As we can see, laid out within 2 of the first 3 steps seems to require not only the acknowledgement of a Higher Power, but also the admission that God can help solve our problems if we gave our will and lives over to God as we understood it. The language involving the acceptance of a Higher Power is often times problematic for certain addicts who have a resistance to this type of belief or thinking. On the other hand, if an individual already has a relationship with a Higher Power, it can still be advantageous to examine how the transformation facilitated by the first 3 steps takes place from a psychological and emotional standpoint.
In order to better illustrate this, let’s look at what these first 3 steps are helping us accomplish. By working steps 1-3, we are essentially accepting and acknowledging 3 very important axioms and they are as follows: First we are saying, “I have an extremely severe problem on my hands in the form of addiction to substances.” Secondly, we are acknowledging to ourselves, “There is certainly room for massive improvement in this realm, however, all the knowledge and wisdom I have currently isn’t enough to fix my problem.” Finally, in step 3, we become willing and say, “Well clearly I can’t do this alone and so I am going to need to support and help in order to obtain my goal and solve this problem.” If we can honestly admit to ourselves that we have a problem, everything we know at present isn’t sufficient to solve it, and we become willing to seek out and accept help and guidance from others (including a Higher Power), we have then laid the foundation that is ripe for harvesting transformations in later steps.
The purpose of this deconstruction is not to appeal to atheists or non-believers alone, but rather it is to simplify the transformational value of the process we voluntarily engage in when we honestly work these steps. An understanding of the foundations of the 12 steps, unfortunately, isn’t enough, however, because quality recovery where progress is made always requires action. Sometimes we are uncomfortable with working the steps with a stranger or taking guidance from someone who isn’t experienced and that is ok too! Hired Power is staffed with addiction professionals from many different walks of life and they are able to provide guidance, accountability and support during this initial phase of recovery. Whether it be needing help walking through the steps, finding guidance in more practical matters, or simply providing transportation during times of uncertainly, Hired Power is able to provide specialized services to those in recovery.