Loosid Sober Tip of the Day August 1

Understanding powerlessness.

When we say we are powerless over alcohol or substances, it’s important to understand what this means as powerlessness is often perceived as negative or ‘weak’.

Many of us think it means we are not strong enough. We don’t have enough will power. Others amongst us think if we are tough enough, we can beat it. We just need to try harder.

So we try again. We will do better next time… and then the next.

We are baffled as no matter how hard we try it simply doesn’t work. Or, for others, it works… until it doesn’t.

What you need to know is powerlessness IS the very power that allows us to get better.

It is accepting the fact that we have a disease. Once we understand that we have a disease, we realize IT IS NOT OUR FAULT.

Powerlessness over alcohol is the same as if you had diabetes and were powerless over your body’s ability to produce insulin. Your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use its own insulin as well as it should.

You can also be in incredible shape and have high blood pressure.

Despite the fact we are powerless whether we have diabetes or high blood pressure, there is effective treatment for both.

Here’s the great news…

If you are an alcoholic or addict, know that it is 100% treatable as well.

The first step, however, is to accept that you are powerless, only then will you be ready to accept treatment to get better.

How did this tip resonate with you? Let us know your thoughts below. There are many people in the Loosid community who need to hear what you have to say.

With Love, Loosid :pray::heart:

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Right on point..thanks :+1::+1:

When you’re right you’re right. I tried quitting last year on my own by self medicating. It worked for months but slowly then surely I realized that I was right back where I used to be. This time I new I couldn’t do it on my own. By admitting to myself that I was powerless against my addiction i was able to understand and see where the path to my sobriety lay. July 13th I started on that path and checked myself into an in treatment rehab center. There I was given the tools, knowledge and support of my peers that I lacked when I first tried quitting. I never once felt scared heading there, walking in or during my first days. The first time I felt scared was when my graduation approached because I knew when I left there I was no longer going to be in that safe place. The time was coming to show and use the strength I gained as well as the knowledge of how to wield that strength. On July 29th I walked back out into the world after taking my life back and now I’m prepared and equipped to fight to keep it. All of this strength and positivity are the result of that one moment I was able to admit to myself that I was powerless.

4 Likes

Love it!

Powerlessness means using drugs against our will.

So true

I really needed to hear this! Thank you!

This is so helpful. I'm new to all this, and the language of "powerlessness" made me really uncomfortable. I've spent a lot of time trying to unlearn what I have been taught about strength and power (I'm a woman and therefore I am weak or less capable). This reframes it for me beautifully.

After reading the “Doctor’s opinion” in the big book I FINALLY understood this disease and sobriety wasn’t’t a challenge but a gift.

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I Angela also had a problem with powerlessness and my life unmanageable, because I was the only female in the home taking care of everyone and everyone, so to admit it and mean and feel it. I felt a sense of peace

From The Book, if, when you honestly want to and cannot quit entirely; or you cannot control how much you use after you start, you are probably an addict or alcoholic.

Keep up the positive attitude and great work, Mike!

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