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The 12 Steps of AA

Writer's picture: Matt HanleyMatt Hanley

What are the 12 steps of AA?

Here are the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous:

  1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.

  2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

  3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

  4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

  5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

  6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

  7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

  8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

  9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

  10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

  11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

  12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.


As a newcomer, how should I begin preparing for the first step?

As a newcomer to AA, preparing for the first step involves acknowledging that you have a problem with alcohol and that it has become unmanageable in your life. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

  1. Reflect on your relationship with alcohol. Consider how it has affected different areas of your life, such as your health, relationships, work, and finances.

  2. Research AA and the 12 steps. Familiarize yourself with the program and the principles it is based on.

  3. Talk to people who have successfully completed the AA program. Ask them about their experiences and how they found the strength to take the first step.

  4. Seek support from trusted friends and family members. They can help you feel more comfortable and confident as you take this first step.

  5. Be honest with yourself. Acknowledge that you have a problem with alcohol and that you need help to overcome it.

  6. Consider attending an AA meeting. This can be a great way to learn more about the program, connect with others in similar circumstances, and get support as you begin this journey.

Remember, the first step is a powerful one and marks the beginning of a journey towards recovery. You are taking the first step towards a better future for yourself and those you care about.

Can you expand on points 1 and 5?

Certainly! Here's a more in-depth explanation of points 1 and 5:

  1. Reflect on your relationship with alcohol: When preparing for the first step, it's important to take some time to reflect on your relationship with alcohol. Think about how it has affected different aspects of your life, such as your health, relationships, work, and finances. Consider the reasons why you drink, and how it has affected your life and the lives of those around you. This introspective process can help you gain a better understanding of your relationship with alcohol and the impact it has had on your life.

  2. Be honest with yourself: Honesty is key when it comes to the first step of AA. This step requires you to admit that you have a problem with alcohol and that your life has become unmanageable as a result. It's important to be truthful with yourself about the impact that alcohol has had on your life and to acknowledge that you need help to overcome this problem. This can be a difficult step, as it requires a great deal of self-reflection and humility, but it's an essential step in the recovery process.

By being honest with yourself and acknowledging your problem with alcohol, you are taking a crucial step towards recovery. This openness and willingness to face your challenges is the foundation of the AA program and the key to success in overcoming addiction.

As a newcomer, how should I begin preparing for the second step?

As a newcomer to AA, preparing for the second step involves coming to believe that a power greater than yourself can restore you to sanity. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

  1. Explore your spirituality: The second step involves a spiritual component, so it's important to explore what spirituality means to you. Consider what you believe about a higher power, whether it's a specific deity or a more abstract concept.

  2. Reflect on past experiences: Think about experiences in your life where you felt a sense of peace or comfort, even in difficult times. These experiences can provide a glimpse into what a higher power might look like for you.

  3. Attend AA meetings: Attending AA meetings can provide you with an opportunity to hear others share their experiences and how their understanding of a higher power has changed over time. This can help you develop a better understanding of the role that spirituality plays in the AA program.

  4. Read AA literature: The Big Book of AA and other AA literature can provide you with a deeper understanding of the 12 steps, including the second step. This can help you gain a better understanding of what it means to believe in a power greater than yourself and how this belief can help you overcome addiction.

  5. Meditate or pray: Taking time to meditate or pray can help you quiet your mind and connect with your spirituality. This can help you gain a better understanding of what a higher power means to you and how it can help you on your journey towards recovery.

Remember, the second step is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. The important thing is to keep an open mind and be willing to explore what spirituality means to you. With time and effort, you will come to understand the role that a higher power can play in your recovery.

As an agnostic newcomer, how should I begin preparing for the second step?

As an agnostic newcomer to AA, preparing for the second step may involve approaching the concept of a higher power in a different way. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

  1. Consider the idea of a power greater than yourself: Although you may not believe in a traditional deity, you can still consider the idea of a power greater than yourself that can help you overcome addiction. This power could be something as simple as the support of a group of people, or a higher principle such as justice or love.

  2. Attend AA meetings: Attending AA meetings can provide you with an opportunity to hear others share their experiences and how they understand the concept of a higher power. You may find that others in the group have similar views and can provide support and understanding as you work through the second step.

  3. Read AA literature: The Big Book of AA and other AA literature can provide you with a deeper understanding of the 12 steps, including the second step. This can help you gain a better understanding of the role that spirituality plays in the AA program, even if you approach it from a more agnostic viewpoint.

