Step One of the 12 Steps

This is why hitting rock bottom plays such a large role in addiction. As addiction begins to overtake your life, you lie to yourself about what is happening. Unfortunately, many cannot shatter that illusion until they hit rock bottom and are confronted with undeniable proof that everything is not okay. Only then do they feel that powerlessness that comes from addiction.

• We lost jobs, homes, and businesses, not to mention our self-respect.
• He received his medical degree in Mexico with further certification from Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey.
• I cannot do anything for myself or my family without the drug controlling my every choice.
• You may be powerless over addiction, but you aren’t powerless, period.
• That usually involves calling or visiting their dealers to locate what they will need to get through the day.

The membership has increased steadily over the past four decades (Kaskutas, Ye, Greenfield, Witbrodt, & Bond, 2008). Narcotics Anonymous (NA; 2010b) has similarly expanded to become an international network of support groups, with more than 58,000 weekly meetings in 131 countries. Cocaine Anonymous (CA; 2011) has grown from its origins in 1982 to more than 30,000 members and 2,000 groups internationally by 1996. In addition, AA, NA, and CA all have Internet-based “chat” rooms and online meetings that can be found easily by doing an online search (e.g., “online NA meetings”); these online resources are viewed as ways to supplement, not replace, attending meetings in person. The only requirement for membership in 12-Step groups is a desire to stop drinking and/or using drugs. There is also a strong emphasis placed on service and helping other members get and stay clean and sober.

Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous

At this point, it is time for intervention and professional help if you want to regain control of your life. It has been my experience that doing the steps has brought me serenity and the welcome realization that AA is not just a program where sick people get well—it is a way of living that is rewarding in and of itself. Doing the 12 steps is also referred to as “working” the steps, because it requires willingness, effort and action. It is said the 12 steps of AA is compared to markers put out lovingly on a path by those who preceded us, to direct us on our journey. The journey can seem daunting from the perspective of a person at the beginning but fortunately all we are asked to do is to take one step at a time. A question of concern is whether certain subgroups or special populations benefit as fully, or in the same way, from participation in 12-Step support groups.

Alexandra works with Admissions and Clinical Departments for scheduling client admissions, transfers, discharges and outside appointments while maintaining positive relationships with all clients. Her primary focus is to provide all clients with a safe, structured environment while coordinating their care. Alexandra understands addiction from both familial and personal standpoints, as she is active in her own recovery. Through her own hard-won experience and deep desire to help others, Alexandra became a certified Peer Support Recovery Coach, Life Coach and actively practices principals learned through the recovery process in her daily life. Alexandra is a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend and has learned the value of recovery and succeeding in whatever she sets her mind to. Her innovative approach as Director of Operations gives her clients a safe and compassionate place at The Freedom Center to begin their recovery journey.

The Power of Admitting Powerlessness

My name is Ashlyn Jacob and I’m a licensed master’s social worker. 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 examples of powerlessness over alcohol 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.

The first step of a 12-step program is to admit that you are powerless over your addiction, and consequently, your life has become unmanageable. While it is important to believe in your ability to overcome your addiction, you first must admit that you have an addiction and you need help in order for things to change. Until you do so, drugs and/or alcohol will continue to exert their power over you and control every aspect of your life.

Step One of AA: The Journey Begins

With a profound understanding of the complexities surrounding addiction, Sydney has dedicated her career to improving the lives of individuals struggling with substance abuse. 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. With six years of experience in addiction therapy, a solid academic foundation in Psychology from the University of Mary Washington, and additional credentials from Anne Arundel Community College, David is a compassionate and dedicated therapist. Currently enrolled in a master’s program for Social Work, he is committed to expanding his knowledge and providing comprehensive care.

AA is a group of fellow recovering alcoholics who use the 12 steps and sponsorship to hold you accountable and offer you a daily reprieve from alcohol dependency. No recreational drug user or social drinker ever intends to become dependent or addicted. So if you find yourself frequently fighting with your partner about your drug use or drinking and the problems it is causing, or you have harmed someone you love because of it, it may be time to seek counseling and treatment for and both addiction and anger management. Despite the benefit that can be derived from attending meetings and engaging in 12-Step activities, many individuals with SUDs are reluctant to do so. A number of real or perceived barriers contribute to high attrition and low or inconsistent participation rates. Self-empowerment pitches are misguided when the target audience includes chronic drinkers and drug users, all of whom already suffer the hallmarks of powerlessness.

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. I now enjoy working with others and helping them get through the hard times of early recovery. I still engage in a daily program of recovery myself and also enjoy fitness and health, nature, sports, horror movies, video games, cooking and spending time with family and friends. I have been on both sides of the fence, active addiction and recovery, and continue to choose recovery every day. This step of accepting powerlessness from the 12-Step process of recovery essentially highlights the power of drugs and alcohol over our lives.

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