What does “powerless” mean when it comes to alcoholism/addiction? The dictionary defines powerless as being without the power to do something or prevent something from happening. Let’s think about this definition as it relates to alcoholism/addiction.

Getting help from others at a treatment facility and in peer recovery groups can benefit your sobriety. In this context, it means that someone feels like they don’t have any control over their life. They may feel like they have little choice but to continue using drugs or alcohol because they lack alternatives.

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To find out, it’s important to carefully explore the principles of AA. For Wilson and Smith, surrendering to a ‘higher power’ was an integral part of their plan’s development. Today, some critics of the program find that aspect of AA problematic, arguing that self-empowerment is an effective way to manage addiction and achieve lasting recovery. The 12 Principles of AA is essentially the work of AA’s founders, but early in AA’s powerless over alcohol history, the organization listed six principles, many of which were influenced by the founders’ experience with The Oxford Group. By 1939 and the publication of The Big Book, Wilson and Smith revised their principles, expanding them to reflect their work and its progress. AA is, of course, heavily focused on principles of Christianity, but many of today’s groups have modernized the tenets to reflect a more diverse audience.

• We let this Power do what we are unable to do for ourselves.
• The Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Big Book states that “we were powerless over our drug problem” as its first tenet.
• He attributed his success to working with other alcoholics.
• We’re powerless when our mind is obsessing, so it’s nearly impossible to make the right decision.

A complete answer to this question begins with a quick history of how these principles originated, who developed them, and why. You’ll then get to learn about each principle separately and what it means…. The purpose is to recover from compulsive, out-of-control behaviors and restore manageability and order to your life.

Examples of Powerlessness In Sobriety List

12-step programs have been statistically shown to have a 5-10% success rate. Step One isn’t the only reason for this, but it is clearly a part of the problem. Admitting powerlessness in sobriety can empower you to get the help and support you need to manage your life. Ambrosia Treatment Center of South Florida is here to help those who struggle with addiction.

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So What Is the First Step Asking For?

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. That makes “admitting powerlessness” a form of strength. 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. You’re also embracing your need to learn what led you to become addicted in the first place, the thoughts and behaviors that fuel your addiction and what you must do to achieve and maintain sobriety.

You also have to be willing to make amends, which shows that you truly care for the people on your list. Humility is one of the simplest principles to understand because it’s straightforward. When you’re humble, you’re cognizant of the fact that you’re not a major part of the bigger picture. Humility in daily practice means never seeing yourself as more important than you are. Each step centers around a phrase, many of them invoking the ideas of God or a “higher power” who guides the recovering addict in various facets of their journey into sobriety.