  4. Seek support: Talk to trusted friends and family members, or seek support from an AA sponsor or therapist. They can help you find ways to approach the second step that align with your beliefs and values.

  5. Keep an open mind: The second step is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different ways of understanding the concept of a higher power. You may find that your views change over time as you work through the AA program.

Remember, the important thing is to approach the second step with an open mind and a willingness to explore what a higher power means to you. The AA program is designed to be flexible and accommodate different beliefs, so you can tailor it to fit your own needs and values.

Can you give some examples of what you mean in point 1?

Sure, here are some examples of what I mean in point 1 when considering the idea of a power greater than yourself as an agnostic newcomer to AA:

  1. The support of others: You can consider the collective strength and support of your loved ones, friends, or AA group as a higher power. The support and encouragement of these people can help you overcome addiction and achieve sobriety.

  2. Nature or the universe: You can find comfort and guidance in the natural world, such as the beauty of a sunset, the tranquility of a forest, or the vastness of the universe. These things can help you feel connected to something greater than yourself and give you the strength to face your challenges.

  3. Moral or ethical principles: You can view justice, love, or other moral and ethical principles as a higher power. These principles can give you guidance and help you make decisions that align with your values.

  4. The human spirit: You can view the human spirit, the inner drive and resilience that allows us to overcome adversity, as a higher power. Recognizing your own strength and ability to overcome addiction can help you believe in a power greater than yourself.

  5. The AA program itself: You can view the AA program, with its principles and practices, as a higher power. The structure, support, and guidance offered by the program can help you achieve sobriety and maintain a life free from addiction.

These are just a few examples, but the idea of a power greater than yourself can take many forms. The important thing is to find something that resonates with you and gives you a sense of hope and comfort.

As a newcomer, how quickly do I need to start working the steps?

As a newcomer to AA, there is no set timeline for working the steps. Some people may find that they are ready to start working the steps right away, while others may need more time to prepare and build a foundation for their recovery. The pace of your progress is entirely up to you, and you should work the steps at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable for you. It is important to remember that the AA program is a lifelong journey, and the steps are not meant to be completed quickly or rushed through. The focus should be on quality, not speed, and taking the time to fully understand and internalize each step can help ensure that your recovery is sustainable. If you are feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about how to begin, you can talk to an AA sponsor or therapist for guidance. They can help you develop a plan that fits your needs and provides you with the support and resources you need to succeed.

How long should I spend on each step?

The amount of time you spend on each step of the AA program can vary depending on your individual needs and circumstances. Some people may work through the steps quickly, while others may spend years working on a single step. There is no set timeline, and the most important thing is to work the steps at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable for you. It is important to focus on the quality of your work on each step, rather than the speed at which you complete them. The steps are designed to help you achieve a deep understanding of yourself and your addiction, and to build a foundation for a sustainable recovery. Taking the time to fully process and internalize each step can help you achieve these goals. If you are struggling with a particular step, it may be helpful to spend more time on that step before moving on to the next one. You may also benefit from talking to an AA sponsor or therapist, who can provide you with additional support and guidance as you work through the steps.

I just want to get this over with, can I just have someone sign off for me that I did all of the steps?

No, you cannot have someone sign off for you that you have completed the steps of the AA program. The steps are designed to be a personal journey of self-discovery and growth, and completing them simply by having someone else sign off is not an adequate substitute for actually working through each step. In AA, honesty is a key component of recovery, and taking shortcuts or cheating the process undermines the integrity of the program and your own recovery. The steps are meant to be worked through in a thoughtful and meaningful way, and skipping steps or rushing through the process can prevent you from achieving a full and lasting recovery. If you are feeling overwhelmed or eager to move forward quickly, it may be helpful to talk to an AA sponsor or therapist for guidance. They can help you develop a plan that fits your needs and provides you with the support and resources you need to succeed.

OK. So I have to do these steps, is this something that I have to keep doing forever?

Completing the 12 steps of AA is not a one-time event, but rather a continuous process of self-discovery and growth. While it is possible to complete the steps, the AA program is not a finite program with a clear endpoint. Instead, it is a lifelong journey of recovery and growth, and you may find that you return to the steps again and again as you face new challenges and life changes. The AA program is designed to help you maintain sobriety and build a fulfilling life in recovery, and ongoing work on the steps can help you continue to make progress and stay connected to the principles and practices that support your recovery. However, the frequency and intensity with which you work the steps can vary over time. Some people find that they need to work the steps regularly, while others may only revisit them periodically. Ultimately, the decision of how often to work the steps is a personal one, and you should do what feels right for you and your recovery. If you are unsure how to approach your ongoing work with the steps, talking to an AA sponsor or therapist can be helpful. They can provide you with guidance and support as you navigate your journey in recovery.

