Powerlessness and Strength

The first step in addiction recovery is to admit powerlessness. The word itself carries a huge amount of negative connotation, making the first step sometimes insurmountable to many alcoholics and addicts. After all who amongst us wants to acknowledge to ourselves, not to mention to others, that we lack power, that we don't possess the power to stop (using or drinking or gambling or eating or whatever the addictive behavior may be).

The paradox is this--By admitting powerlessness, we gain strength.

By making this simple admission, "I am powerless" we can acknowledge that we need help.

And by starting with that simple statement we can begin to seek those who can help us.

Meaning we are no longer alone with our addiction.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, reach out for help. A few simple words can get you the strength you need to begin the road to recovery.

Meaning that others can share in providing a solution.

Meaning that we can begin to surround ourselves with people who know what we are going through, and who can help us.

So powerlessness doesn't mean weakness. Powerlessness leads to community. It leads to solution. It leads to the strength.