A higher power is the concept that once embraced, it offers a sense of direction in life. If one person is lost they are able to rest their lives in that of another person, energy or higher power. It helps people understand that how much control you have over your own life is limited. That sometimes, you need to "let go and let god" or let that which you understand as a higher power guide you. You have the power to do quite a bit of things in life however some things are not controllable. In doing so, a person can eliminate hate of others, self, sadness, greed, and envy. To give up the obsession with controlling one's environment, gets rid of the feeling of obsession and being out of control.

Alcoholism essentially involves the need for complete control of their addiction or progressive behaviors. You want to drink or smoke, so you do. Control over your own life and doing things that you want to do is all right as long as you know what you’re getting in to. This desire varies in alcoholics and substance abusers. This means the kid who got drunk and got in trouble at school, was not a bad child, but the chemically dependency may cause abnormal behavior. In the culture of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, spiritual healing is central to healing an addictive nature.

Improving the well being of the mind helps eleviate pain and suffering. Obstacles and hardships can become "a stepping stone," versus a "stumbling block" placed for you to make your goals in life. Finding a higher power, means seeking out “God as you understand him.”

SOURCE:
Jane L. Uva. "Alcoholics Anonymous: Medical Recovery Through A Higher Power." Expanded Academic Index.