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Jay and Diane break down Step One of the 12-step program, exploring what it means to admit powerlessness over addiction and acknowledge life's unmanageability.

• Step One reads: "We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable"
• Customize this step by substituting relevant terms (alcohol, food, other people's behaviors)
• Powerlessness can be empowering by narrowing our focus on things that are within our control
• Recovery involves identifying "red behaviors" (the addiction), "yellow behaviors" (triggers), and "green behaviors" (addressing underlying wounds and choosing healing activities)
• People who are "white knuckling" their sobriety may be focusing on symptoms rather than addressing root causes

Join us next Sunday as we continue our exploration of the 12 Steps with more in-depth questions and nuanced discussion.

Question: What is the hardest part of admitting powerlessness for you and why?

Jay and Diane's Just For The Day podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Just for Today, any 12-Step program, or any other recovery-based product or organization. They should not replace your regular group or sponsor meetings.

The views expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests. Take what you like and leave the rest.