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Maybe the reason people like the "I am powerless over my addiction" thing is because it ultimately translates to "I am not really responsible if I fuck up."
In all fairness those two statements aren't equivalent at all. People admit they chose to start an addictive habit or drug, but it comes to a point where they are really powerless and need help.
[EDIT] Powerless is such a vague term that I think it needs to be qualified a bit. Addiction is the result of neurophysiology and cognitive patterns, as well as environmental triggers that induce 'cravings'. In this sense, when one admits they are powerless they should really say they are powerless over their addiction in the context of their present situation, i.e., if they maintain their lifestyle they are powerless their behavior.
Their entire psyche and neurophysiology is so abnormal that to call their continual use an act they have power over is really a stretch. The addiction begins to control them, not vice versa. This point may be hard to convey unless you've ever been addictive to a powerful narcotic or stimulant that directly effects your mesolimbic dopamine system (opiates and cocaine for example).
I'm not implying that higher power in the 12 steps is necessary, but admitting that you have lost control over your behavior is really just being honest with yourself. Of course, it could just become a self-fulfilling prophecy or an excuse for future use. In this sense, it may compound the problem and I think this is why you think they are equivalent. I admit this may not be helpful for addict, but admitting you have lost control is just a statement of fact in most cases and not a proscription for future use.
Anywho, I think the crucial element to the AA or NA is that its a community that keeps sobriety in the forefront of one's mind. That's the higher power their all attributing to God.
Edited by JustinC, : No reason given.
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