A Discussion of Powerlessness and the Higher Power

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Studies have shown that almost all successful recovery programs include some sort of continuing counseling or peer support. Although many approaches exist for addiction recovery, one of the most popular is the 12-step program. This program involves an individual moving through stages of recovery along with abstinence from their drug of choice. The first few steps are crucial to recovery and are applicable to almost every rehab setting including inpatient, outpatient, and holistic treatment styles.

One major part of the 12 steps is its spiritual side. Many people believe that faith plays a role in overcoming addiction regardless of religion or personal philosophy. It’s important to understand the concepts of powerlessness and relying on a higher authority when dealing with addiction.

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What is the Principle of Powerlessness?

The concept of a Higher Power is very well-known and accepted in 12 step programs.

According to the Narcotics Anonymous handbook, the first step is overcoming the denial that most people feel when they’re addicted. They think they can control the addiction or their drug use. This belief is not only incorrect but also dangerous because it enables the user to escalate their drug use.

Here’s where the principle of powerlessness comes in. This concept states that everyone is helpless when it comes to handling their addiction. They’re not capable of controlling it. This is true because if they had power, they could easily break free of their drug use.

For quite a few people, this philosophy works. The idea that they cannot control what they are powerless against is extremely attractive. It provides:

• freedom to act
• a clean slate
• the ability to start over
• a sense of no longer bearing all the blame

There’s no shame in understanding that you cannot control your addiction. Unfortunately, this leads to blaming someone or something else.

The Problem with Believing that You are Powerless

There is a misconception with powerlessness. Some userss believe that they can give up their substance of choice all on their own without the belief that they’re powerless. They prioritize self-reliance over powerlessness. Others argue that the concept of powerlessness damages one’s self-esteem and self-worth.

For others, being powerless is tantamount to believing that you aren’t responsible for the addiction. However, this isn’t what powerlessness is about.

To be clear, powerlessness isn’t about blaming someone else for the addiction. Rather, people must accept responsibility and know that they can’t change their habits by themselves. There’s a big difference between being powerless and not being responsible for your actions.

The Principle of a Higher Power

For those starting the 12 steps, the first step often calls on participants to admit that they are powerless and their lives unmanageable. That way, they can recognize that something or someone can help them retake their control. The idea of giving up addiction and to rely on others for guidance can be attractive to someone who feels completely out of control.

The belief in a higher power doesn’t absolve someone of their responsibility. It simply allows someone to be open to new ideas and new ways of beating the addiction. Although the belief is spiritual in nature, it’s not necessarily religious. The concept of powerlessness puts each individual in the position to be open minded about outside influences.

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The Problems with a Higher Power Concept

Some people have noted limitations about the concept of a higher power.

One problems people encounter is that the belief is a fundamentally spiritual concept, and for many, this becomes a matter of religious faith. This problem may be countered by arguing that the higher power isn’t necessarily a deity. It can simply be a belief in the program or a belief in the 12-step system or even a belief in yourself.

Another issue with the concept of giving yourself up to a higher power is the resistance you encounter from people who don’t believe that a higher power can help. Again, their argument may stem from their own personal religious views. However, it’s important to remember that this belief is a matter of personal choice. As long as you believe it, and it helps your recovery, no one else has to.

What You MUST Know Before you Attend Your First Narcotics Anonymous Meeting

Knowing what to expect at your first NA meeting will help you feel less nervous and understand the purpose of this recovery method.

Powerlessness and the Higher Power

The fundamentals of a 12-step program depend on the ability to accept that the addiction is a flaw that you cannot overcome on your own. This thinking forces you to look outside yourself for a solution. Sometimes this is enough for you to overcome addiction, other times it isn’t. The belief in assistance from the outside also isn’t exclusively a 12-step component. In fact, many holistic and spiritual practitioners believe the same thing.

Giving your life up to a higher power regardless of the source isn’t easy, and it takes dedication and willpower to allow positive influences in. By accepting a powerless state, you open yourself up to other ideas, which is the basic concept of a higher power.

The ideas of powerlessness and a higher power are major parts of 12 step programs. Some people find comfort in these teachings while others don’t. Whether you believe that you’re powerless and that a higher power is there to help, or if you believe that you’re in control of your actions and that you can beat the addiction on your own, the most important aspect is to choose the beliefs that help you beat the drug.

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