We admitted we were powerless over addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.
Embracing Honesty and Surrender.
Step One is the gateway to recovery. It requires a courageous acknowledgment of the truth about addiction and the chaos it brings to our lives. This step is not about judgment or failure but about creating a foundation for change. In admitting our powerlessness over addiction, we open the door to healing.
Addiction has a way of taking over our thoughts, behaviours, and decisions. It isolates us from those we love, erodes our health, and leaves us feeling trapped in an endless cycle of shame and regret. Many of us have tried to regain control—through sheer willpower or by blaming others—but these efforts often lead to deeper despair. Step One invites us to let go of this exhausting struggle and to face the reality of our situation with honesty. This admission does not mean we are weak or incapable. On the contrary, recognising powerlessness is an act of strength.
It takes courage to look in the mirror and say, “I cannot do this alone.” By doing so, we begin to dismantle denial, which is a major barrier to recovery. Denial convinces us that things aren’t as bad as they seem or that we can stop anytime we want. Step One breaks through this defence, allowing us to see the impact addiction has had on our relationships, health, and overall wellbeing. The concept of “unmanageability” is central to this step.
Addiction does not just disrupt our lives; it creates chaos. This might look like broken trust in relationships, financial struggles, legal troubles, or a deep sense of hopelessness. Recognising this chaos provides motivation for change. It’s not about shaming ourselves but about seeing clearly where addiction has led us so we can take steps in a new direction.
Surrender is a key element of Step One. This is not about giving up on life but letting go of old ways of thinking and behaving that no longer serve us. It is about reaching out for help, whether through the Kindr fellowship, therapy, or other support systems. This surrender creates space for growth, for learning new ways to live, and for beginning the journey of recovery.
For GBTQ+ individuals, Step One can be especially empowering. Many of us have faced societal pressures to hide our truths, leading to feelings of shame or rejection that fuel addiction. Step One offers an opportunity to embrace authenticity and to begin dismantling internalised shame. It reminds us that recovery is not only possible but that we are worthy of it.
Questions for reflection in Step One include:
- In what ways has addiction made your life unmanageable?
- How have your attempts to control your addiction impacted you and others?
- What fears or resistance do you feel about admitting powerlessness?
Through honesty, surrender, and fellowship, Step One marks the first courageous step toward freedom, healing, and hope.