Author: James Anderson

The Science of Step 1: How Being Powerless Empowers Your Recovery

Recognizing this unmanageability is crucial because it propels individuals toward seeking help and making lasting changes. As the Medical Director, Mark works with the staff to coordinate the appropriate level of care for each individual client. He works directly with the clients on management of medical issues both related to and separate from their addiction, ensuring comprehensive health care plans that ensure our clients’ chances at recovery. What he has found to be most rewarding about working in the addictions treatment field is being able to help suffering addicts and alcoholics to realize their fullest potential. Being born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it was always a dream for James to start a program where he began his own recovery journey. Having faced addiction in his own life, and having worked through recovery, James truly understands what it takes to get sober and stay sober.

A Deeper Look at Alcoholics Anonymous Step One

Shannon decided to switch careers and went back to school to obtain his Addiction Counseling degree and certification in Human Services in 2022 from Anne Arundel Community College. Therefore, lack of control over alcohol use is part of the disease of addiction; it is not that you have a lack of willpower to control your use. This criteria is mostly likely to be present if you have moderate or severe alcohol use disorder. Many people with substance use disorders have become almost terminally isolated and drawn back into a life of secrets and shame. They have become reliant only on themselves to prove they can pull themselves out of their misery, not seeing that much of their misery comes from the isolation of prideful self-reliance. The only times they look beyond themselves is when they are blaming other people, places, and things for their pain.

1. Families can also find support in 12 step based self-help in groups such as Al-anon and Nar-Anon.
2. To help me see things even more clearly, page 11 of the new Step Into Action book states some of the things that show how unmanageable my life is.
3. Prior to her role in crisis intervention, Melissa worked extensively in the substance abuse and dual diagnoses treatment field.

Questions to Ask Yourself in 1st Step AA

My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the unique experiences and perspectives of each of my clients . I utilize a person-centered approach to my clients to help empower change within themselves. I have over three years of experience helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges of mental health and substance use. I graduated from Towson University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Human Services, with a track in Child life. I then pursued my Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work. While pursuing my masters, I also received my BCAT certification which allows me to work with clients with Autism.

Medical Director

“Hidden” triggers are more challenging to identify and, therefore, may strike… Admitting you have a problem is always said to be the first step of recovery. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you are heading in the direction of recovery or sobriety. Many AA beginners erroneously believe that since they are are attending a session or in rehab that they have automatically completed Step 1 of AA.

How can this be a good reminder to us all that recovery is a lifelong pursuit?

Working one-on-one with a therapist or attending group meetings can provide the ability to hear how others have worked this step and allow you the opportunity to talk out your own through process. Although you can if you desire, there is no need to work any of the AA steps completely on your own. Contact us to learn more about how we support 12 step programs at The Freedom Center.

Director of Operations

James now has the opportunity to do what he loves and help others achieve long-term recovery. James works alongside the clinical director and administrative team to help ensure that every client benefits from a customized treatment plan and holistic approach that offers freedom from the grips of addiction. AA meetings are helpful for many individuals in recovery from alcohol addiction. These meetings may even be part of the programming at inpatient rehab or outpatient programs you attend. Services offered by your treatment team can work alongside the 12 Steps to help you find your path to recovery. Step One AA is fundamentally about honesty, while active addiction is characterized by denial.

Ultimately, Step One in AA and NA is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It empowers individuals to confront their addiction, embrace their vulnerabilities, and embark on a journey of healing and renewal. This step serves as a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction, reminding them that they are not alone and that a network of individuals stands ready to support and uplift one another.

If you find yourself being in fear about what is occurring and reacting based on that fear, you are most likely experiencing self-will. If you come to a point where your life is unmanageable yet again, you have probably followed self-will. It may happen hundreds and thousands of times in your sobriety, but don’t let that deter you. Join our supportive sober community where each day becomes a step towards personal growth and lasting positive change.

After learning the necessary coping skills and engaging in a 12-step fellowship, my life began to change, and only for the better. I now enjoy working with others and helping them get through the hard times of early recovery. I still engage in a daily program of recovery myself and also enjoy fitness and health, nature, sports, horror movies, video games, cooking and spending time with family and friends. I have been on both sides of the fence, active addiction and recovery, and continue to choose recovery every day. Samantha is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges and find healing and recovery.