Not Powerless

Personal powerlessness over substances as well as life itself is a central tenet of 12 step treatment along with admission of unmanageability of one's life. While Substance Use Disorders (SUDS's) can certainly lead to one's life becoming unmanageable, no human being without severe neurological impairment can ever be powerless over inert substance. SUD's are the result of many factors including socio-economic, childhood abuse, emotional disorders and an almost unlimited continuum of other factors. The idea that people are born with addictions is wrong and dangerous.