Step One

a couple arguing

Written by, Anna T.

I have admitted that I am powerless over cocaine, marijuana, my boyfriend and all mind altering drugs.  

My life is/was out of control – I couldn’t handle my bills and my relationship with my boyfriend. I was having a hard time getting up for work.  I was becoming co-dependent and resentful and I’m tired of all this bullshit. My life was becoming unmanageable; I was missing God the most.  I had lost my spirituality.  

All of these problems are mine. I refuse to blame anyone else but myself. All of these messes I got into were of my choice.  

What has hurt me is drugs. They put me into a fantasy world. They led me down to another bottom. Also, my obsession with my boyfriend included dreaming he would make it. And, of course, his drug of choice, again, put him into another bottom. I was becoming very co-dependent and unmanageable.  

My daughter was around all of this. She didn’t see the drugs, however, I know she could sense changes in my attitude. She heard my boyfriend and I fight; they were insane fights. I’m laying all of this out on the table. My life again had gone down the drain. I can not drink, do dope or any mind altering drugs. I am powerless over these things and the outcome is horrifying.  

Using and drinking had clouded my vision. I was not loving myself properly. I was going down. I am grateful I didn’t have a heart attack. Let’s not forget that I was not loving my daughter like a true mother. I was living an ugly life. I had enough!!  

I’ve tried a lot of time to get on top of problems; I’d end up right back on drugs; I couldn’t do it myself.  

I want out of all my problems; I will do it one day at a time. I am almost 30 days clean and sober. I am very emotional. I want peace and serenity. I believe I will have this and more.  

God bless me and keep me safe  

I love myself…

Published in A New Leaf – July 1991

More Articles

  • Heard in a Meeting

    “Relapse is just part of the learning process. It teaches you what not to do next time. You’ve found the trigger and are better prepared for the future.” – Anonymous Published in A New Leaf – March 2025

    Heard in a Meeting
  • Depression

    By Danielle D. A blanket of grey covers the skyVitamin D in low supplyThe TV is on, my ass on the couchI really need to fix my awful slouchThis time of year is always toughIf I were a man, I’d surely have scruffFrom days stuck in thoughtAnd a lack of self careWho knows if I’ve…

    Depression
  • Forgetting

    By Remy C. I have a problem. I can’t eat, sleep, or smile. I’m not smoking yet. I just have untreated depression and anxiety and can’t afford therapy. When I find access to marijuana, I think my problem is solved. I can eat. I can sleep. I can smile. I can at least until I…

    Forgetting
  • My Recovery!

    By Ernest W. I smoked cannabis (marijuana) for 20 years. I went into a partial hospitalization program, attended a few hours a day of a 12-step structured program with other support classes, and received education about addiction, and confessed my problem. I got a referral to Marijuana Anonymous. I had thought smoking several times a…

    My Recovery!
  • A Third Step Prayer

    By Anonymous Source, I devote myself to all that is, and offer my lifeforce essence in heartfelt desire to the betterment of myself and those around me in solidarity and oneness—for I am my siblings, and we are all one people. Allow my hardships, successes, and my life on your terms, to be a testament…

    A Third Step Prayer
  • Becoming a Sponsor

    By, Ras M. I have really come to embrace being a Sponsor. It was only a year and a half ago that the idea gave me the heebeegeebees. I’d already had a few not so great experiences with newcomers who would reach out in inappropriate ways. It’s been a journey of fortifying my own boundaries,…

    Becoming a Sponsor