« The Right and Wrong Way to Measure Progress with an Addiction | Main | Why There Is Lunacy – Literally – in 28-day Rehabs »

Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol

Alcoholism is not even about alcohol

The myth that people with alcoholism are powerless over alcohol is deeply misinformed, and just as dangerous. Addiction arises from inside of people – their drive to excessively drink, use other drugs, eat, gamble, and so on. To think that alcohol is the problem in alcoholism is to believe it has a magnetic power to enslave people. This is sheer nonsense. And when people think that their problem is a chemical in a bottle, they focus on trying to resist the chemical rather than doing what is truly useful: trying to understand their minds. 

Of course, if we are talking about physical dependence then the chemical is relevant, but as readers of this blog or either of my books (“The Heart of Addiction,” and “Breaking Addiction”) know, the real problem in addiction is not physical addiction, which can affect anybody and is readily treatable, but why some people compulsively repeat their addictive behaviors even when there is no physical dependence at all.
 
Addiction is all about seeking a remedy for overwhelming feelings of helplessness, and the exact form of an addiction, whether drinking or eating or watching online pornography, is no more than a focus for the addiction, not its cause. This is why people so often change the form of their addiction, moving from alcoholism to compulsive gambling tocompulsive shopping, and on and on. Wouldn’t it be strange if people really were powerless over the focus of their addiction? When a person switched from alcoholism to compulsive gambling we’d have to say he was now powerless over something new. As the focus shifted there could be no end to the things he was powerless over – his powerlessness could spread like wildfire! (“I used to be powerless over just alcohol, but now peanut butter has me in its grip.”)
 
The notion that people are powerless over the focus of their addiction is also terribly demoralizing. Addictions are neither more nor less than compulsions, psychological behaviors most people have to some degree. That fact has been a great relief to people with addictions who have been made to feel different and less than the rest of humanity. But if you buy the idea that you are powerless over the chemical in a bottle (or the peanut butter on the shelf or the offshore gambling website) then you are deprived of this honest relief. Instead, you must admit your worst fear: you are in fact different and certainly less capable than everyone around you who is able to drink with impunity.
 
“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol” is, of course, Step One of Alcoholics Anonymous. 12-step programs have been statistically shown to have a 5-10% success rate. Step One isn’t the only reason for this, but it is clearly a part of the problem.
Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at 11:41PM by Registered CommenterLance Dodes, M.D. | Comments10 Comments | References253 References

References (253)

