Accepting our powerlessness (complete defeat) is the bottom that an alcoholic and addict must hit. Sometimes alcoholics keep their desire to drink secret because they’re ashamed or think that deciding to quit drinking means they aren’t supposed to be tempted. By admitting to at least one other person that you’re having a hard time with your sobriety in Step 1 of AA, you acknowledge that you are having difficulty maintaining control in regards to alcohol.
The Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Big Book states that “we were powerless over our drug problem” as its first tenet. Like AA members, NA members believe they cannot control drugs without the help of a higher power. The Serenity Prayer is a central mantra of many recovery communities. It demonstrates the paradox of powerlessness and the role of surrender.
Why We Don’t Use the Term “Alcoholic”
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. After years of battling alcohol and drug addiction, Shannon found purpose in aiding and assisting the still suffering alcoholic and addict. Shannon decided to switch careers and went back to school to obtain his Addiction Counseling degree and certification in Human Services in 2022 from Anne Arundel Community College.
- Excessive alcohol use not only leads to more than 140,000 deaths nationally each year but can also cause lives to spin out of control.
- In 2018, Corey had the opportunity to partner with Amethyst and USR to open The Freedom Center in his to hometown of Gaithersburg, MD.
- Before speaking, the participant is required to state his or her first name and say that he or she is an alcoholic.
- Ambrosia Treatment Center of South Florida is here to help those who struggle with addiction.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you are heading in the direction of recovery or sobriety. 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. Even if someone realizes or admits they have a problem they might still be unwilling to make the necessary changes.
James Scribner
Her innovative approach as Director of Operations gives her clients a safe and compassionate place at The Freedom Center to begin their recovery journey. Sydney Tubbs is a driven and compassionate Operations Director at The Freedom Center. With a profound understanding powerless over alcohol of the complexities surrounding addiction, Sydney has dedicated her career to improving the lives of individuals struggling with substance abuse. With herself and her staff their main goal is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for our clients.
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. Melissa is a visionary and empathetic leader in the field of peer support and recovery.
Step One: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.” (Big Book, Page
John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. If one of our articles is marked with a ‘reviewed for accuracy and expertise’ badge, it indicates that one or more members of our team of doctors and clinicians have reviewed the article further to ensure accuracy. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. Admitting you have a problem is always said to be the first step of recovery.
- I utilize a person-centered approach to my clients to help empower change within themselves.
- It forces you to be honest about your relationship with alcohol so you can stop making excuses and start working toward sobriety.
- This can lead to a cycle of lies, both for you and for the family members who attempt to understand or excuse your behavior.
This is not an excuse for continuing down the same destructive path. Michael is the Community Outreach Coordinator and Alumni Director. Himself, an alumni of The Freedom Center, Michael brings a personal experience of the program to his role. A resident of Gaithersburg, Michael has planted roots and established a network in the local recovery community. Michael’s goal is to connect current client and alumni with resources to strengthen their life in recovery.
What Is the Purpose of Alcoholics Anonymous Step 1?
James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center. Identifying https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a life that is “unmanageable” can be subjective, but there are a few clear ways in which one’s life could be labeled as such. If there are responsibilities at work, school, or in your personal life that are not being met, then this is a good sign of unmanageability.
What we can do is turn to a Power greater than ourselves for help. We let this Power do what we are unable to do for ourselves. What does “powerless” mean when it comes to alcoholism/addiction? The dictionary defines powerless as being without the power to do something or prevent something from happening.
Operations Director
Over time, you and your family lose control of your thinking. The only way to break that vicious cycle is by getting honest about your relationship with alcohol. It’s about admitting that alcohol controls you, and not the other way around.
