Does anyone else find some aspects of some recovery programs disempowering? As in, you have no control/power? I understand losing control but also regaining it. To me getting sober was the hardest but most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I’ve regained control , I can never use again or I would lose it. But I don’t live in fear of relapse, I did it. I understand not being over confident but sometimes it feels like you are expected to always be afraid. Or is it just me?
4 Likes
No, I get it. Powerless while in the throws of addiction but once you gain sobriety you take that control back. Instead of living in fear of relapse you take control over that fear. Which in turn keeps you from using again.
1 Like
This is a deep and philosophical question that brought on a discussion between my pastor and I. He a Christian pastor. And he stated that the problem he has with the AA philosophy, is but one. His belief in Jesus Christ, and the belief that Jesus can heal all things of asked and believed, would never allow him to proclaim addiction to alcoholism unto death. That would be a clear declaration that our savior is capable of cleansing a human being of all things EXCEPT addiction. And that, according to the Christian faith, is not true. For those who are not religious, and understand their higher power under completely different beliefs and pre-tenses, this is not a problem. But I agree with my pastor that their is definitely a silver lining of hopelessness and powerlessness to having to proclaim that regardless of how many years sobriety has been maintained…. “I’m still an alcoholic.” To remain thankful and not devalue the AA way, I personally have been introducing myself as “Justin Gray, blessed by God to live another 24 hours without drinking or drugging.” I hope this helps you in some. And thank you for your share. I’m sure many have pondered the same thing about “regaining their power”. Great share!!!
4 Likes
I think the line “these steps are a suggestion to recovery” for me I am not disempowered, I now have tools where I didn’t before. The program is just another tool we can choose to use to make recovery easier than it could be. Like building a house with just hand tools vs. power tools. It can be done, but it is going to take longer, be harder and won’t be as sturdy as one where power tools were used.
1 Like
Exactly
When I introduce alcohol into my system, I have major issues controlling how much and how often I drink. I’ve proven this over and over again. As a consequence, my life goes from barely manageable to incredibly unmanageable. So, the idea that I’m powerless over alcohol works for me. I’ve also proven time and time again, that I’m not working on a daily spiritual program and not having any sober fellowship, that I eventually become very frustrated and unhappy with life. These feelings eventually lead my thoughts to a place where I just need to run, hide, and escape. My mind says F this sh!t, and gives me the great idea of drinking and drugging. Powerless! However, my recovery program is my higher power so to speak. It gives me my power to make good choices back. As for life itself, I’m so freakin powerless over so many things! It’s so frustrating! I’ve learned to acknowledge my powerlessness just enough to take the edge off. I have to be aware of what I don’t have power over, and what I do have power over. This battle goes on every single day lol. The serenity prayer says it all my friend. Sounds simple and seams easy. It’s not! It’s something I must practice every day. It’s something I will need to practice forever
1 Like
We all have different stories, I got sober alone and went to AA six months later for fellowship and it’s great. But I didn’t get sober in AA, I got sober through my own will and the grace of God. I don’t feel powerless, I feel empowered that I kicked a 30 year issue. But as long as we stay sober, do what works.
I agree. Thats why I didn’t got the route of recovery programs with a focus on “higher power”.