My new assignment is to write at least 5 (more specific) things I'm powerless over. This attitude will bring immediate and practical results. Step 1 of AA: Admitting You're Powerless Over Alcohol When a person admits that alcohol is affecting his or her life, they can start recovery. But in order to proceed with the rest of the 12 steps, an addict has to admit that their life has become unmanageable. Unable to control or set limits with substance use, Admitting the negative consequences of your addictive behaviors, Addiction is unmanageable without help despite your best efforts, Acknowledging shame and guilt over your actions and addiction, Realizing you dont know how to handle the situation without guidance, Unable to identify barriers to getting and staying sober, Liberating to admit you have no control over addiction, Dont need to hit rock bottom before getting help, Understand and accept the disease of addiction. What Does It Mean to Be Powerless Over Alcohol and Other Drugs? Bunmi is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she earned her bachelors degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services. How does AA Step 1 help you continue with the remaining steps? 4848 South Commerce Dr. Myth 3: You Must Hit Rock Bottom, Literally Step 1 of AA references the need for members to hit rock bottom before genuinely understanding their addiction. Facebook, Doctor Who, video games. Some recent studies support the idea that believing you lack free willthat youre powerlessincreases your likelihood of failure, simply because if you dont believe you can succeed in controlling addictive behavior, you are less likely to try. A decline in the desire to care for oneself to prioritize something else. Remember, recovery is not being weak or less of a person. Call Renascent for a consultation today. Admitting youre powerless over alcohol simply means that if you get in the ring with alcohol, alcohol is going to win, probably in the first round.