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. Over the past several months, Erin has worked with our team to create a strong clinical program for our residential location in Buckeystown. In addition, she has enjoyed decorating and preparing a safe, comfortable environment for clients and staff. With her passion and drive to bring success to our residential program, Erin is excited for the opportunity to lead our team in Buckeystown as the Program Director. Erin is grateful to be a part of the dedicated, caring and compassionate Freedom Center Team.

Clinical Director

Rather, the addicted brain’s demands only intensify and begin searching for opportunities and excuses to be satisfied. The person in whom an addicted brain exists is powerless to change this reality by dint of will power alone. Step One only says that, if you are truly addicted to alcohol and/or other drugs, you are completely unable (i.e., powerless) not to be addicted. Even if you abstain for a while, as soon as you return to using alcohol or other drugs, the addiction will reawaken. You do not have the capacity to use any addictive substance in moderation. Understanding powerlessness in sobriety can help you manage your addiction.

The paradox of powerlessness

It involves acknowledging the limitations of control over addiction and surrendering to the process of healing. This section explores what powerlessness means in the context of sobriety and emphasizes the strength that can be found in accepting it. The problem with admitting powerlessness, even when all the evidence points in that direction, is that such an admission is not merely exchanging one belief for another more accurate one.

Benefits of Understanding Powerlessness in Sobriety

I have over four years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges, including mental health issues, addiction, trauma, grief, and other issues individuals may experience. I graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and then pursued my Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work. I have experience working in psychiatric hospitals, inpatient, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ outpatient, detox, and partial hospitalization programs providing clinical social work services. My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the unique experiences and perspectives of each of my clients . I utilize a person-centered approach to my clients to help empower change within themselves. At Spero Recovery, we understand how hard it can be to admit that you are powerless over the effects of drugs and alcohol on your life.

• When we acknowledge that we are not in control of everything, we learn to trust the process of recovery and surrender our will to a higher power or a greater collective wisdom.
• I graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and then pursued my Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work.
• What he has found to be most rewarding about working in the addictions treatment field is being able to help suffering addicts and alcoholics to realize their fullest potential.

I know you don’t believe what I am saying, but trust me when I say if my life then was better than my life now, I would still be drinking! But we are getting off track, step one actually has powerless over alcohol two different parts that I needed to realize. I was sitting on the steps of the halfway house I attended for more than five months with my sponsor when I decided to jump into the steps.

It is not a substitute for clinical treatment or individualized therapeutic services. When alcoholism or alcohol use disorder begins to take control of a family, usually one of the first things to go is honesty. The person with the problem often lies about how much they drink and those around them may begin to cover for them as the problem progresses. 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 to pause at the idea of being powerless while others scratch their heads at “life has become unmanageable.”

Recovery Advocacy

• In fact, many people who struggle with addiction feel like they have little power over their disease but still want to change.
• In this article, we’ll explain the language in greater detail and in simpler terms.
• I was sitting on the steps of the halfway house I attended for more than five months with my sponsor when I decided to jump into the steps.
• A person no longer must hit “rock bottom” to be able to engage in recovery.

The meaning of powerless in the first step of AA