Native American

Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and drugs- that we had lost control of our lives.

Principle: Honesty

This step is about being honest. "Yes, I've really got a problem. My alcohol or drug use is killing me." I can't con myself and just say the words. I must admit it honestly to myself.

Text or Verse

O Great Spirit
Whose voice I hear in the winds,
And whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me!
I need strength, not to be greater than my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.
Make me always ready to come to you
with clean hands and straight eyes.

Practice

Step 1 requires that we face East and seek to find the Creator in our lives.

Begin by brushing yourself down with sage or cedar.
Make a mind map by drawing a circle in the center of a piece of paper.
Inside the circle write "powerless over drugs/alcohol."
Brainstorm by thinking about the things related to drugs and alcohol which have caused your loss of power and dignity.
For each one, draw a branch leading away from the circle and label it with a few words.
Each time you think of something related that goes deeper, make a second branch coming off the first.
Make a second mind map noting how your using alcohol and drugs has affected others in your family.

Resources

Medicine Wheel and the 12 Steps for Men
Medicine Wheel and the 12 Steps for Women
www.whitebison.org (Go to Links menu to connect with the web site)

Native American Rehab Center
Indigenous Path
www.stopyouraddiction.com (Go to Links menu to connect with the web site)

Red Road to Wellbriety in the Native American Way
www.whitebison.org (Go to Links menu to connect with the web site)