The Big Book, as it is called, is pretty clear that, in the writers' opinions, that only through a Higher Power does one become sober. The meaning of powerlessn

The Big Book, as it is called, is pretty clear that, in the writers' opinions, that only through a Higher Power does one become sober. The meaning of powerlessness I think they intended is that without help an alcoholic will not break the cycle. AA teaches that your sobriety depends on your connection to that power. According to them, no amount of self-knowledge or desire to stop will enable one to actually make an alcoholic/addict to put the stuff down. I guess that's how I was intending to describe their version of powerlessness. For me, I believe that was not the answer. I credit my sobriety to that I realize things could be much worse. I am grateful to be where I am and know that, on average, most people that have lived this life would not have made it through or had a chance to even do so. I honestly don't know if addiction is a disease. Certainly, anybody that has had the dts or benzo/opiate withdrawal will admit that there is a physical component to continued alcohol/drug abuse. I know many addicts (and myself was one) that continued using longer than wanted out of here of withdrawal. But I didn't need to completely "give in" or submit to the disease, at least I think (others may be able to judge that better though). I wanted and still want so bad to never have to go through some of the things an active addict has to go through again that I am completely terrified to go out again. But at an AA meeting they would probably say that that time will come if I do not develop a spiritual connection to something greater than myself