Admitting I was powerless over alcohol is what gave me the freedom from it.
In admitting that, I surrendered; I could give up the fight where I was trying to master alcohol and control it. When I finally accepted that I just couldn't do it, then it became possible to leave it alone, because I knew I couldn't win. I walked away from the fight.
As for admitting powerlessness in other areas of my life, as with alcohol, I was only giving up the illusion of control. There are a few things I do have control over (myself), and most others that I don't (other people, circumstances...). What I had to learn to do was to determine which was which and stop beating my head against the wall trying to make everything go my way. (The Serenity Prayer)
My recovery program helped me to see where I did have the power and gave me the tools so that I really could do something about my addiction. I did have the power to get into action when I thought I might drink. Go to a meeting, call someone, go help others, etc. Those things were a start.
I wasn't helpless anymore.