Dr. Floyd Godfrey

The Significance of the First Step

The First Step in recovery programs is one of the most critical moments for individuals seeking freedom from addiction. It requires admitting powerlessness over addiction and acknowledging that life has become unmanageable. This act of honesty is not merely about confessing a struggle; it marks the beginning of dismantling the walls of secrecy and shame that bind addicts to their destructive behaviors.

Dr. Patrick Carnes observes, “The First Step also breaks rules about always looking good and keeping secrets, and thus it helps destroy the secret life and the shame that perpetuates dishonesty. As this happens, addicts start to experience long-buried feelings” (p. 120). This newfound openness breaks patterns of self-protection and allows for the vulnerable process of healing to begin. In the Christian faith, such transparency mirrors the call to “walk in the light” as seen in 1 John 1:7, where fellowship and cleansing from sin are rooted in truthfulness.

Authenticity Through Emotional Expression

Authenticity is the foundation of genuine recovery, yet many addicts find this deeply uncomfortable. Years—often decades—of addiction are spent suppressing and avoiding emotions. As Carnes explains, “Addicts have years (even decades) of practice at ignoring feelings, containing feelings, and hiding feelings, so expressing them will feel very awkward at first” (p. 120). This awkwardness is a natural part of the process, as emotional transparency demands undoing entrenched habits of self-denial.

Church communities and pastoral leaders can offer a safe space for addicts to rediscover and express their emotions. Psalm 34:18 reassures us, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Walking alongside those in recovery as they share their feelings—whether of fear, anger, sadness, or joy—reflects Christ’s love and compassion.

Learning to Embrace the Truth

The First Step’s focus on authenticity also challenges the addict’s distorted self-perception. Addiction often breeds a double life, where the public persona is carefully curated to hide the private struggle. As these facades are dismantled, individuals begin to experience freedom in living truthfully.

Therapeutic interventions, coupled with spiritual disciplines such as prayer, confession, and Bible study, support this growth. Proverbs 28:13 reminds us, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” This mercy, extended by God and reflected in the recovery community, is a critical factor in building a life rooted in truth and grace.

A Call to Ministry Leaders

As ministry leaders and pastoral caregivers, supporting individuals through the First Step involves creating environments where authenticity is valued and shame is dismantled. This work aligns with the ministry of reconciliation described in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. Offering empathy, encouragement, and practical resources can inspire addicts to take this bold and transformative step toward freedom.

Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed clinician for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.

References
Carnes, P. (2009). Facing the shadow: Starting sexual and relationship recovery. Carefree Press.