Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol–that our lives had become unmanageable.
-Step 1 of AA
The Philosophy Behind The 1st Step
The 1st step is an incredibly powerful one. As our problems with addiction grew, we hid them from others and ourselves. We pretended that we had the answers and could control our behavior. When we hurt others, we often blamed them. As we did so, our instincts and judgement led us astray over and over.
Our addiction has bled us dry. Many of us lost marriages, careers, friends, and ourselves as we succumbed.
Part of the problem is that we are taught to always remain in control and to win at all costs. Admitting you are a powerless addictAn individual with an unhealthy dependence on a substance or behavior. An individual remains an addict even years into recovery and must therefore remain active in recovery. Read more about drug & alcohol addiction & withdrawal at Withdrawal Info. seems like a form of defeat and something inside our very being rebels against that notion.
Don’t worry. This is only a partial admission of defeat. What you are admitting is that the means you have used so far to control your life have failed. But you are also getting ready to walk on a new path of recoveryThe process by which addicts attempt to break the hold a certain substance or behavior has on their lives. This can refer to participation in a wide variety of methods. What they all have in common, is a sense that life is improving and the addict is regaining control., one which will ultimately see you overcome and defeat addiction.
It may seem like the last thing you want to do when your life is in chaos is let go and invite even less control. But remember, this process is a productive one. You are letting go of your old habits in order to build different and healthy ones. All forms of renewal and rebirth are painful at first. It is a healthy pain.
How do we let go? The most important part is to admit the depth of our addiction and that we have lost our ability to control it.
The 1st step is where we let go of this pathology. Our attempts to control our own lives have fallen short. When we fail to gain control, our instinct is to try to hold on to control even tighter. However, in this step we act counterintuitively and let go instead.
How to Work Step 1
One of the best and most simple ways to admit you have lost control is to go to a meeting and share. Be honest about how your attempts to manage the addiction have gone wrong. Tell other understanding people, how much damage you have done to your life and to those around you.
When you are ready to seriously work the stepsThe term "12 steps" refers to the core principles of the approach to addiction exemplified by Alcoholics Anonymous and other similar groups. The 12 steps are a set of guidelines designed to help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. They were created by the founders of Alcoholics A..., get a sponsor you can trust in order to help you with the process. They will begin to help you immediately in two ways. First, whenever you feel like you may relapseRelapse in the context of 12-step programs refers to the act of reverting to harmful behaviors associated with addiction after a period of recovery. This return to substance use or compulsive behavior disrupts the recovery process and often leads to a resurgence of destructive patterns that the indi... into addictive behavior, you will now have someone to consult. If you ever feel week, reach out! It is part of admitting that you are powerless.
Your sponsorAn individual in a 12-step program requires a sponsor to help them work the steps and hold them accountable for their recovery. The sponsor should be readily available when help is needed. A member with a sponsor is considered to be the sponsee. will also play an essential role in facilitating your work on the first step. Sponsors often recommend that addicts working the first step compile a list of some of the worst behaviors and outcomes associated with their addiction.
Remember, the guiding principle in working this step is honesty. When you compile that list tell everything. Whatever it is, your sponsor and group have heard it before. No matter how shameful you believe the details of your story may be, other members will surprise you with their support and understanding.
Do not be afraid to tell your sponsor and other members if you have relapsed or are having trouble sustaining recovery in any way. Everyone runs into trouble at some point. As long as you are honest about it and prove willing to accept help, there is no obstacle you cannot overcome.
Step 2 >
