Known as the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, the publication changed the conversation about alcoholism and catapulted the Twelve Step model of recovery into the public’s eye. The original AA model was later used to form other recovery programs to help people with different addictions and compulsive behaviors. This step is not saying you are powerless over your actions, decisions, or relationships with others; only over your addiction to alcohol or drugs.

• This cycle of lies and keeping secrets can go on for years, and that in itself can create an atmosphere that actually causes the situation to deteriorate faster.
• Humility in daily practice means never seeing yourself as more important than you are.
• At The Kimberly Center, we know that acknowledging powerlessness isn’t easy, but we want to help simplify the recovery process.
• These beliefs are reinforced by the media’s portrayal of alcohol, societal norms around drinking, and alcohol’s addictive nature.
• Families can also find support in 12 step based self-help in groups such as Al-anon and Nar-Anon.

Renewal Center for Ongoing Recovery

You’re not alone—almost everyone has a hard time with Step 1 when they first get sober. The phrasing can be confusing or dated, and when people first encounter Step 1, they’re likely powerless over alcohol to pause at the idea of being powerless while others scratch their heads at “life has become unmanageable.” The family can become totally controlled by diseased thinking.

How Long Does It Take for the Twelve Steps to Work?

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. Step 1 of AA references the need for members to hit rock bottom before genuinely understanding their addiction. Your rock bottom is whatever makes you realize alcohol is destructive to you and your loved ones. Rock bottom gives you the motivation to open your mind to recovery.

Are There Alternatives to the Twelve Steps and AA?

It was a statistical fact that alcoholics rarely recovered on their own resources” (p. 22). Completing Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous can look different for everyone. It may include tasks such as speaking at an AA meeting, telling someone if you feel like drinking, working with a counselor, getting an AA sponsor, and/or telling someone if you do drink. Our family therapy program is second to none.Learn how we can help your family by calling a Treatment Advisor now. We live in a society that tells us we should be able to figure out our problems and overcome challenges on our own; that if we can’t, we’re weak.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the 12 Steps?

You must first admit powerless over alcohol and be honest with yourself about the situation. Alcoholics Anonymous Step 1 is the beginning of a 12-step program to get and stay sober. Taking this first step and admitting you are struggling with alcohol misuse can be difficult, but it is the foundation of all positive change according to AA.

• It may include tasks such as speaking at an AA meeting, telling someone if you feel like drinking, working with a counselor, getting an AA sponsor, and/or telling someone if you do drink.
• When you look up the definition of the word “powerless”, you will find that it means being helpless, without ability or influence, ineffective, and defenseless.
• By accepting the things you cannot change and understanding that it’s possible to change the things that are within your control, you open yourself up to options that can help you heal.
• Perhaps you are familiar with the words of the Serenity Prayer, which is commonly recited at AA meetings.

Alcohol and Misguided Beliefs

How to Complete Step 1 of AA