Step 2 AA – Accepting There Is A Power Greater Than Ourselves

“We came to be aware that a Power greater 
than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

Most AA members feel rather helpless when they get to step 2; this is due to the fact they had to admit that their addiction had become unmanageable during step 1. Of course, this does make it possible to move toward step 2 and toward recovery. But how does step 2 work and why is it so important that members accept how unmanageable their addiction had become?

This post is part of a 15 part look into the 12 Step Program and how it can be used to help in alcohol addiction and recovery. The full 15 part book can be downloaded for free by Clicking Here

What Is Step 2?

Step 2 is all about acknowledging a higher power and trusting that higher power to inspire you to remain sober. Evidently, this is not a step that is as straightforward for everyone, as not everyone believes in God. There are alternative wordings to step 2 though, so the most important thing is finding something that inspires you to stay sober. 

It is important to know that step 2 stands in close connection with step 1. After all, you first have to admit that your problem is no longer manageable and so you are able to put your trust into a spiritual plane. In other words, this step contributes to your understanding that you need help. 

How Do I Do Step 2?

During step 2, you must think about something that will inspire you to stay sober. For some people, this could be a higher power such as God. For non-religious people, it could be something as simple as their ideal self or the wisdom of other people in recovery. It is quite important that this higher power works for you personally, as this helps you accept and trust the process. 

When you are not religious, step 2 can be a little more difficult. There is sufficient help available at your AA meeting, enabling you to find the right “higher power” for you. Attending the meetings can also give you some ideas from other AA members. 

If you implement step 2, make sure that you keep your mind open to new ideas and advice from others. Remember, it is all about accepting the idea that your addiction cannot be controlled; this also includes all the urges and feelings that accompany them. 

What Are Common Pitfalls And How Do I Avoid Them?

There are some common pitfalls you can encounter with step 2. Here is an overview of the most common pitfalls, and how you can avoid them during your recovery journey. 

Not finding your higher power: As briefly mentioned already, people who are not religious can find step two the most difficult. When you struggle with addiction, it can be difficult to find this higher power if you do not believe in God. Of course, there have been other AA members in the same position and who have successfully found that higher power.

When it comes to finding your higher power, it is important not to choose something just because it worked for another member. It needs to be something you genuinely believe in. And while this may be difficult to start with, you should certainly take your time to find something that suits your personality and your personal beliefs. 

Not completing step 1: Truly accepting that your addiction is uncontrollable and has affected your life negatively is a difficult step, but more than necessary to move onto step 2. In fact, you must complete step 1 in order to be able to start step 2. 

Saying that you accepted that your addiction is out of control is one thing, but honestly believing it and knowing this in your heart is something completely different. If you complete step 1 and still believe you have some degree of control over your addiction means that you have not completed step 1.

It is not uncommon for members to take a little longer on step 1, especially those who suffered with addiction for a long time. This is a hard reality to accept, but necessary for healing to take place. 

Depression: Many addiction sufferers have a history of mental illness. While this is not the case for everyone, some members have experienced depression, anxiety, burn-out, bipolar disorder, and other mental health problems. Unfortunately, existing mental health problems can influence your recovery.

One of the most dominant mental health problems that can have a negative impact on step 2 is depression. When you suffer from depression, it is difficult to trust into a higher power, let alone finding inspiration to stay sober. If you have a history of depression, there are some additional treatment avenues you could take that coincide with your addiction recovery.

While depression is a common mental health problem, many members never realised they struggled with depression in the past. In fact, some turn to addiction to cope with feelings of depression, and only discover there is another problem when going into recovery. 

Recognising depression is vital for step 2, especially when you need to find something to inspire you other than God. If you struggle finding a higher power because of depression, be sure to ask for additional support if you need it. After all, it is better to seek help than to give up on the process. And since step 2 is about finding a higher power that gives you hope and inspiration, it is certainly a step that could help depression sufferers greatly.

How Will I Know I Am Ready To Move Onto Step 3?

Before you can move onto step 3, it is vital to have a higher power you can put your hope into. Something or someone to inspire you and give you hope when it gets difficult and tough. Something you can hand over your problems to and trust in them. If you believe you have found this higher power and truly believe in it, then you will be ready to move onto step 3.

Please remember that both step 1 and step 2 must be mastered before heading over to step 3. If you believe you have not fully accepted that you are powerless against your addiction, then you may have to return to step 1.