References allow you to track sources for this article, as well as articles that were written in response to this article.
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: dr zizmor
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Jordan outlet
    现在中国电子商务网站拿风险投 都萌生去意 资的钱在狂烧,我觉得从现在开始需要3年才会定下格局。从当当来说,我们目前采购成本最低化,物流营运最低化,有顾客积累和美誉度,不花市场经费,我能打 jordan outlet store online 赢,但利润率很低。按道理来说,图书利润在5%,日用百货在3%,但我们平均只有1%多点,这就是折让过度,就是价格战,而且要打3年。 自当当网去年12月在美国纽交所上市以来,当当网首席 更糟糕的是 执行官李国庆就一直处于舆论的风口浪尖,相继经历上市荣耀、与京东的图书价格战、与"大摩女"的微博口水战,直至最近在微博上向淘宝
  • Response
    Response: gucci outlet
    第五;文中提到,难怪,中国足球队怎么也踢不出亚洲,中国队的碳水化合物上半场就全部转为热量,gucci gucci outlet handbags outlet handbags,下半场就在低能量的状 火王仲天 态下挣扎呢! 第三:文中提到,糖,火王仲天,又是癌细胞唯一最喜欢的养分!——如果没有糖,癌细胞就会活活饿死! 谷皮中确实含有少量的维生素和矿物质、蛋白质,但其量甚微,人们完全可以从其他食物代替。白米饭主要功能是提供能量,并非维生素和矿物质的主要来源 however 。现代中国人癌症和慢性病高发,与当前
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: agen bolatangkas
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: article source
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: CFDs online
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: married but dating
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: CFD Trading
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: joanns
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: drug Rehab center
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: kYDjVkNq
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: hermes vintage
      Changsha Zou Meng Wang having doc doctors bags tors bags to >mens ted >mens ted baker slippers baker slippers do with going to be the original everywhere over the Shanghai.   The governor disagreed, saying: "There command above, prisoners are never allowed hollister uk to understand more about wo ...
  • Response
    Response: bangcolae.kr
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Dexter Yager
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: getting divorced
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: b.r.a.t diet
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Read More Here
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Lisa McElhone
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Website/Blog
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: back pain
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Glock trigger
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: memory module
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Saleh Stevens
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: saleh stevens
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Dr. Patel Dentis
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Belinda Broido
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Saleh Stevens
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Saleh Stevens
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Link Schwartz
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Belinda Broido
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Ht Rush Reviews
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: stick welding
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: ass
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: %anchor_text%
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Dragons World Hack
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: charcoal grill
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: www.spa-it.al
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: bingo på nätet
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: homepage
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: sbobet 2015
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: link
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Alpha Genix
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: skype
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: sboasia
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: www minecraft net
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: """degree
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Alpha Fuel X
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: creditos rapidos
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: photoshop gratuit
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: excalibur
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: weebly.com
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Review
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: buy hp laptop
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: viagra
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: TPB Proxy
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Reviews
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: tirage carte
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: free spins
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Frank Kern
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: male enhancements
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: seo copywriting
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: test
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: test
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: little empire hack
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: test
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Youtube.com
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: pure life cleanse
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: nisim
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: belajar android
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: flirt dating
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: idrotherapy
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: weepcraft
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: internetmatika
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: All on 4 implant
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: onlinehome.us
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: did you read it?
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: did you read it?
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: cavitacion
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: rumah dijual
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: rumah dijual
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: One Moment Serum
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: jasa seo
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: tarot
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: tarot
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: seo toronto
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: seo toronto
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: improvement plan
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Reto 90 que es
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Reto 90 que es
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: computer store
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Biogeniste
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Opzioni Binarie
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: fertility monitor
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: fertility monitor
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: buy viagra
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Opzioni Binarie
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Opciones Binarias
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: sbobet
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: sbobet
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: sbobet
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: www.youtube.com
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Agen Ibcbet
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: www.bibsonomy.org
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: sbobet
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: wrinkles
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: miami roof repair
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: miami roof repair
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: metal roof
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: metal roof
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: custody lawyer mn
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: sex site
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: chinese betting
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: Arden Kaisman
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: dentist crown
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: bielizna damska
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: homepage
    Lance M. Dodes, M.D. - Blog - Alcoholics are not powerless over alcohol
  • Response
    Response: 水下堵漏公司
    无论你去杭州西湖,还是在泰山,抑或是桂林, 水池堵漏/隧道堵漏/人防堵漏 水池堵漏/隧道堵漏 重庆水下堵漏哪家好 /人防堵漏你都会看到一个叫吴迈的题诗,那刻在石头的书法遒劲,给人留下深刻的印记。 在西湖姐妹亭东亭湖边,那块竖砌的褐色的形状不规则的石头,高约 2米多,宽约50厘米。背湖这面刻着这样一首诗:"万方多难金瓯缺,国耻如山曾未雪,重庆 琼瑶阿姨微博叫屈了啊,说内地人不懂礼貌只会骂人哦~娱乐八卦 水下堵漏哪家好,琼瑶阿姨微博叫屈了啊,说内地人不懂礼貌只会骂人哦~娱乐八卦;卧薪尝胆且勿遑,安敢偷闲学冷血。"这是一首有感而发的爱国诗篇,是纪念1931年日军侵占东三省而发动的震惊中外的"九・一八"事变。193
  • Response
      约1940年12月下旬,日本人再次确认了石碌山北部大矿床的存在。从194 什么才叫低调,孙燕姿3月31日结婚了,还是民政局泄出来的消息。 0年末到1941年1月,日本人暂时停止了对石碌山南部矿床的地表勘探,转而集中力量展开对北部矿床蕴藏量的调查,之后在向日本的电报中指出:储量"大概会超过一亿吨" 南京污水池堵漏公司 。在1941年2―3月日本的石井调查团完成了对石碌山的再次调查后,日本人转入了对石碌铁矿的正式调查。伴随着正式调查的展开,重点是对北部矿床埋藏地带约400公顷的亚热带密林的砍伐及与之并行的测量、地表探察。5月在玉叠的人员扩大到40人(5月末包括当地日军,人数则超过 水下作业 6
  • Response
  • Response
    The Best Outside Buffet Catering Company in Stockport, Cheshire
  • Response
  • Response
    Shikaar 3 Lyrics by Parry Sarpanch is latest Punjabi song with music given by Black Virus. Shikaar 3 song lyrics are written by Hammy Music and Parry Sarpanch and video is directed by Gurjeet Hundal.

