The Power in the First Step: Accepting Powerlessness For Recovery

AA reminds us that we are not alone, and working Step 1 is the foundation for lasting change. Embrace this moment, knowing it’s not a sign of weakness but a step toward a life of freedom, purpose, and fulfillment. The 1st Step of AA is more than just admitting we are powerless—it’s the key that opens the door to spiritual healing.

Examples Of Powerlessness

Being a person in long term recovery, Erin wanted to give back and help those struggling with the disease of addiction. Erin decided to switch careers and went back to school to obtain her Addiction Counseling certification. In addition, to being a certified Addictions Counselor, Erin is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), and a Registered Peer Supervisor (RPS). Client wellness, especially when dealing with the delicacy of addictions, remains a priority that drives his full engagement and committed nature. When Dr. Coleman completed her training at one of the nation’s top 100 hospitals she joined the faculty of a family practice residency program. She trained newly graduated doctors in the art and science of family medicine, with emphasis on OB/Gyn and substance abuse.

To acknowledge the way these substances have impacted your life is to admit that alcohol and drugs have made your life unmanageable and you can’t fix it on your own. This step is not saying you are powerless over your actions, decisions, or relationships with others; only over your addiction to alcohol or drugs. It is not an excuse to continue in a destructive cycle because there’s nothing you can do about it.

“We admit we are powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.”

For some people the road they traveled getting to the first step in AA has been more than enough to convince them that unconditional surrender is the only option for recovery. As a brand, we prefer to use person-first language to avoid defining people by their condition and the stigma that may come with it. That said, we understand the language of Alcoholics Anonymous often does not avoid using the term “alcoholic.” At Arista Recovery, we’re here to help you continue with best-in-class care designed for long-term healing and support.

Family Nurse Practioner

Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering healthier workplaces and supporting those in recovery. Incorporating daily reflections or step recovery readings into our routines helps remind us of our commitment to living free from alcohol and drugs. These habits reinforce that admitting powerlessness isn’t about weakness—it’s about choosing a fulfilling life. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous emphasizes the unique challenges we face in dealing with alcohol use disorder and substance abuse.

Family Nurse Practitioner

The accountability and encouragement in meetings and therapy break the power of secrecy where addiction thrives. What happens in a group of people admitting powerlessness over addiction is a power in itself. For many individuals in recovery, embracing a higher power or spiritual connection is a significant tool in surrendering to powerlessness. This can involve finding solace in a religious faith, connecting with nature, or exploring spiritual practices that resonate with personal beliefs.

Begin Your Recovery at Enlightened Recovery

By accepting that you’re powerless over alcohol, drugs or addictive behavior, you’ve come to terms with your personal limitations. This step of accepting powerlessness from the 12-Step process of recovery essentially highlights powerless over alcohol the power of drugs and alcohol over our lives. Few people intend to destroy their lives and relationships by drinking or doing drugs, but that is what can happen with addiction. These substances literally rewire brain function, making the need to satisfy a craving take prominence over everything else in life–regardless of the consequences.

Again, later on I found out that I enjoy doing all those activities just as much if not more when I’m sober.

We have to realize the truth that we can never use alcohol or drugs in any form again. For almost all of us, this is the moment when hope begins to replace despair, creating a foundation for meaningful change. The AA first step, admitting powerlessness and acknowledging the unmanageability your addiction brings, is a crucial leap toward lasting recovery.

• Individuals who are suffering from alcoholism often find themselves prioritizing drinking over important responsibilities and activities, and their lives can become consumed by the need to drink.
• Joi Honer directs the operations that support our alumni in their recovery from mental health and substance use disorders.
• His addiction also “drove me to suicide,” he revealed to Entertainment Tonight in 2016.
• By recognizing the lack of control over addiction, individuals can begin to explore alternative paths towards recovery.
• Admitting powerlessness over alcohol is the cornerstone of your recovery.

Throughout his tenure at The Freedom Center, he has strategically built relationship with referring providers, hospitals and local government leaders. Corey has continued to grow The Freedom Center brand, educate his local community on Substance Use Disorder and become a pillar of the local recovery community. Corey’s mission is to provide quality behavioral health care to local community members who reach out in need, regardless of their financial situation.

Whether through AA meetings, support groups like Al-Anon, or personal practices, connecting with a higher power brings clarity and peace, breaking the cycle of addiction. The twelve steps provide a spiritual solution to break free from this obsession. By working the steps, we gain the tools to overcome the relentless thoughts of using, creating space for hope, clarity, and a fulfilling life in recovery. If you’re struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and are trying to overcome it on your own, give 12 step meetings a chance. Find an AA meeting near you to hear from others in a similar position and receive judgment-free support. 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?

It reminds us we’re not alone and gives us the courage to take the first step. This connection transforms shame into hope and isolation into community, showing us that together, we can overcome addiction and build a fulfilling life. Alcoholics Anonymous teaches us to turn to a higher power, however we define it, for strength and guidance. This alcoholism isn’t about religious beliefs; it’s about finding a source of hope greater than our addiction.

• We offer peer-led recovery programs that are rooted in the 12-Step program of recovery from Alcoholics Anonymous.
• Alexandra works with Admissions and Clinical Departments for scheduling client admissions, transfers, discharges and outside appointments while maintaining positive relationships with all clients.
• I now enjoy working with others and helping them get through the hard times of early recovery.

The Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, or DMS, lists Alcohol Use Disorders in the manual and includes 11 criteria. Only 2 of the 11 criteria have to be met to be diagnosed with the disorder. Of these 11 symptoms, 4 of them are social symptoms that align with an unmanageable life. In the meantime, you can explore AA in combination with your current therapy routine. Because it all begins with Step 1 of AA, it’s very important to understand why you can’t skip this step, even though it doesn’t require specific physical actions.