Quote Originally Posted by thegnome54 View Post
If you look at even the first step, you will see what I'm referring to - it essentially convinces the addictees that they are powerless over their own lives, and that only a 'greater power' can help them. To me, that is entirely wrong. The moment one 'admits' that they are powerless over their own decisions, it becomes true.
I'm afraid I must disagree with you all.

Believing we have control over the situation is insanity. If we had control, we wouldn't have become addicted. By the time we get to the point of being willing to try a 12 step program, you can bet EVERY other option has failed, and that we have left behind a trail of disaster, damage and profound hurt.

No - we are there because we COULDN'T fix it ourselves. Admitting we have failed, that we are powerless, is the absolutely essential first step in starting to tear down the lifestyle that got us where we were so that we can start building again.

The only way to accept powerlessness and failure without falling into complete hopeless despair is to recognize that there is something beyond us capable of restoring us to sanity. If not, then admitting defeat is tantamount to suicide. Sadly, for most addicts and alcoholics, NOT admitting defeat is equally suicidal.

Nope... admitting powerlessness is essential. There's a reason it is the first step.