Reader Comments (10)

hello!,I really like your writing very much! percentage we keep up a correspondence more approximately your article on AOL? I need a specialist in this area to resolve my problem. May be that's you! Having a look forward to see you.

July 6, 2012 | Unregistered Commentersuper slots

Thanks for this fantastic article. It contains whole lot data which I need. I am bookmark your site by my next visit.

July 9, 2012 | Unregistered Commentersuper slots

Hello. I'm an actual person writing here. I don't know if you check your comments! :-)

What I've read on this site makes a lot of sense to me. I have 15+ months happy and productive sobriety through daily participation in AA (including working Steps). To me the "powerless" aspect of Step 1 means, I can't consume that substance without getting very sick, and that will never ever change. The Steps involve cessation of drinking first, then public honesty and commitment to abstinence, and helping others. I don't feel demoralized by the work but I admit I am sometimes irritated by the idea alcoholics & addicts are "special" in some way... I feel like a member of the human race, no more nor less.

I plan to continue reading here unless something doesn't work for me. Thanks for working in a field that many misunderstand and almost as many stigmatize!

August 9, 2012 | Unregistered Commenteran alcoholic

I'm almost finished reading The Heart of Addiction, and then I will read Breaking Addiction because the first was so good.
In 1988 I stopped drinking b/c I was raising my 5-year-old daughter alone, and I knew I couldn't continue it. I went to an alcohol couseling center, where the girl (she was about 25 or so - I was 30 at the time) told me at each of my visits (totalling 8 altogether) to go to AA. I finally went, and that's how I stopped. However, I did not take all the "suggestions" that they so strongly recommend. I just clung to Tradition 3, which states that "the only requirement is a desire to stop drinking." As time passed, I went to less meetings, and although I've never had alcohol since I quit, after 13 or so years sober, I was prescribed pain pills, and I became addicted. Truly psychologically addicted as you describe so poignantly. I had no desire to go to NA, so I tried going back to AA, but I didn't stop until May 2012. I go to NA, and I have to say that it's helping me, but there are definitely parts of it that I just can't agree with, so I started researching addiciton, and found your book, which has been a tremendous help to me. I do have a therapist, but he is semi-retired, so we talk on the phone since he lives in Mass. and I'm in NY. Anyway, my daughter (29 now) was very, very hurt upon discovering this "new addiction" and has not spoken to me since March. We were extremely close, and I know she feels tremendous betrayal, and does not talk to me at all. I sent her a letter asking her what I could do to re-establish some trust (on the advice of my therapist), and her reply was very business like: "...while I anticipate eventually speaking to you in the future, I am not ready yet. I am still processing my own feelings."
Anyway, I wanted your advice on what to do. Thanks!!!
And thanks so much for writing these books!!!

