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

  • The Birth of a Sobriety Baby: A Man’s Labor Story

    By T Money Nine months in, and Justin was glowing— Not from booze, not from weed, not from anything flowing. He’d been carrying this thing, deep in his soul, A sobriety baby—his life’s new goal. At first, it was easy, just a little bloat, Some cravings, some mood swings, but he stayed afloat. Then came…

    The Birth of a Sobriety Baby: A Man’s Labor Story
  • A Third Step Prayer

    By Susan L. of District 27 HP, I surrender. May victory over my inadequacies bear witness to the strength and power existing beyond and within me for the greater good of all. Guide me through the difficulties in my life, taking life’s strife as they arise. Help me to see the wonders in life and…

    A Third Step Prayer
  • A Prayer for Human Strength (Sin Eater)

    By, Jeanninne P. A prayer for human strength (Sin Eater): restrain my holiness, sustain my humanity, may my flaws be my sustenance, consecrated by my forgiveness. I forgive all my sins, till I eat them again. Published in A New Leaf – May 2025

    A Prayer for Human Strength (Sin Eater)
  • Why I Keep Coming Back

    Written by, Thia L. I’m an addict. I’m also a “chronic relapser.” Sometimes in meetings I joke that “I’m the poster child to keep coming back.” It’s not really a joke. I’ve been coming back to the rooms over and over for the past 12 and a 1/2 years. I can’t count the number of…

    Why I Keep Coming Back
  • Heard in a Meeting

    “When I smoked, my problems would have puppies.” – Anonymous Published in A New Leaf – May 2025

    Heard in a Meeting
  • Counting the Days

    Artwork by Alan C. Published in A New Leaf – January 2016

    Counting the Days