I take heart in William James’ words, “Faith is a bet you can’t lose.” If I choose to believe that things I’m powerless over can work out without me, then I have more peace. Our fears of rejection and/or disappointment prevent us from asking friends, family, and folks in recovery. We in recovery are accustomed to living at the extremes of all or nothing. Many of us prove our worth by managing everything and everyone but not ourselves. Even in sobriety, many of us tend not to respect our limitations and we pay too high a price accordingly.

Untreated Alcoholism

• Addiction treatment centers often talk about “powerless” as a way to describe the feeling of being unable to control one’s life.
• The first step of AA says, “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable.” Admitting powerlessness over alcohol is the foundation of your recovery.
• By accepting powerlessness, individuals open themselves up to the possibility of transformation and growth.
• In the journey of sobriety, understanding and embracing powerlessness is a fundamental aspect of recovery.
• Acknowledging powerlessness over alcohol and drugs can be liberating for many people.

Step One is just asking a person to acknowledge that they have the disease of addiction, and life is harder because of it. Shannon is a certified A.D.T. who has worked in powerless over alcohol different capacities at several rehabilitation centers in the state of Maryland. Shannon has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in Political Science.

Recovery Coaching

By recognizing and embracing these examples of powerlessness in sobriety, individuals can navigate their recovery journey with a greater sense of self-awareness, humility, and resilience. For many addicted to alcohol and drugs, it’s difficult to admit the way addiction has made their lives unmanageable. The self-awareness that comes with realizing how bad things are and how damaging the substance abuse has been is how you can start to desire a better future for yourself. I began working in the treatment field for alcohol and drug addiction in January 2020, and it has provided me with a sense of purpose, as helping others has always been a passion of mine. I worked in construction prior to this field and needed a complete change in career as I was too suffering from substance addiction.

Step 1 in the Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Programs

Her primary focus is to provide all clients with a safe, structured environment while coordinating their care. Alexandra understands addiction from both familial and personal standpoints, as she is active in her own recovery. Alexandra is a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend and has learned the value of recovery and succeeding in whatever she sets her mind to.

• Erin decided to switch careers and went back to school to obtain her Addiction Counseling certification.
• And with the help of well-known recovery author Jeff Jay, we’ll also figure out how to actually work the Step and what it’s trying to teach us.
• What research has discovered is that acceptance of this step should be centered on the person and what they believe is problematic.

With his expertise, experience, and passion for helping others, David is an asset to the Freedom Center, empowering individuals on his recovery journey. When referring to powerlessness in AA, it is referring to the inability to control how much alcohol you drink. Admitting that you are powerlessness over alcohol means that you cannot and never will be able to drink alcohol in a safe manner again.

• Although you can if you desire, there is no need to work any of the AA steps completely on your own.
• In addition, she has enjoyed decorating and preparing a safe, comfortable environment for clients and staff.
• Many people with an addiction to alcohol feel guilt, low self-esteem, and shame.
• Mr. Douglas’ experience, strength, and hope inspires those in our program, and prepares them for the real-world journey of recovery.

Acknowledging powerlessness over alcohol and drugs can be liberating for many people. It frees you up to focus your time and energy on things https://ecosoberhouse.com/ that are within your control. Perhaps you are familiar with the words of the Serenity Prayer, which is commonly recited at AA meetings.

• Outside of work, he finds solace in outdoor activities like hiking and woodworking.
• Prior to entering the substance abuse and mental health field, Shannon was a Corporate Executive for 18 years.
• Even in sobriety, many of us tend not to respect our limitations and we pay too high a price accordingly.
• Corey’s mission is to provide quality behavioral health care to local community members who reach out in need, regardless of their financial situation.

What Does Powerlessness Mean in the 12 Steps?

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. Throughout that process, he learned the importance of helping others and living by spiritual principles. Throughout his recovery, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others.

Mary goes above and beyond to exceed expectations and is dedicated to outstanding service. Admitting you have a problem is always said to be the first step of recovery. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you are heading in the direction of recovery or sobriety.

The Benefits of Embracing Powerlessness

Mr. Douglas’ experience, strength, and hope inspires those in our program, and prepares them for the real-world journey of recovery. With a robust foundation in 12-step philosophy, Federico can not only educate the clients on the model, but also integrate the tried-and-true principles in a more personal, clinical setting. When you are 2 or 10 or 20 years sober, you are still going to be powerless over alcohol.