It’s a common saying, but never was the cliché more accurate than when it comes to addiction recovery.

Because no matter where an addict or an alcoholic finds their bottom, or where they hope to go, the process of getting there always begins in earnest with the adoption of a serious program of addiction recovery, and by working the first of the Twelve Steps.

The wording varies slightly across the fellowships:

Alcoholics Anonymous

We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, that our lives had become unmanageable.

Narcotics Anonymous

We admitted that we were powerless over addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.

Codependents Anonymous

We admitted that we were powerless over others, that our lives had become unmanageable.

Those are just a few of the many examples. Common among them all, however, is the idea that recovery from addiction begins with admitting to yourself and to others that you have a problem — and that it will ruin your life if you let it.

Powerlessness can be a challenging concept for many addicts and alcoholics to accept, especially when they look at friends or family members who can drink or use substances without disastrous consequences.

But Step One means coming to terms with the fact that there is no amount of will power, no special trick, no formula that can allow an alcoholic or addict to use, without life quickly spiraling out of control.

Accepting complete powerlessness in the face of a dangerously powerful addiction can be a terrifying experience. But Step One also promises you don’t have to do it alone.

In all the fellowships, Step One begins with the word “We,” highlighting the fact that every member of AA, NA, or any other fellowship has triumphed over the same moment of fear, and will face it again many times throughout their addiction recovery.

If you’re ready to take the first step in your own addiction recovery, contact us at Clean Path Behavioral Health. All of our programs involve a focus on the 12 Steps fellowships. Working your addiction recovery with Clean Path, you’ll go to meetings to listen to the stories of other addicts and alcoholics, and see how you can relate to their own experiences of powerlessness. You’ll find a sponsor who can walk you through the same paces that countless others have walked before. And you’ll find freedom from your addiction — one step, and one day at a time.