Author: Gary Jackson

The Twelve Steps Alcoholics Anonymous

God or a higher power is mentioned several times throughout the 12 steps. The exact wording and emphasis on God or a higher power may vary depending on the specific recovery program or individual beliefs, but the concept of seeking guidance and support from a higher power is a core component of the 12 steps. In some steps, the term “God” is used directly, while in others, a more general term like “higher power” is used to allow for a broader range of beliefs and perspectives. After getting to know its principles, you may want to try the program, or include it as part of your post-rehab aftercare plan. He based his principles on that work and on his meetings with Smith, whom he also helped to achieve sobriety.

  • The steps involve acknowledging the presence of addiction in one’s life, seeking guidance and support from a higher power, making amends for past mistakes, and continuing to practice self-reflection and growth on an ongoing basis.
  • The 12 Principles of AA is essentially the work of AA’s founders, but early in AA’s history, the organization listed six principles, many of which were influenced by the founders’ experience with The Oxford Group.
  • Outpatient alcohol treatment programs are typically held at a local treatment center during the night or in the early morning.
  • The purpose of the 12 traditions is to help provide guidelines about the relationships between the group and the community as well as between individual members of the group.

When you’re humble, you’re cognizant of the fact that you’re not a major part of the bigger picture. Humility in daily practice means never seeing yourself as more important than you are. Here is a breakdown of the principles that match up with each step and how to practice them in a way that helps you create sustainable sobriety within the tenets of AA and NA.

What Is the Big Book in AA?

By 1950, the organization could boast of having helped 500,000 people overcome their dependence on alcohol. First developed in 1935 by Bill Wilson & Dr. Bob during the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the 12 Steps is a program of recovery designed to help individuals suffering from alcoholism and addiction attain long-lasting, contented sobriety. With AA, not everyone has the ability to understand what it means to keep all of the steps in mind after completing them.

what are the 12 steps of recovery

Working with an addiction treatment professional is a good way to find the treatment modality that is appropriate for each person, leading to the best path to recovery. Just as the 12 steps outline the path to recovery for individuals struggling with addiction, there are also 12 Traditions that are the spiritual principles behind the 12 steps. The traditions focus on the importance of unity, effective leadership, and independence. They also address questions related to financing the group and managing public relations. The 12-Step program, first developed and used by Alcoholics Anonymous, is a 12-step plan in order to overcome addictions and compulsions.