Step 1 A A. Why the 12-step Journey Begins with Powerlessness

Federico is a certified A.D.T. who is bilingual is Spanish. He earned a Bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania while pursuing his CAC-AD. With strong ties to Victory Christian Church and the 12-step community, Federico shares an amazing personal story of redemption and long-term recovery. With over 32 years in the arena of addiction and sobriety, he uses his vast experience to provide a unique approach to mentorship and guiding our clients toward a supportive lifestyle of recovery. Mr. Douglas’ experience, strength, and hope inspires those in our program, and prepares them for the real-world journey of recovery. With a robust foundation in 12-step philosophy, Federico can not only educate the clients on the model, but also integrate the tried-and-true principles in a more personal, clinical setting. Most recovering addicts, especially those who attend the 12-step program, are pretty familiar with the concept of powerlessness.

We don’t see the truth and only see what we think is the truth. With time the cloudiness will subside and pass, but in the beginning, that is our main issue.

I Don’t Understand the First Step – What is Unmanageability?

Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting recovery. Alexandra oversees all operations with The Freedom Center to ensure clients are given the best chance at success. She works with The Freedom Center team to develop and implement policies, procedures and oversees Intakes and Transportation. Alexandra works with Admissions and Clinical Departments for scheduling client admissions, transfers, discharges and outside appointments while maintaining positive relationships with all clients.

• It helps foster accountability and is a profound place of support.
• In this article, we will discuss what the term “powerless” means in AA.
• You know that alcohol is bad news for you, you are convinced, and nothing can make you return to drinking.
• I experienced the death of my life power when I ceased to enjoy my relationships; familial, spiritual, and romantic.
• History has proven that you have no control once a drop of alcohol enters your body.

By doing so, you are actually showing how strong you are. You are strong enough not to let alcohol take over your life again. By practicing abstinence, alcohol cannot wield its power over you. And when you start living a sober life, then you can gradually gain your power back as your power comes from sobriety. Read on to learn more about the concept of powerlessness, what it really means, and why it’s so critical in the recovery journey. Alcoholics Anonymous Step 1 is the beginning of a 12-step program to get and stay sober.

What Groups Use Powerlessness to Benefit Recovery?

However, even though I had all these terrible things going on, I continued to drink thinking it’s not that bad or it would get better. This is the powerless aspect of the disease – I was powerless over whether I drank or used.

Mark joined the medical team at The Freedom Center in September 2018 as the Medical Director. He received his medical degree in Mexico with further certification from Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey. He then attended New York Medical College for his residency training. Judy is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland, and a powerless over alcohol National Certified Counselor. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. She has served in both clinical and leadership positions in a number of roles, in inpatient and outpatient settings, as a Primary Therapist and Clinical Supervisor.

What Does It Mean to Be Powerless?

We cannot control the weather, war, illness, or other people. You can no more overcome your addiction all by sheer force of will than others can treat their cancer or diabetes without the help of medical professionals. Embracing humility and seeking https://ecosoberhouse.com/ help are acts of strength. When you become lost, you consult a map or ask for directions. If you stubbornly forge ahead without an accurate idea of where you are and where you are headed, the road will be that much longer and frustrating.

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• That’s when an idea strikes – I’m gonna go by the bar and have a couple drinks.
• Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
• Deirdre has extensive experience in mental health and treating substance use disorder related issues.
• Some people believe AA is intricately tied to religion by seeking a “higher power.” Rather, AA members are encouraged to understand they’re powerless in changing their addictive behavior.
• If so, you must admit defeat, become powerless, and embrace Alcoholics Anonymous guiding principles, starting with Step 1 of AA.

In essence, you are 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 are using. You are 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.

Alcoholism contributes to many physical and mental health issues, and even death.

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