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Instead of railing against powerlessness or relying on unhealthy ways of getting our needs met, we can simply share our struggles and ask for help in getting our needs met. The number one character defect for most of us is that we are control freaks. If we don’t feel like we’re in control of everything in our lives, we feel like we’re out of control personally. A foundational truth in recovery is that you cannot stop or do better on your own. This belief assumes that you should be able to do recovery by yourself instead of relying on the support of other people.
- The Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Big Book states that “we were powerless over our drug problem” as its first tenet.
- Defining powerlessness can be difficult for most of us, mostly because while in the moment, it can be hard to know that you’re not in control.
- These groups use similar principles, but each has its own unique approach.
- For example, alcoholics Anonymous programs say that those who still believe they have control over their drinking will drink again.
This is why hitting rock bottom plays such a large role in addiction. As addiction begins to overtake your life, you lie to yourself about what is happening. Unfortunately, many cannot shatter powerless over alcohol that illusion until they hit rock bottom and are confronted with undeniable proof that everything is not okay. Only then do they feel that powerlessness that comes from addiction.
Facing Your Powerlessness in Addiction Recovery
Addiction is a disease, and with the right treatment, diseases can be effectively managed. With addiction, there are a lot of emotions that come with the territory. From feelings of guilt and embarrassment to powerlessness and helplessness, it can be hard to determine which one is actually the most accurate representation of how we feel. If you have been able to admit it, the next step is finding someone who can help. At First Steps Recovery, we are able to take your call and assess the situation. And we are committed to putting you on the right road to the help you need.
If you wish to contact a specific rehab facility then find a specific rehab facility using our treatment locator page or visit SAMHSA.gov. When we choose to see vulnerability as an act of courage rather than weakness, we create possibilities and move more fully toward the person we want to be. Our fears of rejection and/or disappointment prevent us from asking friends, family, and folks in recovery. When we allow our fears to dictate our decisions, we suffer.
Signs of Meth Addiction
Acceptance includes taking responsibility for our actions and accepting that we cannot change what has happened in the past. Most recovering addicts, especially those who attend the 12-step program, are pretty familiar with the concept of powerlessness. https://ecosoberhouse.com/sober-house-boston/ After all, helplessness isn’t a concept that solely applies to addiction, although it might be the first step to recovery and sobriety. Addiction treatment centers discuss the concept of powerlessness in therapy to help people recover.
The psychoanalytic view suggests addiction is basically a disorder of self-regulation. These individuals may be self-medicating anxiety and mood disorders. Psychoanalysis is considered as a theory, a treatment, and a way of thinking about human motivation.
Overt Denial of Powerlessness
These people can offer understanding and encouragement as you take steps to improve your life. Another way to overcome powerlessness is to get involved in your own treatment. Take an active role in choosing the treatment that you want to receive. Ask questions and get as much information as you can about your options. The more you know about your treatment, the more control you will feel over your life.
Denial is a classic symptom of addiction, especially in the form of justification. In other words, “You’d drink too if you had my life” is a warning sign of powerlessness over addiction. So is, “How is taking a drink to calm down different from taking medication to calm down?” If you have to justify your use of the substance, you may have a problem.