AA's first step in recovery. - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

Sapling · 05-20-2012, 06:29 AM

We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics. This is the first step in recovery. The delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed. We alcoholics are men and women who have lost the ability to control our drinking. We know that no real alcoholic ever recovers control.

bb pg 30

Smashed.... to destroy utterly

merriam-webster

nonblondechef · 05-20-2012, 06:49 AM

Really timely post, Sapling. I am finishing my first step today to present to my sponsor tomorrow. It is refreshing to no longer be smashed and be able to fully embrace the true meaning of that statement. BTW, that is one adoreable pooch!

scrambled2012 · 05-20-2012, 06:49 AM

"fully concede to our innermost selves"

A desire to change from the inside out; no court order or monitoring required, no ultimatums from others as a driving force....no desire to "get away with it," rather a desire to escape from it's influence and control.

IndaMiricale · 05-20-2012, 07:46 AM

Indeed

kanamit · 05-20-2012, 09:18 AM

Interesting idea. Seeing as this is not a 12 step forum we owe it to the newcomers to say that powerlessness is primarily part of AA's doctrine and is not generally accepted elsewhere.

I know you were kind enough to mention it is from AA but I know when I first decided to quit and was anxious and scared, this kind of thinking would have done more harm than good.

Sapling · 05-20-2012, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kanamit

I know you were kind enough to mention it is from AA but I know when I first decided to quit and was anxious and scared, this kind of thinking would have done more harm than good.

I read that book three times before I had a sponsor....It didn't do any harm to me.

katrinka · 05-20-2012, 02:35 PM

Thanks for this sapling. I'm not in AA but I know I couldn't control my drinking. And not drinking has been my saving grace. That is one cute pup!

CaiHong · 05-20-2012, 04:49 PM

This is the number one step in getting sober whatever program you choose. That alcohol is winning. When you really admit to it fully and understand that you can't drink again, you have tried that many times and failed. Then you can start to heal and recover.

But on the other hand some people have gone, whatever, not really admitted it was a long term problem and some have followed a program to keep the law, loved ones happy and luckily "got it" along the way.
I worry about scaring newcomers away but I worry more if I don't share my experience honestly.
caiHong

05-20-2012, 06:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
Sapling AA Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Between Meetings Posts: 9,004	AA's first step in recovery. We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics. This is the first step in recovery. The delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed. We alcoholics are men and women who have lost the ability to control our drinking. We know that no real alcoholic ever recovers control. bb pg 30 Smashed.... to destroy utterly merriam-webster

05-20-2012, 06:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
nonblondechef Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Home - there's no place like Home Posts: 975	Really timely post, Sapling. I am finishing my first step today to present to my sponsor tomorrow. It is refreshing to no longer be smashed and be able to fully embrace the true meaning of that statement. BTW, that is one adoreable pooch! __________________ "God bless the broken road that led me straight to you." - Jeff Hanna and Matraca Berg

05-20-2012, 07:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
IndaMiricale Powerless over Alcohol Join Date: May 2011 Location: Trudging the Road to Happy Destiny! Posts: 4,020	Indeed __________________ "The only real thing in life are dreams, which nature cant touch with decay." Bob Dylan "Each day,somewhere in the world ,recovery begins when one alcoholic talks with another alcoholic , sharing experience,strength and hope."

05-20-2012, 02:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
katrinka Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: New England Posts: 656	Thanks for this sapling. I'm not in AA but I know I couldn't control my drinking. And not drinking has been my saving grace. That is one cute pup! __________________ Be Present Every Day

05-20-2012, 06:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
scrambled2012 Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: North America Posts: 1,631	*"fully concede to our innermost selves"* A desire to change from the inside out; no court order or monitoring required, no ultimatums from others as a driving force....no desire to "get away with it," rather a desire to escape from it's influence and control.

05-20-2012, 09:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
kanamit Guest Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 269	Interesting idea. Seeing as this is not a 12 step forum we owe it to the newcomers to say that powerlessness is primarily part of AA's doctrine and is not generally accepted elsewhere. I know you were kind enough to mention it is from AA but I know when I first decided to quit and was anxious and scared, this kind of thinking would have done more harm than good.

05-20-2012, 04:49 PM	#8 (permalink)
CaiHong Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 1,771	This is the number one step in getting sober whatever program you choose. That alcohol is winning. When you really admit to it fully and understand that you can't drink again, you have tried that many times and failed. Then you can start to heal and recover. But on the other hand some people have gone, whatever, not really admitted it was a long term problem and some have followed a program to keep the law, loved ones happy and luckily "got it" along the way. I worry about scaring newcomers away but I worry more if I don't share my experience honestly. caiHong

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