The Step 2 Foundation of the 12 Step Program: Connecting With Your Source

Step 2 – “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

While it may sound fairly straightforward, admitting alcohol has become a serious problem in your life can be an extremely difficult admission to make. This is the sole task of Step 1 of the 12 Step program.

Granted, it’s important to face the problem and see it for what it is, but doing so leaves behind a huge void in a person’s life. In effect, alcohol becomes the center of the alcoholic’s existence once addiction takes hold.

For these reasons, Step 2 of the 12 Step program works to fill this void. Replacing the role alcohol filled with something that represents the very best of what a person can be provides those in recovery with the foundation needed to build a sober lifestyle.

If you need help finding a program that can address your specific treatment needs, call our toll-free helpline at 800-781-0748 (Who Answers?) .

The Higher Power Dilemma

Having faith in God or any chosen Higher Power builds the foundation for recovery.

While not everyone accepts the notion of a Higher Power, many do have their own “personal” feelings towards spirituality and the role it plays in their lives. The 12 Step program approach has gotten a bad rap because most all of the 12 Steps incorporate a Higher Power component.

In actuality, the Higher Power as portrayed by Step 2 has more to do with a person’s own spiritual ideals than any one deity or religious sect, according to Guilford Publications. This means, your Higher Power can be anything that represents the types of heart-felt values and principles that inspire you to live a sober life.

In this respect, your Higher Power can be nature, love, your children, God or anything that motivates you to be the best that you can be.

Sanity vs. Insanity

The “Logic” Behind Addiction

Anyone who’s been in recovery for a while has likely heard the phrase, “the insanity of addiction” or something to that effect. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result depicts the type of logic that addiction creates in the mind of the addict.

When addiction is present, a person’s grasp on basic common sense is lost. The logic behind addiction stems from the primary role drugs hold in a person’s life.

Step 2 – Surrender – Facing the Emptiness Addiction Leaves Behind

The Logic Behind Step 2

When the mind can no longer work in the best interests of the person, it’s time to seek direction from an external source. According to the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, this is the logic behind Step 2 of the 12 Step program.

“Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity” means turning to a Source that embodies the level of wisdom and insight needed to break through the insanity that addiction breeds.

In essence, addiction creates a mindset that makes a person do, think and feel things he or she wouldn’t normally do. Developing a relationship with a Higher Power source provides you with a foundation capable of supporting growth and change.

If you’re struggling with addiction and need help finding a program that can help you live a drug-free live, please don’t hesitate to call our helpline at 800-781-0748 (Who Answers?) .