Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the oldest and perhaps the most recognized alcohol addiction treatment program. With a history stretching back for decades, AA operates on its Twelve Steps method, which gives a roadmap for those seeking recovery. Understanding the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous can be vital in helping you achieve or maintain recovery.Â
What is Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous?
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. The first step in AA states:
“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.”
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.
Ways to Follow Step 1 of AA
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 and admit to the group that you may be struggling with alcohol addiction.
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 human that you’re having a hard time with your sobriety today, you automatically admit that you are having difficulty maintaining control in regards to alcohol
Work With A Counselor And/Or Get An AA Sponsor
By seeking help for alcohol addiction, 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 – a person who has overcome alcoholism for a significant period of time and understands the compulsion to drink so that you can trust him to listen and help you when you feel like drinking.
Tell Someone If You Do Drink
Alcoholics who are trying to get sober sometimes feel deeply 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.
How Can I Get Help With the First Step of Alcoholics Anonymous?
Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most difficult for people to take. Whether you are attempting to get sober for the first time or you are returning to sobriety after a relapse, it can be scary or embarrassing to admit that you are unable to stop drinking on your own.
If you’re ready to get help with alcohol addiction, visit the AA website to find a support group near you. There are also many secular programs that may help you achieve or maintain recovery.
However, if you or a loved one need alcohol detox support or addiction treatment, you may benefit from attending treatment at a dedicated rehab facility. American Addiction Centers (AAC) operates treatment facilities nationwide, with navigators standing by 24/7 to help you get admitted into treatment. Our addiction helpline may also be able to help connect you with rehabs near you. To speak to an admissions navigator, call .
Next: Step 2