Step 1 of Addiction Recovery: Admitting Powerlessness & Letting Go of Control | MedHeads

What does it really mean to admit powerlessness?
In this powerful episode of Cracking Addiction, we explore the very first step in addiction recovery: letting go of the illusion of control.

Dr. Laura Petracek joins Dr. Ferghal Armstrong to unravel the deep psychological layers behind denial, self-deception, and the belief that “I can manage it on my own.” Drawing from personal experience and professional insight, Dr. Petracek walks us through what it means when a person insists they don’t have a drinking problem—even while their life slowly unravels.

She shares the story of young patients in alcoholism wards who genuinely believed they were fine, comparing it to jumping out of a building and being surprised at the impact when you hit the ground. These aren’t just patients—these are stories of real people, clinging to control while spiraling deeper into addiction.

We explore the concept of cognitive distortions—the false beliefs people hold to justify their drinking—and the subtle, often unnoticed ways addiction convinces someone they’re still in charge.
Step 1 of Addiction Recovery: Admitting Powerlessness & Letting Go of Control | MedHeads
Dr. Petracek also reveals:

How outpatient programs use journaling and short abstinence trials to help individuals see their drinking clearly.
Why motivational interviewing is more effective than confrontation in helping people confront denial.
How meeting patients where they are—instead of demanding abstinence—can lead to lasting breakthroughs.
Why people create rules like I only drink on weekends or just one glass as ways to feel in control.
And how the fear of appearing weak, or societal expectations, keeps so many from seeking help until they hit rock bottom.

One especially moving story highlights a client who agreed to use CBD instead of alcohol as a stepping stone, and how even that compromise opened the door to honest change. We also hear how a relaxed, casual approach with inmates created more honest conversations about substance use than formal lectures ever could.

This episode isn’t just about addiction—it’s about humanity, vulnerability, and the strength it takes to say: I can’t do this alone.

Listen to the full episode here:
https://cracking-addiction.captivate....