Step #1 says to admit powerlessness. But, admitting vulnerability and feeling powerless are universally viewed as accepting defeat. This feeling of powerlessness means we don’t seem to have control over the essential things in my life - our finances, addictions/compulsions, and relationships are unmanageable. We feel helpless and inadequate in stressful situations, making us even more susceptible to stress and anxiety. That's why “coping mechanisms,” such as denial, and distractions, such as substances and perverted pleasures, are so attractive. We feel stressed, anxious, lonely, bored, or inadequate. So, we cope by getting high or acting out.