A person no longer must hit “rock bottom” to be able to engage in recovery. They can step out of the process at any stage by simply acknowledging they need help, even when they don’t exactly see all the places that this help is needed. Step One AA acknowledges that not only are you powerless over alcohol, but your life has also become unmanageable as a result. This unmanageability often manifests in various ways, such as deteriorating relationships, declining physical and mental health and a growing sense of despair. Recognizing this unmanageability is crucial because it propels individuals toward seeking help and making lasting changes.

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

If you can grasp this knowledge, you will become a recovering, strong person. Recovery is about accepting that alcohol does not add to your life. When you’re able to accept the fatal progression of your alcohol use disorder, you can’t continue living in denial. You must first adopt attitudes and actions of being honest and sacrificing your time and energy to help yourself and other sufferers.

Clinical Director

• Developing daily habits like prayer, meditation, or attending an AA meeting helps us embrace powerlessness while staying connected to our recovery program.
• Himself, an alumni of The Freedom Center, Michael brings a personal experience of the program to his role.
• Many AA beginners erroneously believe that since they are are attending a session or in rehab that they have automatically completed Step 1 of AA.
• Corey’s mission is to provide quality behavioral health care to local community members who reach out in need, regardless of their financial situation.

Step 1 of AA can be one of the most difficult on your journey to sobriety. You must first admit powerless over alcohol and be honest with yourself about the situation. Further, by accepting that there are things that we cannot control, including our drug use, we open ourselves up to receiving the help of others. Coming to this understanding will make you much more receptive to looking to sources outside yourself for recovery, such as your sponsor, your fellow group members, or your Higher Power. All of which makes you more receptive to learning and healing, which in turn makes it much easier to follow through with the remaining twelve steps of AA.

Admitting Powerlessness Is a Form of Strength

Being born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it was always a dream for James to start a program where he began his own recovery journey. Having faced addiction in his own life, and having worked through recovery, James truly understands what it takes to get sober and stay sober. James now has the opportunity to do what he loves and help others achieve long-term recovery. James works alongside the clinical director and administrative team to powerless over alcohol help ensure that every client benefits from a customized treatment plan and holistic approach that offers freedom from the grips of addiction.

The Science of Step 1: How Being Powerless Empowers Your Recovery

• All you need to do is admit that Power overcomes powerlessness.
• All of which makes you more receptive to learning and healing, which in turn makes it much easier to follow through with the remaining twelve steps of AA.
• We believe that these steps are the foundation for building a healthy, sober life, and we have seen the good fruit of these teachings in the lives of our patients.
• If you’re ready to get help with alcohol addiction and need alcohol detox or addiction treatment, you may benefit from attending treatment at a dedicated rehab facility.
• 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.

Whether it’s dealing with romantic partners, a loved one’s drinking, or overwhelming life struggles, powerlessness teaches us to let go of control and focus on what we can change. Almost every newcomer to recovery discovers that the lessons of the first step extend far beyond substance abuse. I began working in the treatment field for alcohol and drug addiction in January 2020, and it has provided me with a sense of purpose, as helping others has always been a passion of mine. I worked in construction prior to this field and needed a https://ecosoberhouse.com/ complete change in career as I was too suffering from substance addiction. I watch clients walk through the door, broken, and still remember when it was I who felt hopeless. After learning the necessary coping skills and engaging in a 12-step fellowship, my life began to change, and only for the better.

Understanding Addiction as a Physical Allergy

• In this context, it means that someone feels like they don’t have any control over their life.
• You may view alcoholism as a weakness of your character or will, but this view may hinder your ability to accept you have an alcohol use disorder.
• Our holistic treatment programs treat the whole person in recovery.
• If you’re struggling with alcohol use—whether or not you’re in AA—it is up to you to choose how you describe your situation.

Her exceptional leadership skills, coupled with her unwavering commitment to delivering high- quality care, have allowed her to successfully oversee the day-to-day operations of a leading addiction treatment facility. With herself and her staff their main goal is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for our clients. Through her relentless pursuit of excellence, Sydney empowers individuals on their journey towards recovery, offering hope and healing to those in need. Currently enrolled in a master’s program for Social Work, he is committed to expanding his knowledge and providing comprehensive care. Inspired by his upbringing in Bolivia, marked by poverty, unaddressed mental health, and drug addiction substance use, he brings a unique perspective to his role as a Primary Therapist at the Freedom Center. He tailors treatment plans to meet individual needs, fostering healing and growth.

I remember one of the old-timers at a meeting discussing that relapse is almost always a direct result of not accepting step one. Taking a second look back over the unmanageability – okay I could agree with that, but then came the part about being powerless. Diving deeper, the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous states that we are essentially powerless over all circumstances, environments, situations, people, places, and things.