I had the knowledge of what to do; set a drinks limit. I would always drink more than intended and do damage to my life and body. I had component (i) of human-power but not component (ii). I knew what I had to do but I couldn’t do what I had to do. Unable to control or moderate, I sought another solution. It can be helpful to think of ‘my power’ or ‘human-power’ as consisting of two things (i) Knowledge (of what to do), and (ii) Ability (to do it).
- The thought that a substance can have the power to completely take control of one’s life to the point of dysfunction seems inconceivable.
- Before there were no choices, just wine and hangovers and regret.
- This story reveals the insanity of addiction and how it hijacks our ability to make rational decisions.
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How many times have we had these kinds of thoughts and believed them? Because we are unable to produce Sobriety these desired effects. Let’s face it when we control it, we’re not enjoying it, and when we’re enjoying it, we’re not controlling it. 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.
Examples Of Powerlessness
After all, you cannot escape the chains that bind you until you acknowledge that there are, in fact, chains, and someone else holds the key to unlocking them. As human beings, it is within our nature to feel we have control over the people in our lives, as well as any situation or thing that crosses our path. The thought that a substance can have the power to completely take control of one’s life to the point of dysfunction seems inconceivable. Addicts rationalize their behavior or engage in substantial denial that a problem even exists. Rationalization, denial, and other defense mechanisms provide a smokescreen to obscure the truth that is in plain view. Coming to terms with powerlessness can be one of the most challenging aspects of Step One.
Do You Have to Believe in God for 1st Step AA?
The 1st Step matters because it sets the tone for the entire twelve-step recovery process. Without admitting powerlessness, the rest of the program cannot be fully embraced. This step is essential for breaking the illusion of control that somehow, someday, we will be able to drink or drug like normal people without losing control. 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 1st Step isn’t just about admitting we were powerless over alcohol or drugs—it’s about learning how to apply this principle to broader challenges in our lives.
Admitting Powerlessness Is a Form of Strength
- We may lose motivation and interest in things we once enjoyed.
- You might not be ready the first time you decide to attend a meeting.
- John finds truly brilliant speakers who share incredible stories.
The mental obsession of addiction is what keeps us trapped, even when we’re not actively drinking or using drugs. It’s an all-consuming fixation that overrides logic, consequences, and even our deepest desires to stop. In substance abuse recovery, we learn that addiction is not just a physical issue but a relentless mental battle. This obsession convinces us that we can control our drinking or using, i am powerless over alcohol despite countless failures and consequences. Addiction as a physical allergy means our bodies react abnormally to substances like alcohol and other drugs. This reaction isn’t something we can will away or control.
