(Note: Being self centered and talking about ME only! If it helps you to admit powerlessness over your addiction I am happy! No I am not being sarcastic! It just doesn’t help me!)
First, I wanna say I respect AA and if it works for some people great. However it’s not above criticism.
Ok, so I am not 12 stepping it. It’s just not for me.
However, I wonder what different opinions people have on admitting powerlessness over your addictions?
For me, it seems like I would be lying to myself because I do have power. I can choose not to drink.
My views are similar to the ones expressed on the show South Park in “Bloody Mary.”. However I do think alcoholism is a disease, but you can do something about it.
Like, these past 14 days, if I am so powerless to alcoholism, then what made me not drink?
I struggle with powerlessness too. I get that I am powerless over alcohol as in when I put it in my system I am powerless, I can’t stop. But I am a powerful and strong person. 18 days now. What troubles me is the not being able to stay stopped. My addictive brain always leads me back to alcohol.
The powerlessness refers to when a person is letting alcohol run and ruin their lives. We take control and regain power when we make the choice to become sober and live again.
I was just talking about this. I agree. If Ur powerless & can’t do anything then what’s stopping u from giving in at any opportunity & then just saying oh well its not my fault I cant help or control it. There’s no accountability. If I allowed myself to think that way then I would never stop. Im not ok w believing I have no control over my own self. I am stronger than that. But I also agree that if it works for others then great but it doesn’t work for me. Glad to see someone w similar thoughts.
Definitely not in line with my approach to sobriety. Quite the opposite. If I though of myself as powerless in any way then I wouldn’t be where I am in life now. And I definitely wouldn’t be sober.
Mind over matter. I have all the power to lead my life in whatever direction I choose. Reminding myself that I do, in fact, have power and strength of will is what keeps me from picking up that drink.
For me picking up that drink = weakness. And I will not allow myself to falter.
I’ve thought about this a lot. I agree that I’m not that keen on calling myself powerless. But I think of it as “I am powerful if I pick up the first drink.” If I don’t pick up that first one, I can trust myself.
@Sophie23 I agree with you I know I control this more than it controls me… I think it’s good to admit we have an addiction but it is in no way a power over me. I think AA is a bit dated and needs to modernising
I me some south park! I struggle with the admitting I’m powerless, or let go let god nonsense.
I get it, I’m just not there spiritually yet.
I also don’t like when people say, I won’t drink today, today I know I will not drink. Tomorrow I might drink, but not today. This kind of thinking for me sounds like setting yourself up for failure. I like to think I won’t drink ever, duh. But I get that thinking long term is scary and not a good place to be. Still bothers me even though I understand the benefits of that mentality.
I’m with you- not only do I disagree with rendering yourself “powerless” over alcohol, I think that by claiming such a thing you are actually feeding the power alcohol has in your life and starving yourself of inner peace.
I also don’t like how AA makes people introduce themselves as “alcoholics”. I don’t think it’s kind or healthy on any level.
Hi, my name is Dominique and I’m not powerless over alcohol and “alcoholic” doesn’t fit on my label.
me some south park! I struggle with the admitting I’m powerless, or let go let god nonsense.
