Is Powerlessness in Addiction Just a Myth? Find Out Inside

Exploring the Reality Behind Addiction and Control

John Makohen
5 min readJan 25, 2024
Source: Canva

‍Addiction is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has puzzled experts and individuals alike for decades.

One of the critical concepts in addiction recovery is the idea of powerlessness — the notion that individuals struggling with addiction have little to no control over their substance use.

However, this idea has been debated among experts and individuals in recovery.

In this article, we will explore the concept of powerlessness in addiction, debunk some of the myths surrounding it, and offer a more nuanced understanding of this vital aspect of recovery.

The Traditional View: Powerlessness as a Central Tenet

The traditional view of addiction, as espoused by organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), emphasizes powerlessness as a core belief.

The first step in the AA program is admitting powerlessness over alcohol or drugs.

This step sets the foundation for recovery by acknowledging the need for external help and surrendering control to a higher power. For many, this approach has been instrumental in their journey to sobriety.

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John Makohen

Johnny here. An ex-street junky sex worker. I often write about stigma, harm reduction, recovery, health & personal growth. And loud, raw, noisy guitars.