Step One

This Step is easy to say but hard to apply. I didn’t come into Al‑Anon thinking I was powerless over alcohol. I remember wanting to pour the alcohol down the drain but not having the courage to do so because of the money that was spent on it. I thought about saying a lot of things, but if there was pushback, I would stop to avoid confrontation. I did, however, know that my life had become unmanageable. I was coping with my life in an unhealthy way.

Once the drinking stopped, I began to see just how unmanageable my life had become. I placed more effort into maintaining the illusion of control than into getting to know myself. I was overfilled with emotions inside but was not able to express them outwardly.

Over time, things have become more manageable. I have learned the difference between my responsibility and that of others. I no longer try to control others’ responsibilities. Today, I can freely admit my powerlessness without experiencing any pain. I am grateful for Al‑Anon and what I have learned, and I keep revisiting Step One because it helps me stay on track with being true to myself.

By Theresa B., Florida

Feel free to reprint this article on your service arm website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.