Step One of AA: 4 Essential Ways to Understand the Foundation of Recovery

2. Different Perspectives on Step One

Some people worry that talking about “powerlessness” might make you feel weak, or like you’ve somehow failed. But AA members explain that this step isn’t about personal weakness. It’s about recognizing addiction as a condition that can affect anyone.

Terry G, who has been in recovery from alcohol use disorder⁶ for over 30 years, explains:

I think a lot of us have a problem with this part of this step: Powerlessness over alcohol. I had a major problem with powerlessness because when I drank I felt powerful. Booze did a lot of things for me that I couldn’t do for myself. Now, I believe powerless over alcohol simply means that when we start drinking, we don’t know where it’s going to end. Powerlessness means I’ve come to a conclusion in my life that I cannot drink safely.

It’s worth noting that some recovery approaches take a different angle, focusing more on empowerment rather than powerlessness. These different approaches highlight an important truth: The recovery process isn’t one-size-fits-all, and different methods may work better for different people depending on their experiences and beliefs.

In your experience, why is Step One considered foundational in the 12-Step model, and how does it set the stage for the rest of the recovery process?

Step One is considered foundational in the 12-Step model because it helps individuals move from a sense of control to surrender, recognizing that their addiction has taken over their lives. It encourages humility by fostering an honest self-assessment, allowing them to see the unmanageability caused by their substance use. This step also opens the door to seeking help, shifting the focus from isolation to connection with a supportive recovery community. By accepting powerlessness, individuals create the foundation for lasting change and growth in the recovery process.

Andrew Schreier, ICS, CSAC, LPC, ICGC-II, BACC

3. How People Typically Approach Step One

In AA, working through Step One isn’t just a declaration—it’s more of a process. Here’s how AA members engage with this concept in practice:

People often start by assessing how alcohol has affected their lives⁷—a practice often referred to as “taking inventory.” This might include listing times they drank more than they planned to, failed attempts to cut back, and how drinking has impacted their relationships, work, and health. This exercise helps people see their relationship with alcohol more clearly and objectively.

If you’re exploring Step One, you might ask yourself questions like: 

• What happens when I try to control my drinking?
• How has alcohol affected my relationships?
• If a friend described my drinking patterns to me, what advice would I give them?

AA meetings that focus on Step One give you a chance to hear how others have navigated similar challenges. Realizing you’re not alone in your struggles helps normalize your experience and ease feelings that you’re somehow uniquely flawed when it comes to substance use disorders.

What are some practical ways people can begin working Step One, especially if they’re struggling to see how alcohol has made their life unmanageable?

For many, the very first step of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), admitting powerlessness over alcohol and that life has become unmanageable, is most challenging because use has become essentially ingrained into every fabric of one’s life. People are naturally creatures of habit, and change is a daunting process, especially when it involves a holistic lifestyle and environmental change. Rather than envision the entire process as a whole, begin by taking it one day and step at a time. Optimistically reframe your mindset to one where you can see the benefits of recovery, perhaps so much so that your life will be even better than before you started drinking. This requires a true inventory of self and others, which likely requires prosocial and/or professional support. Remember, there was a time when you used to have more control of your drinking before it got out of hand. Channel that younger, wiser voice within your head to let you know that everything will ultimately be okay.

Matthew Glowiak, PhD, LCPC, CAADC, ACS, NCC | Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School

4. How Step One Fits With the Rest of AA

In the AA program, Step One is the entry point into the AA framework. Understanding this relationship helps clarify how the recovery program works as a complete system. Anne Marie, an AA member who has been sober since 2018, recalls how hard—and ultimately helpful—it was to admit she was powerless over alcohol:⁸

Something happened and for the first time I could see I was not the only person affected by my drinking, and I admitted I needed help. I was terrified that because of this admission I couldn’t withdraw it. There was also relief in outing my ‘little’ problem. 

Step One is the foundation that makes all the other steps of AA (Step Two of accepting help from a higher power, and so on) relevant. All of the following steps build upon the initial idea established in Step One—that alcohol has become unmanageable and we need help. “We need to be honest and admit that we are alcoholics⁹ and be honest with ourselves and start working a program of recovery, because it’ll reinforce Step One,” says Terry G. “All the other steps reinforce Step One.” 

Many long-term AA participants say they revisit Step One throughout their recovery journey. During challenging times, reconnecting with their original motivation for seeking help serves as a reminder of their personal experiences with alcohol addiction and strengthens their commitment to staying sober.

Exploring Your Alcohol Treatment Options

Learning about Step One of the Twelve Steps helps you understand one approach to recovery, but it’s definitely not the only way forward. There are many paths that can lead to healing.

Some people benefit from peer-led 12-Step programs like AA,¹⁰ while others prefer non-12-Step options like SMART Recovery. Some find help through medication-assisted treatment, while others do best with therapy or holistic modalities. Most people find they benefit from a combination of approaches that meet their needs. Support groups like Al-Anon also exist to help family members of those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.

If you’re not sure where to start, talking to an addiction specialist can help. They can suggest options based on your specific situation, whether it’s meeting with a counselor once a week, joining a more intensive outpatient treatment program, or spending time in inpatient treatment center or sober living. They can also help you determine if detox is necessary.

Ready to Find Your Path Forward? Personalized Recovery Support Is Here

When you’re ready to take the next step toward your new life, our addiction treatment finder can help you connect with programs that match what you’re looking for. Remember, there’s no one “right way” to mental health and wellness—what matters is finding a path that makes sense for you or your loved one.

FAQs

Q: What does Step 1 of AA mean?

A: Step One means recognizing that you can’t control your drinking and that alcohol has made your life difficult to manage in some ways.

What is the principle behind Step 1 in AA?

A: The main principle of Step One is honesty: Facing the truth about your relationship with alcohol without minimizing or denying the problems.

Do I have to believe in the concept of powerlessness to recover?

A: No. While AA emphasizes this concept, many people recover through other approaches that focus on different principles. The important thing is finding an approach that works for you.

Can I work Step 1 without joining AA?

A: Yes. While Step 1 is part of AA’s program, you can explore its concepts independently or within other addiction recovery frameworks to see if they’re helpful for you.

How long does it take to complete Step 1?

A: There’s no set timeline. Some people connect with this concept quickly, while others may spend more time working through it. In AA, the Twelve Traditions aren’t considered “completed” but rather ongoing practices.