Are you Powerless Over Alcohol?

The first step to recovery according to AA is to admit you are powerless over alcohol, and that your life has become unmanageable. People who struggle with alcoholism will usually be in denial of their problem. Alcohol abuse can affect many aspects of a person’s life and lead to damaged relationships, job loss, disruptive sleep patterns, and financial issues. To put it succinctly…

Alcoholism contributes to many physical and mental health issues, and even death.

Many people with an addiction to alcohol feel guilt, low self-esteem, and shame. When a person admits that alcohol is affecting his or her life, they can start recovery. The first step is about powerlessness over behavior that makes the individual’s life unmanageable.

A person with alcohol addiction is powerless over alcohol because his or her behavior changes in ways that would not happen when sober. The mental obsession and physical cravings increase after the first drink, causing the person to drink more. Learn more about alcoholism & how it’s treated.

A person is powerless because even though alcohol consumption can cause physical harm or death, he or she continues to drink. When a person is powerless over alcohol, he or she:

• Cannot stop drinking once they start
• Drinks under any circumstance, every day
• Craves more and more
• Loses the ability to function
• Cannot drink safely
• Cannot control what they say or do after drinking
• Becomes irritable when not drinking
• Physically craves alcohol
• Drinks despite prior consequences

Cravings can become very strong for a person who has an addiction to alcohol. The brain’s function and the person’s physical health are affected. The brain controls our movements, thoughts, critical thinking, coordination, speech, and walking. When alcohol is consumed, the brain’s neurotransmitters, which send messages to other parts of the body, are disrupted.

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol causes delayed reactions, loss of coordination, slurred speech, and inability to walk. The brain becomes physically dependent on alcohol to function, so when alcohol is not consumed, a person can become irritable, angry, depressed, anxious, and agitated. Do you know the 10 signs someone needs treatment for an alcohol problem?

Admitting to being powerless over alcohol will help a person to recognize that he or she does not have control with their drinking. Denying there is a problem only allows the person to continue their destructive behavior. When a person realizes they are powerless over alcohol, they have taken the first step to live a healthy, sober life.

Recovery is possible and healing will take place in mind, body, and spirit. Enlightened Recovery Solutions offers a holistic based, 12-step inspired, clinically proven program for alcoholism and co-occurring disorders. Call (844) 234-LIVE today for information on our partial care programs.