Al Anon Step 1 Worksheet: Admitting Powerlessness

Understanding the First Step of Al-Anon

The Al-Anon program is a 12-step fellowship designed to help individuals affected by someone else’s drinking. The first step in this program is crucial in setting the foundation for the rest of the recovery journey. In this step, members are asked to admit their powerlessness over alcohol and the unmanageability of their lives.

Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness

“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.”

This step requires members to confront the reality of their situation and acknowledge that they are unable to control the drinker’s behavior or the consequences of their drinking. It’s about recognizing that the problem is not just the drinker, but also the impact it has on their own lives.

Benefits of Working Step 1

Working Step 1 can bring several benefits, including:

• Reduced stress and anxiety: By acknowledging powerlessness, members can begin to let go of the need to control the uncontrollable.
• Increased self-awareness: This step helps members understand how their lives have become unmanageable and identify areas for improvement.
• Improved relationships: By recognizing the impact of the drinker’s behavior, members can start to set boundaries and prioritize their own needs.

Worksheet: Exploring Powerlessness

The following worksheet is designed to help you explore your powerlessness over alcohol and the unmanageability of your life.

Section 1: Identifying Powerlessness

1. Describe a recent situation where you tried to control the drinker’s behavior or the consequences of their drinking. What happened?
2. How did you feel during and after the situation? (e.g., frustrated, anxious, helpless)
3. What did you learn from this experience? (e.g., that you can’t control the drinker, that you need to prioritize your own needs)

Section 2: Examining Unmanageability

1. How has the drinker’s behavior affected your daily life? (e.g., work, relationships, finances)
2. In what ways have you tried to manage or cope with the drinker’s behavior? (e.g., enabling, people-pleasing, avoiding)
3. How have these coping mechanisms affected your life? (e.g., increased stress, feelings of resentment)

Section 3: Admitting Powerlessness

1. Write a statement admitting your powerlessness over alcohol and the unmanageability of your life. For example:

   “I admit that I am powerless over [name]’s drinking and that my life has become unmanageable as a result.”

2. What does this statement mean to you? How does it make you feel?

Conclusion

Working Step 1 is a crucial part of the Al-Anon program, as it helps members acknowledge their powerlessness over alcohol and the unmanageability of their lives. By exploring these concepts and admitting powerlessness, members can begin to let go of the need to control the uncontrollable and start their journey towards recovery.

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