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

The 12-step program is based on the belief that one day at a time we can take control of our lives by making positive changes. Many peer recovery groups use examples of powerlessness in sobriety to help participants accept themselves for https://accountingcoaching.online/mash-certified-sober-house-transitional-living/ who they are. Admitting to being powerless over alcohol will help a person to recognize that he or she does not have control with their drinking. Denying there is a problem only allows the person to continue their destructive behavior.

We are committed to an integrated quality of care that is comprehensive, person-centered, and recovery-focused. We strive to exceed patient and community expectations in every life we touch. Self-empowerment pitches are misguided when the target audience includes chronic drinkers and drug users, all of whom already suffer the hallmarks of powerlessness.

Be Honest, Open-minded, and Willing

The pandemic is one of them, as are natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, floods, earthquakes, etc.  We become helpless in the face of overpowering forces. We feel hopelessness and despair upon seeing loved ones taken and homes and property destroyed. Anxiety, panic, depression, and guilt are never far off during these times. Natural disasters present paradigm examples of human powerlessness. In essence, in Step One AA you’re making a conscious choice to stop lying to yourself. You accept that you can’t continue drinking alcohol or using drugs and that you have absolutely no control when you’re using.

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. 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. Once more, as you progress through the remainder of the steps you will cultivate a lifestyle that is not compatible with the drink. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care.

Thinking About Treatment?

Hesitantly, I started on what would later become the most important decision of my life. He first had me think about all the things I lost due to my alcohol or drug use. So I did, and while I was mentally compiling that list I thought, “Damn, could all of this hurt and pain have been avoided if I had not been drinking or high? However, even though I had all these terrible things going on, I continued to drink thinking it’s not that bad or it would get better.

• It demonstrates the paradox of powerlessness and the role of surrender.
• With a history stretching back for decades, AA operates on its 12 Steps method, which gives a roadmap for those seeking recovery.
• I’ll just have one or maybe two; I can drink just one more day then stop, I’ll just smoke marijuana that’s not that bad, or I’ll only drink on the weekends, etc.
• God granted us the serenity to accept something we cannot change, and we’re not in harm’s way anymore.
• 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.

We’re powerless when our mind is obsessing, so it’s nearly impossible to make the right decision. 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.

“Many pursue it into the gates of insanity or death.” (Big Book, Page

It’s your responsibility to stay engaged in your recovery and work with your sponsor. It’s your responsibility to be open and willing to treatment and growth. And if you end up drinking or using once sober, you have to take responsibility for that too. You can’t blame it on powerlessness–that is, the complete inability to control your actions.

At The Kimberly Center, we know that acknowledging powerlessness isn’t easy, but we want to help simplify the recovery process. Call us now TOP 10 BEST Sober Living Homes in Boston, MA January 2024 at KCENTER so that we can help you tackle the first steps of your recovery. We are committed to putting you and your recovery first.