Why do some people manage to get and stay clean and sober and others don't?

[MuseRider]

9. This is exactly what my husband says.

This and a good, solid sponsor and going to as many meetings as you need. Many at first and maybe always many. It is individual. The relapses of friends we have seen are always those who say they are NOT powerless. My husband tried many times but it was not until he got found out about the many horrid things he had been involved in that he was brought to his knees, got a sponsor and declared that he was powerless to do it on his own. He only relapsed once, after a major surgery and he needed pain meds and he got back on the loop but by that point he had learned that his life without to drugs and the lies was so much easier and better.

Perhaps I should not say anything since this is not an experience I have had personally but I watched this and it was quite a process. Giving up his notion of being about to control the drugs is when it finally works.

Being powerless does not mean over everything right? Just over the addiction. The only power you have is to continue with the help and support of others and in my thinking after watching this over and over is that it is the most courageous, brave and powerful thing a person can do. I do not think I could do that.