The second step of the 12 Steps in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is, “We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” Believing in a higher power is a a core principle of our 12 step rehab recovery program in Oregon. Crestview Recovery teaches residents the 12 steps to overcome addiction to substances, although the 12 steps is traditionally meant for alcohol abuse.
The Purpose of Step 2 in AA
Step 2 in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a turning point in which a person chooses to open their mind to believe in a power higher than themselves. Entrusting your faith in a greater power gives you something more to live for.
When you suffer from addiction, you are not in a sane mental state. Step 2 helps you accept that you cannot control your addictive urges. Many struggle with this idea because they believe they are in control of their lives.
To fully accept a greater power that restores your sanity, you must open your mind. Step 2 requires that you be humble and willing to accept healing from other powers. Seek treatment if you are having trouble controlling your addictive urges.
How to Complete Step 2 in AA
Step 2 in AA may be difficult because you are encouraged to choose your own higher power. It is hard to let go of your past life and choose to live for a power greater than yourself. But accepting the support of a higher power is the best way to find true peace.
Whether you are agnostic, atheist, or a former believer, everyone stands together during this step. Once you are able to look outside of yourself for help, recovery becomes much easier. Opening yourself up to have faith in a higher power will help you understand the meaning of recovery.
During this process, clients will practice the virtues of humility and hope. You must accept that alcohol addiction is not a battle you can face alone. Practicing Step 2 is made easier if you complete an alcohol rehab program, attend support groups, and have a sponsor.
How Can Your Sponsor Help in Step 2?
A sponsor is someone who has achieved sobriety and wants to guide others through recovery. Your sponsor may be someone who you met at a support group, addiction therapy, or AA meeting. The 12 Steps in AA are challenging to face on your own, which is why having a sponsor is so important. Sponsors can share helpful tips, words of encouragement, and personal experiences that aid you during your recovery.
When you feel the urge to relapse or your triggers are overwhelming, your sponsor is someone you can lean on. Sponsors have been through recovery and can provide help and feedback about how they avoid triggers. The point of AA is to surround you with people who understand what you are going through. You will always be with people who will not judge you based on your addiction. Make sure to communicate with your sponsor and others in AA because they are there to help.
It is important to share your thoughts, feelings, and emotions with your sponsor so they understand what you are going through. Being honest and open is the best way to communicate with your sponsor. Adhering to Step 2 will greatly benefit you on your path to sober living.
What Does “Greater Power Than Yourself” Mean?
In Step 2 of AA, the term “higher power” is often thought to be restricted to a religious belief in God. The 12 Steps in AA are based on Christian principles, so God is the higher power for those who believe in Christianity. However, you do not have to be religious to participate in Step 2 of AA.
A higher power can be anything you believe in, such as:
- Nature
- Meditation
- Recovery programs
- Music
- Love
- Buddha
- The Universe
- Allah
- Humanity
If you remain close-minded, you will not reap the benefits of AA. Allow yourself to be humble and accept a belief in a power greater than yourself. Having faith in a higher power will alter your perception of reality. It gives you something more important to live for than just your own life.
The 12 Steps in AA uses the term “God” as more of a convenience than anything else. Christianity inspired the 12 Steps, but they can be applied to any belief you may hold. You are not required to believe in any one thing. Rather, AA gives you the option to choose what you believe in and base your recovery on this faith.
Why is Step 2 in AA Called the Hope Step?
Step 2 in AA is called the “hope step” because it alleviates the pain of loneliness. Addiction can make you feel sad and isolated. In the late stages of addiction, many lose their will to live. Step 2 in AA gives recovering clients something greater to live for.
Those who were previously stuck in a pattern of substance use can find healing through Step 2. When times are tough and the temptation to drink sets in, you now have a safety valve. The presence of a greater power gives you the extra strength you need to avoid relapse.
If you are unsure about joining AA, learn about the healing nature of the 12 Steps. You can experience the peace and happiness you once enjoyed before addiction. If you want to overcome addiction for good, reach out to a treatment facility.
How Does a Higher Power Restore Sanity?
The final words of Step 2 state that a higher power “restores our sanity.” Many people that reach Step 2 in AA find it difficult to accept that they are not sane. Insanity is a powerful term that is commonly used to describe those with mental health disorders. This applies to AA because addiction is a type of mental illness that must be treated.
Albert Einstein is credited for saying, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” Before going any further in Step 2, a person must accept that they are not sane. Your drinking habits are uncontrollable and alcohol has had a damaging effect on your life. Continuing the pattern of alcohol misuse despite knowing its negative consequences is insanity.
Step 2 in AA gives you freedom from insanity. It helps you understand that you do not have to face recovery alone. Recovering clients can find a source of strength in a power greater than themselves. Living with purpose breaks the cycle of addiction and provides a sense of direction for the rest of recovery.
How Does Seeking a Greater Power Help Overcome Alcohol Addiction?
Seeking a higher power and trusting your faith in it will help you overcome alcohol addiction. Alcohol addiction can feel like an obstacle that is impossible to get through. When you have a higher power in your life, the obstacle will feel much smaller.
Having faith in a higher power gives you a different perspective on life. Instead of thinking only about yourself, you are now living for a greater purpose. This gives you the strength to replace bad habits with positive behaviors.
Alcohol addiction makes you feel sad and alone. When you have faith in a greater power, your feelings of depression and anxiety are gone. There is always a force with you that provides motivation and encouragement. You can share your thoughts and feelings with the higher power you believe in. It is a source of strength for you during recovery.
How Long Does Step 2 Take?
The duration of Step 2 depends on how long it takes you to trust your faith in a greater power. Allowing yourself to open up to a higher power may be a lengthy process depending on how your brain works. Addiction drags you down and makes you close-minded. It makes you feel like you have nothing to live for but yourself.
Step 2 establishes the ground for your recovery. Just like every other step, you need to have a firm foundation in the previous step in order to progress. Recovery is not an overnight process, and you must allow yourself time to reflect. As you continue on your recovery journey, look back on what you have accomplished. Stay positive and continue to grow, even when temptation strikes.
Believing in a higher power gives you something to fight for. Your life is more valuable because you are living for something greater than you. The quicker you open yourself up to healing, the quicker you will get through Step 2.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Crestview Recovery
At Crestview Recovery in Portland, OR, clients are surrounded by the support of family, friends, and peers. Our support-based approach provides a positive and encouraging atmosphere for our clients.
We know how hard addiction can be, which is why we base our treatment on personal relationships. Without motivation from loved ones, recovery can be extremely difficult. Our comprehensive therapy approach provides clients with the skills needed to break the cycle of addiction and take control of their life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, there is hope. If you want to learn more about our services, contact us today!
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
