Individuals struggling with this condition often find themselves powerless over alcohol, which can lead to a host of serious health issues both physical and mental health. Individuals who are suffering from alcoholism often find themselves prioritizing drinking over important responsibilities and activities, and their lives can become consumed by the need to drink. The emotional and psychological toll includes feelings of shame, guilt, powerless over alcohol and helplessness, which can worsen existing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The first step to recovery, according to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), is to admit that you are powerless over alcohol and that your life has become unmanageable. This crucial acknowledgment is often the hardest for many people, as those who struggle with alcoholism frequently find themselves in denial about the severity of their problem.

Renewal Center for Ongoing Recovery

I graduated from Towson University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Human Services, with a track in Child life. I then pursued my Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work. While pursuing my masters, I also received my BCAT certification which allows me to work with clients with Autism. I have experience working with all age groups and backgrounds and have worked in hospitals, inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs providing clinical social work services.

• It allows me to focus more fully on what I am able to offer to myself and others that is healthy, sustainable, and satisfying.
• Prior to her role in crisis intervention, Melissa worked extensively in the substance abuse and dual diagnoses treatment field.
• With admitting the reality of their powerlessness over alcohol and/or other drugs, they are now not that person.

Why Does Admitting Powerlessness Matter?

Whatever the reason, admitting powerlessness is to say that practicing self-control does not undo the effects of drugs or alcohol on the brain. Accepting this reality is what will equip you to seek treatment rather than deny that there is a problem in the first place. Cheryl is a Clinical Social Worker licensed by the state of Maryland with over 30 years of experience in the field. She graduated from The University of Maryland with a master’s degree in social work.

How Quitting Drinking Might Make You Look Younger

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. This shift in perspective allows us to let go of the need to micromanage every aspect of our lives and instead place our trust in something greater than ourselves. By surrendering, we release the burden of trying to control outcomes and instead focus on taking the necessary steps towards our recovery.

Clinical Supervisor – Primary Therapist

At Enlightened Solutions, we offer a comprehensive approach customized to the severity of the addiction and the presence of any co-occurring disorders. Our addiction professionals highly recommend a multi-staged recovery program to ensure the best outcomes. Accepting this powerlessness is a crucial step in recovery, as it allows individuals to seek the necessary help and support to regain control over their lives and work towards sobriety.

Director of Community Outreach

Whether or not you have a problem with alcohol, how often have you heard the phrase “honesty is the best policy”? There’s a reason for that—being honest with yourself and others is key to living the kind of rich, self-assured, fulfilling life that we all want. In this article, we’ll explain the language in greater detail and in simpler terms. And with the help of well-known recovery author Jeff Jay, we’ll also figure out how to actually work the Step and what it’s trying to teach us. Vanessa is a Montgomery County native who spends her free time traveling with her daughter and volunteering in the community. If there are any concerns about content we have published, please reach out to us at

Admitting powerlessness over a narrow, but deep, part of life.

When you start your recovery journey, the goal is to lead a sober life free from the claws of alcohol. It’s not about quitting now and maybe going back to drinking socially when you think you’ve regained control over your drinking. Admitting powerlessness is essentially waving the white flag and recognizing that you cannot try to drink anymore. History has proven that you have no control once a drop of alcohol enters your body. If you can grasp this knowledge, you will become a recovering, strong person.

You accept that your life, either internally, externally or both, has been impacted by maintaining the use of a substance and this addiction has negatively influenced your thoughts and actions. 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.

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 https://ecosoberhouse.com/ exactly see all the places that this help is needed. Another example of powerlessness in sobriety is the need to let go of old habits and patterns that contributed to addiction.