What Are Some Examples of Powerlessness? STR Behavioral Health

Additionally, the principles learned in Step One contribute to a reduction in the stigma surrounding addiction, creating a more accepting and understanding society. This is because you still need to take action to overcome addiction. Not all peer-led mutual support organizations believe in this idea of powerlessness. For example, LifeRing Secular Recovery, SMART Recovery, HAMS, and Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) focus on self-empowerment rather than looking outside yourself for help. While many peer support groups have adopted or adapted the 12 Steps to fit their philosophies, LifeRing and these other secular organizations have not.

Admitting Powerlessness

If you must have the addiction to feel normal, beware, you may be powerless over your addiction. The second part of Step One addresses the chaos and unmanageability how am i powerless over alcohol that addiction brings into your life. It’s a candid look at the consequences of addiction, which can be painful but necessary for change.

• Powerlessness in sobriety refers to the recognition that individuals struggling with addiction do not have complete control over their substance use or the consequences that arise from it.
• Not all peer-led mutual support organizations believe in this idea of powerlessness.
• This is the first step of the 12 step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon programs, which have been attended by millions of people over the last several decades.

Step One: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.” (Big Book, Page

Perhaps you are familiar with the words of the Serenity Prayer, which is commonly recited at AA meetings. It includes the line, “Grant me the ability to accept what I cannot change; courage for the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Being powerless over addiction does not mean you are powerless in general. In our recovery programs for men in Colorado, we work on this step. Defining powerlessness can be difficult for most of us, mostly because while in the moment, it can be hard to know that you’re not in control. Giving yourself up to others and trusting the people around you is the first step to recovery, and it all starts with understanding various experiences in which you might feel that you aren’t controlling your life. By recognizing the benefits of embracing powerlessness in sobriety, we can shift our perspective and approach our recovery journey with a newfound sense of openness and receptivity.

Take Control of Addiction

Embracing powerlessness in sobriety also paves the way for developing trust and surrender. When we acknowledge that we are not in control of everything, we learn to trust the process of recovery and surrender our will to a higher power or a greater collective wisdom. This shift in perspective allows us to let go of the need to micromanage every aspect of our lives and instead place our trust in something greater than ourselves. By surrendering, we release the burden of trying to control outcomes and instead focus on taking the necessary steps towards our recovery.

I saw that I was worse than I knew, but understanding the problem helped me accept the solution. Today with the understanding of powerless, our number one priority is our relationship with our creator and how we can best serve. One of the biggest plot twists regarding lacking power is that it starts as a tactic to gain power. Most individuals who end up in situations where they’re under the influence of substances are individuals with problems looking to overcome them in a meaningful way. Whether it’s consuming alcohol, taking an illicit drug, or some other substance, most situations start as a means of feeling good, in control, and enjoying life for what it is.

Is Alcoholism a Disease or Choice?

You will be unable to go further in your recovery if you cannot recognize that you and alcohol do not mix. 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. Recognizing powerlessness over an addiction is the first step to freedom. Denial is a classic symptom of addiction, especially in the form of justification. In other words, “You’d drink too if you had my life” is a warning sign of powerlessness over addiction.

We believe that these steps are the foundation for building a healthy, sober life, and we have seen the good fruit of these teachings in the lives of our patients. To learn more about our vision and treatments, please contact us today. In sobriety, accepting limitations and vulnerability is an essential aspect of embracing powerlessness. Addiction can create a false sense of invincibility, leading individuals to believe they are immune to consequences and can handle any situation.