Importance of the First Step Prayer

Turning to prayer and scripture for anxiety or managing difficulties in addiction recovery is beneficial for a variety of reasons.

Even the non-religious can find at least one verse that speaks to them and gives them peace. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international community of men and women with the purpose of helping people achieve sobriety and sustain it. The 12-Step Program was introduced and published in the 1939 book Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism, otherwise known as “The Big Book.” Each of the 12 steps also comes with a specific prayer that group members are meant to meditate on while they’re in that phase of the program. Although this program was originally geared toward individuals with alcoholism, it has since been expanded to aid in recovery from various forms of substance abuse disorders. As a faith-based drug and alcohol treatment center, we wanted to share the importance of the first step prayer in Alcoholics Anonymous.

What Is the First Step of AA?

The first step of Alcoholics Anonymous focuses on admitting addiction and accepting help. Many individuals struggling with drug addiction or alcoholism are in denial about their problems. They may think that they’re okay and that they can stop at any time. But it’s rarely ever that simple. Addiction is a chronic disease that affects both the mind and body. A large portion of a person’s unwillingness to quit using drugs or alcohol has to do with the psychological aspect of addiction. For a long-term cocaine user, the mere thought of quitting can cause a jumble of emotions. Some addicts don’t believe in themselves and think they’ll fail to reach sobriety.

The first step in AA is centered on helping addicts accept their problems in order to move forward in recovery. The first step states, “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable.” The AA believes that only by admitting your powerlessness and defeat against addiction can you actually overcome it. Whether or not you’re receiving drug or alcohol addiction treatment, and even if you aren’t even in a 12-Step Program, this is a vital step in recovery for anyone.

What Is The First Step Prayer?

Because the first step focuses on admitting your powerlessness over addiction, the AA first step prayer is a submission to God. It’s a transparent and vulnerable prayer that requires the individual to acknowledge their problem, admit their lack of control, and surrender to God.

The first step prayer in AA is as follows:

Dear Lord,

I admit that I am powerless over my addiction.

I admit that my life is unmanageable when I try to control it.

Help me this day to understand

The true meaning of powerlessness.

Remove from me all denial of my addiction.

If you’ve received addiction treatment, then you may remember a time when you were in denial about your drug or alcohol problem. This first step prayer opens the door for those who are scared to move forward or don’t know how.

What Is the Importance of the First Step Prayer in Addiction Recovery?

The Al-Anon first step prayer is important because it opens the person’s eyes to their condition, making them realize that they need to change. A person who is in denial about their problem or fails to realize the consequences of their substance abuse won’t be interested in receiving treatment. When it comes to addiction, the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” is all too common. Oftentimes, this first step prayer is a reflection of what many addicts may realize in an intervention or therapy. While addiction may be a chronic disease, an addict can recover and stay sober by applying the right methods.

Participating in a 12-Step Program

Are 12-Step Programs Effective? The effectiveness of 12-step programs, such as those offered by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), is well-supported by a significant body of evidence. These programs, which integrate elements of community support and often spiritual or faith-based components, have been instrumental in aiding countless individuals in their recovery from substance abuse disorders.

The founding principles of AA and similar groups are grounded in a model developed over 80 years ago. Initially met with skepticism—even by its co-founder Bill W.—these programs have demonstrated considerable success in promoting long-term sobriety. This success is attributed not only to the structured approach of the steps themselves but also to the supportive network of individuals all working towards similar recovery goals.

Scientific research reinforces the value of these programs. Studies consistently show that participants in 12-step programs have a higher likelihood of maintaining sobriety compared to those who pursue alternative therapies alone. The inclusion of strategies to prevent relapse, including the adoption of AA's recommended prayers, is also linked to more positive outcomes.

Furthermore, a vast majority of the research (84%) indicates that having faith in a power greater than oneself positively influences recovery outcomes. This is contrasted by a minimal percentage of studies (2%) that suggest any risks associated with 12-step programs.

In summary, engaging in a 12-step program, enhances the chances of recovering from substance abuse disorders and maintaining long-term sobriety. An important element of these programs is the development of personalized strategies to prevent relapse. Incorporating elements such as AA prayers into these strategies can further enhance the likelihood of a positive recovery outcome by providing emotional and spiritual support, which is crucial in maintaining abstinence.

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At Faith in Recovery, we help people who struggle with drug addiction and alcoholism achieve long-lasting sobriety. If you or someone you know needs substance abuse treatment, call us now at 888-280-4763 to learn more about the Christian addiction programs we offer.