Expert: Jan Edward Williams - 7/6/2008

Question
"but at some stage of his drinking career he begins to lose all control of his
liquor consumption, once he starts to drink."

What does this mean to you? Especially the word 'control'...

Answer
You are referring to loss of control or powerlessness in terms of the first Step of AA; this means: once an alcoholic picks up the first drink, he will lose control over the amount, frequency, and results of drinking, that is, he will be unable to stop once started, be unable to drink without negative consequences in important life areas (called umnanageability in AA),and eventually be unable to stay stopped. The first drink sets up the physical and mental obsession and compulsion to drink, which is why in AA, it is said that the "first drink gets you drunk."