AA Step 1: Admit Powerlessness

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the oldest and perhaps the most recognized alcohol addiction treatment programs. With a history stretching back for decades, AA operates on its 12-Step method, which gives a roadmap for those seeking recovery. Understanding the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous can be vital in helping you achieve or maintain recovery. 

What Is Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

The first step in AA states:

“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.”

The recovery journey begins when you make the decision to stop drinking alcohol and it continues through each stage of your sobriety. For some people Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, begins a process of recovering from alcohol addiction.

Alcoholics Anonymous Step 1 is the beginning of a 12-step program to get and stay sober. Taking this first step and admitting you are struggling with alcohol misuse can be difficult, but it is the foundation of all positive change according to AA.

Members may study and work on this step many times. Some people have to return to this step after a relapse, while others review it periodically to help remind themselves that they will always be powerless over alcohol and need to use tools and strategies to help stay sober.

How to Complete Step 1 of AA

Completing Step 1 of AA can look different for everyone. It may include tasks such as speaking at an AA meeting, telling someone if you feel like drinking, working with a counselor, getting an AA sponsor, and/or telling someone if you do drink. 

1. Speak at an AA Meeting

Some AA meetings give all participants a chance to speak. Before speaking, the participant is required to state his or her first name and say that he or she is an alcoholic. When you follow this format, you are participating in Step 1 of AA and admitting to the group that you may be struggling with alcohol addiction.

2. Tell Someone if You Feel Like Drinking

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. This can lead to slips and relapses. 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.

3. Work With a Counselor and/or Get an AA Sponsor

By seeking help for alcohol addiction in AA Step 1, you admit that you’re powerless to stop drinking on your own. Your counselor can help you learn strategies to stop drinking and can be one of the people you reach out to when you are struggling.

Some people also rely on an AA sponsor – an individual who has overcome alcoholism for a significant period of time and understands the compulsion to drink so that you can trust them to listen and help you when you feel like drinking.

4. Tell Someone if You Do Drink

Those who are trying to get sober sometimes feel ashamed if they slip up and have a drink. But keeping your mistakes to yourself only makes it appear like you are in control when you’re not.

So, if you tell your sponsor or other safe person that you drank as soon as you can after sobering up, it can be a way of admitting you are powerless over alcohol and continuing to follow Step 1 of AA.

What is the Purpose of Step 1 of AA?

The primary purpose of Step 1 of AA is to acknowledge and admit that you are powerless over alcohol and that it has made your life unmanageable. This is the first step for a reason, as it is not possible to accomplish any other steps without accepting that you have a problem with alcohol. Once you do this, you free yourself from the restraints of your alcohol addiction so that recovery can become a possibility. 

Challenges of Step 1 of AA

The first step of AA can be the most difficult for some simply because it signifies acknowledging that there is a problem. The shame and guilt that can be felt at the very beginning of the recovery process can be overwhelming, and fully committing to doing the first step can be intimidating. If you feel this way, know that you are not alone. This is not only common, but normal, too. That doesn’t mean that you can’t complete it, though.

Other challenges related to Step 1 of AA can include:

• Being uncomfortable with vulnerability, especially in front of strangers.
• Struggling to be honest about your experiences.
• Fearing the thought of verbally admitting to being “powerless” over alcohol.
• Not wanting to participate because doing so may make you feel like a failure. 

The good news is, though, with a small dose of courage, you can get started on your 12-Step journey. Once you do, you can obtain support from others who are on similar journeys and who can share in the ups and downs alongside you. Having that support can make completing the 12-Steps a tangible and achievable goal. 

How Can I Get Help With the First Step of Alcoholics Anonymous?

Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous is often one of the most difficult for people. Whether you are attempting to get sober for the first time or you are returning to sobriety after a relapse, it can be hard to admit that you are unable to stop drinking on your own. However, there are things you can do to start the first step of AA, including:

• Getting a sponsor.
• Increasing the number of meetings you attend.
• Spending time after meetings talking with other attendees and asking for guidance.
• Doing things such as journaling daily and researching what others have done to achieve the first step.

Additionally, it is important to have access to the proper AA literature to help guide you, specifically The Big Book. Books are typically sold at meetings for a small fee and can help you stay on track and inspired as you go. 

How to Find a 12-Step AA Meeting

If you have been to treatment, you are likely already familiar with 12-Step meetings, as most facilities offer them as part of their programs. You might have been exposed to them through group therapy or even talked about it in individual therapy sessions. Finding one or more 12-Step AA meetings that you like can be an important part of your recovery. Some ways you can locate a meeting near you include:

• Go to the official AA website by clicking this link to begin your search for meetings in your area.
• Downloading the Meeting Guide app on your phone and using that to locate meetings nearby.
• Asking your treatment providers (e.g., your therapist or doctor) if they know of any meetings that you could attend.

Finding a meeting local to you is simple, as there are thousands of meetings held every day throughout the country. When you do find a meeting, prepare yourself to go to that meeting at least 5 or 6 times before deciding if it is the right group of people or the right direction for your needs. If not, continue to attend local meetings until you find one that suits you best. 

Start The Recovery Journey

If you’re ready to get help with alcohol addiction and need alcohol detox or addiction treatment, you may benefit from attending treatment at a dedicated rehab facility. You can take the next step and find rehabs near you that fit your needs using our search tool. Search by insurance provider, level of addiction treatment, location, and more.

Your health insurance provider may be able to cover all or part of the cost of inpatient and/or outpatient rehab. Use the form below to find out instantly.