It’s not easy to admit this, but if we don’t accept that we are powerless, then we won’t be able to move forward. The idea of Step 1 not absolving an individual of personal responsibility for the choices that may have led to their addiction or to the choices that may help them recover, the disease model does not eliminate the idea of personal responsibility. This is because you still need to take action to overcome addiction.

“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, that our lives had become unmanageable.” – Step One of the 12 Steps

I can stop, make a better choice, ask my Higher Power for help, call a program friend, breathe deeply, ground myself by taking a short walk, or repeat an Al‑Anon slogan or the Serenity Prayer. I must do whatever I can to “put some distance between myself and my obsessive thinking.” My obsessive thoughts are as powerful and destructive to me as alcohol is to the alcoholic. These powerless over alcohol readings remind me to “pay attention to my thinking” and recognize when my thoughts are putting my serenity and relationships at risk. Spencer and Tom, joined virtually by Sara and Gerrie talk about Step 1, We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, and our lives had become unmanageable. You’re not alone—almost everyone has a hard time with Step 1 when they first get sober.

• The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing.
• This pervasive stigma is a big reason why seeking help for substance abuse, or even admitting you struggle with substance abuse, is so hard.
• The original references to God were quickly challenged in the early days of AA, and Bill W.
• We offer renowned clinical care and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting recovery.

Tools and Practices for Embracing Powerlessness

Whatever the reason, admitting powerlessness is to say that practicing self-control does not undo the effects of drugs or alcohol on the brain. Accepting this reality is what will equip you to seek treatment rather than deny that there is a problem in the first place. Another example of powerlessness in sobriety is the need to let go of old habits and patterns that contributed to addiction. These habits may include associating with certain people, visiting specific places, or engaging in particular activities that trigger cravings and unhealthy behaviors.

You Spend a Lot of Time on Drinking

By surrendering, we release the burden of trying to control outcomes and instead focus on taking the necessary steps towards our recovery. This trust and surrender create space for growth and transformation, enabling us to experience a deeper sense of peace and serenity. Embracing powerlessness in sobriety may seem counterintuitive, but it can lead to profound personal growth and transformation. By letting go of the need for control and accepting our limitations, we open ourselves up to a range of benefits that contribute to our overall well-being and recovery journey. Recognizing and embracing powerlessness allows individuals to let go of the burden of trying to control something that is ultimately beyond their grasp.

Step 1 is the first important step in recovery for many people because when you acknowledge that your alcohol use is no longer completely in your control, you can seek help. By taking this step, you acknowledge that your alcohol use has come to a point where you cannot control it. 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.

• This trust and surrender create space for growth and transformation, enabling us to experience a deeper sense of peace and serenity.
• This section explores what powerlessness means in the context of sobriety and emphasizes the strength that can be found in accepting it.
• Many 12-Step programs are well-known groups that use the concept of powerlessness to benefit recovery.
• Unhealthy alcohol use includes any alcohol use that puts your health or safety at risk or causes other alcohol-related problems.

What is Admitting Powerlessness Over Alcohol or Drugs?