August 23, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterKathy

I'm almost finished reading The Heart of Addiction, and then I will read Breaking Addiction because the first was so good.
In 1988 I stopped drinking b/c I was raising my 5-year-old daughter alone, and I knew I couldn't continue it. I went to an alcohol couseling center, where the girl (she was about 25 or so - I was 30 at the time) told me at each of my visits (totalling 8 altogether) to go to AA. I finally went, and that's how I stopped. However, I did not take all the "suggestions" that they so strongly recommend. I just clung to Tradition 3, which states that "the only requirement is a desire to stop drinking." As time passed, I went to less meetings, and although I've never had alcohol since I quit, after 13 or so years sober, I was prescribed pain pills, and I became addicted. Truly psychologically addicted as you describe so poignantly. I had no desire to go to NA, so I tried going back to AA, but I didn't stop until May 2012. I go to NA, and I have to say that it's helping me, but there are definitely parts of it that I just can't agree with, so I started researching addiciton, and found your book, which has been a tremendous help to me. I do have a therapist, but he is semi-retired, so we talk on the phone since he lives in Mass. and I'm in NY. Anyway, my daughter (29 now) was very, very hurt upon discovering this "new addiction" and has not spoken to me since March. We were extremely close, and I know she feels tremendous betrayal, and does not talk to me at all. I sent her a letter asking her what I could do to re-establish some trust (on the advice of my therapist), and her reply was very business like: "...while I anticipate eventually speaking to you in the future, I am not ready yet. I am still processing my own feelings."
Anyway, I wanted your advice on what to do. Thanks!!!
And thanks so much for writing these books!!!

August 23, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterKathy

It seems to me that the question of power can be used to one's psychological advantage. "Who has power here, me or alcohol?" Perhaps a compromise is to admit we were powerless (Dr. Dodes is correct to note the past tense were) but that as a sober person, we now have power. For me, there was a genuine psychological boost in recognizing I had defeated alcohol, that I had returned to power.

The danger, of course, is that thinking I have power over alcohol equates with being able to drink whenever I want, to take it or leave it. Hopefully, though, by getting to the root of the problem (rather than just the symptom) this resolves itself.

Without a doubt, though, I must agree that admitting powerlessness is self-defeating. If one has no power, why not just continue using and drinking? It's a wrong-headed approach, in my opinion.

October 30, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterRDR

Thanks for clarifying this -- I knew those people at AA were lying to me! Tonight I can have a glass of champagne to celebrate my anniversary! Thank you Dr. Dodes

November 6, 2012 | Unregistered Commentergoodnews

I am relieved to finally read about a medical doctor working with addictions who shares my current view on "habits". I have felt disgruntled by the term "powerless". I have experienced this "problem" firsthand and could never come to grips with addiction being "labeled" a disease (I haven't adopted that theory, personally). What I have come to appreciate, however, is that others have beliefs, theories, and treatments which counter my own. I have empathy and acceptance of that while at the same time moving forward in my thinking and "layman" research for the betterment of all who suffer in these situations. I am thankful to have read this article along with another posted in Psychology Today, "The Truth about Addictive Triggers" (December, 2013). If a person believes they can NEVER consume alcohol again in this lifetime for their health and wellbeing, good for them. While on another note, expressing it is my opinion that while our "memories" of addictive/compulsive behaviors are ingrained in the brain, neuroplasticity, therapy, life-skills (positive coping), etc. can all combine for effective alleviation of suffering and positive life changes and continuity without the constant fear and anxiety of "disease symptoms' reappearances". Personal responsibility for self-care and self-health are the only options. I hope people do not become "addicted" to being sober. I do feel we ALL have the capacity at any point in time or trauma to fall into addictive tendencies, and most assuredly those individuals who have previously suffered with such. We ALL need to be in tune to our minds and bodies for providing ourselves with the utmost wellbeing in our lives. We ALL need to value ourselves as "worth" the investment, because that is what we are...Worthy. We can work it for ourselves, and change it if need be. Fall down, get up. What a great freedom! Thank you Dr. Dodes for your passion and your work. I am most assuredly not assuming you share all of my views I have put forth in this post, but I absolutely appreciate your perspective and research into this field.

January 9, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterMelissa

very very nice...

April 1, 2015 | Unregistered Commenterselaput dara

To get a greater exposure to your facebook account, Folks expend money to Buy Facebook Followers to easily get exposure online.

December 6, 2016 | Unregistered Commenterbuy facebook followers

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>