I'm not powerless over alcohol, because I've stopped.
The problem is that my brain stem and limbic system let off a fireworks display of dopamine at that first drink, and will try every trick they've picked up through our evolutionary history to make the thinking portion of my brain keep drinking. This 'pleasure-reward' system is so hard wired in an alcoholic's brain that the limbic system and brain stem will create even more dopamine receptors to reinforce this response, making a horrible situation even worse.
Since the problem is effectively in my head and is a misguided physiological response, it doesn't need to be rescued from some higher power (whatever that might be). All it takes is a firm decision on my part never, ever, ever, to pick up that first drink.
Murray