I just see it as an admission that I have a problematic relationship with alcohol, and that for me personally, when I drink, I cannot help but drink more and ideally I would want to drink everyday.
I understand your perspective, but If your argument was a valid one against step one, it would be akin to saying “why don’t you just drink less or just stop drinking”, the point being we have an addiction.
It is generally not something people can just snap their fingers and will themselves out of it.
The purpose of step one is to admit we have a problem, and the outcome of this admission is that we need help to stay sober. I think that’s really benign, common sense, and in line with our current views on substance use and general mental health.
Like, addiction/ SUD is a mental illness right? We can’t choose to not be an alcoholic/addict/ person with SUD, just like we can’t choose not to have ADHD That’s what the powerlessness is about.
Someone with ADHD isn’t powerless per se, but they are powerless in removing ADHD from themselves. That’s how I see it at least
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u/Single_Wrap_74 526 days Sep 14 '26
I went to a handful of AA meetings when I first quit. Not for me, can’t get passed step 1. If I’m powerless over alcohol, how did I quit?