ABSTRACT
The speaker identifies himself as an alcoholic and thereby recognizes the first of the 1\velve Steps. This identification is voluntary. This is another guiding principle of AA and a reason for its success. The substance abuser admits powerlessness over alcohol and that life with alcohol has become unmanageable. The psychological freedom that such honesty affords in the context of a warm and supportive group is responsible, at least in part, for the tremendous success of AA.
