The Tremendous Weight of Step One

What do you think of when you see this picture? Well, here are my immediate thoughts. 1 - This is absolutely gorgeous and communicates a sense of freedom that is rare to ever truly experience. 2 - This person is INSANE. That water is dark so you have no idea how deep it is or what slimy, dangerous monsters lurk beneath. There is white water so there could be a strong tide and there are also rocks and well....that just adds about 100 more ways this situation could end badly.

As I've been learning about the nature of addiction from working in substance abuse treatment, I have been greatly familiarized with the 12 steps. According to this program, you must work through these steps and fully commit to incorporating them to all aspects of your life. And the first step is the big daddy.

1 - We admitted we were powerless over alcohol--that our lives had become unmanageable.

It's the giant cliff over uncharted water and I'm the person encouraging you to make the plunge. How easy it is to say, "not today" or "I'll get to it tomorrow." How often do we as humans take the easy way out? I know I personally do it all the time. Sometimes we aren't ready to commit to a change and must stand on that ledge many times before acting. Working these steps involves hard work, motivation, and of course going to meetings. Once I developed a better understanding of this, I saw my IOP patients in an entirely different light. They were given the chance to jump off a cliff in order to commit to sobriety and they actually did it. The first step is always the most terrifying. Accepting that alcohol or whatever your vice is has taken control of your life. We all know how much humility is needed to admit our weaknesses and ask for help.

I personally have never suffered from addiction and for this reason I sometimes feel incompetent to help others. But I'm an intern, I'm going to make mistakes, but I will put my whole heart into my work. This is my opportunity to learn from these individuals. They stepped off the cliff and trusted that whatever rocks, rapids, and monsters that came below were simply obstacles...surmountable roadblocks they must overcome in order to enjoy a sober life. So I think its pretty safe to say that next time I find myself on the edge of one of these cliffs, I will think twice about taking the easy way out. Thanks to all you brave souls who have plunged into the unknown of treatment despite a multitude of fears and hesitations. We could all learn a thing or two from you.

http://www.aa.org/assets/en_US/smf-121_en.pdf - Full Twelve Steps