery – step one can be a lot to take in. Step one encompasses the total and utter powerlessness powerless over alcohol found in the depths of the disease of addiction. As crazy as it sounds, I was completely powerless over my addiction but I was also completely ignorant of how far down the scale I had fallen. I was living in a delusion in which I truly believed I could control my drinking and drugging.

What Does AA Mean By Powerlessness?

The staff loved me until I could love myself, and taught me how to deal with myself. What does “powerless” mean when it comes to alcoholism/addiction? The dictionary defines powerless as being without the power to do something or prevent something from happening. Let’s think about this definition as it relates to alcoholism/addiction. There are a lot of things alcoholics can do to fully work Step One. Most of the work is designed to unearth your complete history of use and abuse. Making a list of the ways in which your addiction has made your life unmanageable.

Clearly, the founders of AA had something different in mind when they enshrined admitting powerlessness as the first step. Admitting you’re powerless over alcohol simply means that if you https://ecosoberhouse.com/ get in the ring with alcohol, alcohol is going to win, probably in the first round. Alcohol is such a strong trigger that drinking any amount will automatically lead to more drinking.

Step One: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.

From this point, you are able to accept the situation as it is. Many people can become easily hung up on this first step in treatment, never truly diving into what it means, or how it relates to their story. For some, it feels like a great relief to be reminded of their powerlessness over this all-consuming impulse, and helps them to make sense of their behavior that is not ultimately in line with who they want to be. For others, especially those who may have been victimized in the past, the weight of powerlessness feels impossible to bear, especially when they’ve built our lives on never feeling that way again. You’re not alone—almost everyone has a hard time with Step 1 when they first get sober. In fact, much of the Twelve Steps require an explanation. The phrasing can be confusing or dated, and when people first encounter Step 1, they’re likely to pause at the idea of being powerless while others scratch their heads at “life has become unmanageable.”

We think that everything will be okay or will go our way if people would just listen to us. With this mentality, we are saying that we know what’s best for ourselves and for others at any given point. When we try to control situations, we typically end up upsetting those around us. Because we are obsessed with control, we are still the ones responsible in that scenario. We will try to manipulate or orchestrate entire situations because we think we know better. Make a list of the moments when you felt powerless over drugs or alcohol. Be as honest as you can, starting with early examples and then going to the most recent.

A Life Free From Addiction Is Possible

Over the years he grew into becoming an advocate for people in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders. James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center. The first step of a 12-step program is to admit that you are powerless over your addiction, and consequently, your life has become unmanageable. While it is important to believe in your ability to overcome your addiction, you first must admit that you have an addiction and you need help in order for things to change. Until you do so, drugs and/or alcohol will continue to exert their power over you and control every aspect of your life. The power of admitting powerlessness is that it is the first step to taking back your life.

That’s when an idea strikes – I’m gonna go by the bar and have a couple drinks. I’ll leave at a reasonable hour, rest up and have a better day tomorrow. It’s a great plan, but it has one fatal flaw – you’re an alcoholic. Step 1 of AA references the need for members to hit rock bottom before genuinely understanding their addiction. Your rock bottom is whatever makes you realize alcohol is destructive to you and your loved ones. Rock bottom gives you the motivation to open your mind to recovery.

Medical Director

A veteran of two branches of the U.S. military, Max is continuing his education in healthcare administration. Max began his career in the addiction field working as a group facilitator and teacher, developing and delivering a successful faith-based curriculum in a long-term residential treatment setting. Bunmi is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services.

• Through charitable support and a commitment to innovation, the Foundation is able to continually enhance care, research, programs and services, and help more people.
• When most people begin abusing drugs or alcohol, they truly believe they can limit their use.
• He provides individual therapy, group therapy, and assessments for clients in recovery from substance use and any related mental health issues.
• Most people have no idea how much alcohol is in their drinks.

For others, placing the blame on other people, places and things is all but second nature. In order to recover, we must understand that there is something bigger than us – that we are not the end all be all . In early recovery, however, focusing on surrender and powerlessness will be the most important. Read on to learn more about the concept of powerlessness, what it really means, and why it’s so critical in the recovery journey. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living.

Are you Powerless Over Alcohol?

Is a force of healing and hope for individuals, families and communities affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Through charitable support and a commitment to innovation, the Foundation is able to continually enhance care, research, programs and services, and help more people. For many addicted to alcohol and drugs, it’s difficult to admit the way addiction has made their lives unmanageable.