As you survey the havoc your addiction has wreaked, you can take comfort in knowing that the rubble will gradually be cleared away and a new landscape will emerge. That takes time, patience, and the support of others. On the other hand, with the right tools, expertise, and assistance, you can remove the debris and rebuild something far better in its place. Admitting powerlessness over your addiction opens the door to possibilities, and nothing is more empowering than crossing that threshold.
The Center of Alcoholics Anonymous
So you understand the benefits of Step One and of admitting powerlessness, but the next question then is why is such emphasis placed on being reliant on others to get yourself out of addiction? The philosophy behind this thinking is that your judgment was flawed enough to get yourself into this situation, it’s too flawed to get yourself out of it. Some people believe AA is intricately tied to religion by seeking a “higher power.” Rather, AA members are encouraged to understand they’re powerless in changing their addictive behavior. In fact, many members don’t perceive a need for a “higher power.” Instead of seeking spirituality, which helps in recovery, they seek assistance from the AA fellowship. Understanding powerlessness in sobriety can help you manage your addiction. By relinquishing control over your addiction, you are now free to get help and support from others.
Signs My Life is Unmanageable (Even If I’m Sober)
These effects can drive individuals to repeatedly consume alcohol, despite the potential risks to their health and well-being. Financial issues often arise as well, with money being spent on alcohol at the expense of essential needs and responsibilities. It applies both to our inability to abstain from using a substance or engaging in certain behavior as well as limiting its quantity. While the i am powerless over alcohol realization might be painful and challenge the idea of who we imagine ourselves to be, it’s impossible to solve a problem without first acknowledging the scope and scale of the issue.
How can this be a good reminder to us all that recovery is a lifelong pursuit?
Then, you’ll be ready to move through the remaining 10 steps, until you reach a point where your AUD is manageable. Many people worry that AA is too religious for them. However, if you closely examine Step 2, the source of that greater power is open to interpretation. Defining that source of power is less important than accepting its ability to move you beyond your powerlessness. In other words, Step 2 of AA offers the direct and immediate remedy for the problem you admitted in Step 1 of AA.
- I am gaining understanding of my illness and have accepted it.
- But powerlessness is not the same thing as weakness; it isn’t something to be feared or despised.
- It is the first step to recovery and living the healthy life that the universe desires for us.
- Some AA meetings give all participants a chance to speak.
- Regardless of how you got to this point, Step 1 of AA is merely realizing that your alcohol abuse disorder was interfering negatively with your life, and you need to change.
Our culture is so entrenched in competing for success that we’re uncomfortable acknowledging the limits of what we can and cannot do, individually. Adam Vibe Gunton is an American author, speaker and thought leader in addiction treatment and recovery. After overcoming homelessness and drug addiction, Adam found his life’s purpose in helping addicts find the same freedom he found.
As explained in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, alcoholism treatment this physical allergy makes it impossible for us to use alcohol or drugs in moderation. Once we take the first drink or drug, a chemical reaction triggers an uncontrollable desire for more. This reaction is unique to those of us struggling with substance use disorders, setting us apart from people who can casually use without consequence. Enlightened Recovery is here to help you or your loved one overcome drug and alcohol addiction as well as co-occurring mental health disorders. Our holistic treatment programs treat the whole person in recovery.
The power of fellowship lies in its ability to create a safe space where we don’t feel judged but understood. In these meetings, we meet people who have walked the same road and found freedom. They interpret Step 1 not as a sign of defeat but as the first step toward a new life.
What Does it Mean to Say You’re Powerless Over Drugs and Alcohol?
Most examples of powerlessness in sobriety have to do with admitting that you cannot change your behaviors on your own. Getting help from others at a treatment facility and in peer recovery groups can benefit your sobriety. In this context, it means that someone feels like they don’t have any control over their life. They may feel like they have little choice but to continue using drugs or alcohol because they lack alternatives.
Further, groups with trained leaders, such as AA sponsors, can positively promote substance abuse recovery. These include reducing isolation, providing a support system, and witnessing the healing of others. How does AA Step 1 help you continue with the remaining steps? When you’re able to accept the fatal progression of your alcohol use disorder, you can’t continue living in denial. This attitude will bring immediate and practical results. You must first adopt attitudes and actions of being honest and sacrificing your time and energy to help yourself and other sufferers.