Recovery from the impacts of a loved one's addiction is not just a journey for those directly afflicted but also for their families and friends. Support groups like Al-Anon offer a structured pathway through the Twelve Steps, which guide members towards emotional recovery and personal growth. This Al Anon Step 1 Worksheet is designed to aid you in understanding and working through the first step of the Al-Anon program, which states, "We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable."
Introduction to Al-Anon Step 1
Al-Anon Step 1 is the foundation upon which the recovery process is built. It requires participants to acknowledge the powerlessness over alcohol and accept that their lives have become unmanageable. Here's how you can start:
- Admission: Honestly admitting that one's life is affected by someone else's drinking.
- Powerlessness: Recognizing the inability to control or stop the alcoholic's behavior.
- Unmanageability: Identifying areas of life where problems and chaos have become a norm due to the addiction.
Here's a step-by-step guide to working through Step 1 using our worksheet:
Step 1 Worksheet
| Questions | Your Response |
|---|---|
| How has the alcoholic's behavior affected your life? | Write down specific instances or general ways your life has been impacted. |
| What have you tried to do to change or control their drinking? | List all the efforts you've made to manage the situation. |
| Have these attempts been successful? | Reflect on whether these efforts made a difference. |
| In what areas do you feel your life has become unmanageable? | Identify specific areas like emotional health, finances, relationships, etc. |
| Are there any feelings or emotions you've been suppressing due to this situation? | Allow yourself to recognize and name these emotions. |
| Have you felt alone or unsupported? | Describe moments when you felt isolated or lacked support. |
| What would it mean to admit powerlessness over alcohol? | Contemplate the relief or challenges this acknowledgment might bring. |
| What does an unmanageable life look like for you? | Describe how your current state feels unmanageable. |
💡 Note: This worksheet is meant to help you explore your feelings and thoughts. It's not about blaming or shaming but understanding your powerlessness over alcohol.
🏠 Note: Keep your responses private. This is your personal journey towards acceptance and healing.
📝 Note: Share your responses in a supportive Al-Anon meeting when you feel comfortable to gain insights from others on the same journey.
By completing this worksheet, you've taken the first critical step in your recovery. You've acknowledged your powerlessness over alcohol and the unmanageability of your life due to the impact of someone else's addiction. This admission can feel liberating as it frees you from the futile attempts to control or change the alcoholic. It's the beginning of focusing on your own emotional and mental well-being, which is where your true power lies.
What is the purpose of the Al-Anon Twelve Steps?
+
The Al-Anon Twelve Steps provide a framework for personal growth, emotional healing, and recovery from the effects of someone else’s alcoholism. They help individuals find serenity by focusing on changing themselves rather than the alcoholic.
How often should I revisit this worksheet?
+
Revisiting the Step 1 worksheet can be beneficial whenever you feel your old patterns resurfacing or during times of stress or relapse from the alcoholic. Regular revisits help in reinforcing your recovery process.
Can I use this worksheet even if I’m not part of Al-Anon?
+
Absolutely. This worksheet is designed for anyone affected by someone else’s drinking, offering a structured way to process your feelings and understand the first step of recovery.
