Step Two: Come To Believe That A Power Greater Than Ourselves Can Restore Us To Sanity
As alcoholics and addicts, we know cognitively that we have a serious and deadly problem. During moments of clarity, we try everything in our human power to quit without results.
We try this again and again, becoming more frustrated and more certain that we don’t deserve a sober life.
Someone once said that the definition of insanity is to do the same thing again and again and expect different results.
In Step Two, we must realize and admit that we want and need the help of a Power that is greater than ourselves to restore us to sanity so that we can begin to overcome our addiction.
Alone, We Are Powerless Over Our Addiction
We know from experience that we are physically powerless physically once alcohol or drugs are in our bodies. We know that we are mentally powerless even when stone cold sober. Our sober mind continues to allow us to take that next drink or that next drug time and again.
Admitting Powerlessness
Step Two can be one of the most challenging steps for addicts new to recovery because it requires that we admit we are powerless. However, this step is critical to moving on with the 12 Step Program. Many addicts will lead miserable lives in addiction to their deaths because they cannot admit that they are powerless. Step Two requires us to realize that we alone cannot be trusted with our addiction. We must believe that it will require a Power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity.
Mark's Personal Experience with Step Two
I looked at all the forms of human power I had attempted to use to keep me from drinking and saw that none of them worked. Love for family, career, health, and legal consequences never worked in keeping me from drinking.
I was not in a positive state of mind when I moved from step one to step two. At the time when I was introduced to Step Two, I was still riddled with the Hell of trying to quit drinking on my own. When I was finally ready to trust in a Power greater than myself to restore me to sanity, I felt free…and for once, I felt confident that sobriety and happiness was possible for me.
The previous step - step 1 of 12
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