So will I ever be cured?

In AA, addiction is not considered a cureable condition, but rather a chronic and ongoing issue that requires ongoing management. While the AA program can help you achieve and maintain sobriety, it is not a guarantee of a cure, and it is important to understand that recovery is a lifelong journey that requires ongoing effort and attention. While you may reach a point where you are able to live a fulfilling and productive life in sobriety, it is important to be vigilant and proactive in your recovery. This may involve continuing to attend AA meetings, working with a sponsor, and regularly revisiting the steps to address any new challenges or obstacles that arise. It is also important to understand that addiction can be a progressive disease, and relapses are a common part of the recovery process. If you do experience a relapse, it is not a sign of failure, but rather an opportunity to recommit to your recovery and get back on track. Ultimately, the goal of the AA program is to help you build a fulfilling and sustainable life in recovery, and to provide you with the tools and support you need to succeed. While the journey may not be easy, the reward of a fulfilling and meaningful life in sobriety is well worth the effort.

Which step is the most difficult?

The difficulty of each step of the AA program can vary depending on the individual and their unique experiences and circumstances. Some people may find certain steps to be more challenging than others, and what is difficult for one person may not be difficult for another. However, some steps are often cited as being particularly challenging, including:

  1. Step 4: Making a fearless and thorough moral inventory of ourselves. This step requires a lot of introspection and honesty, and can be difficult for people who are not used to examining their thoughts and behaviors in a critical light.

  2. Step 5: Admitting to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This step can be difficult for people who struggle with shame or guilt, and may also be challenging for those who are not comfortable sharing personal and intimate details with others.

  3. Step 8: Making a list of all persons we have harmed, and becoming willing to make amends to them all. This step can be difficult for people who have caused significant harm to others, and may require a lot of courage and humility.

  4. Step 9: Making direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. This step can be difficult for people who have difficulty apologizing or admitting fault, and may also be challenging for those who are afraid of the consequences of making amends.

It is important to remember that the AA program is not a competition, and that the goal is not to complete the steps quickly or without difficulty. The most important thing is to work the steps in a way that is meaningful and effective for you, and to focus on the growth and progress you make along the way.

If I start to drink again, do I have to start the steps over?

If you relapse and start drinking again after working the AA steps, it is not necessary to start the entire process over from the beginning. However, it is important to acknowledge that you have relapsed and to recommit yourself to your recovery. Returning to the steps can be a helpful way to get back on track, and you may choose to revisit certain steps or work through them again in a different way. The important thing is to be honest with yourself and to seek support from others in your recovery, such as a sponsor or a therapist. Relapse is a common part of the recovery process, and it is important to remember that it is not a sign of failure. Instead, it is an opportunity to learn and grow, and to recommit yourself to your journey in recovery. If you experience a relapse, the most important thing is to reach out for help and to get back on track as soon as possible.

Do I need a sponsor to help me with the steps? Having a sponsor can be extremely helpful in working through the AA steps, as they can provide guidance, support, and accountability as you progress through the program. A sponsor is a fellow AA member who has already worked the steps and has experience in recovery. They can offer personal insight and guidance, as well as help you stay accountable as you work through the steps.

However, it is not mandatory to have a sponsor in order to work the steps. Some people choose to work through the steps on their own, while others prefer to work with a sponsor or a therapist. The important thing is to find what works best for you, and to be open to seeking help and support when you need it. If you decide to work with a sponsor, it is important to choose someone who you trust and feel comfortable with. It may take some time to find the right sponsor for you, and you may need to try working with a few different people before finding someone who is a good fit. Ultimately, the goal of the AA program is to help you build a fulfilling and sustainable life in recovery, and having a sponsor can be a valuable tool in achieving this goal. Whether you choose to work with a sponsor or not, the most important thing is to stay committed to your recovery and to seek help and support when you need it.

What would Bill W say to a newcomer about the 12 steps?

Bill W, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, would likely encourage a newcomer to take the AA program and its 12 steps seriously, but also with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow. He would likely emphasize the importance of honesty, humility, and a strong commitment to recovery, and would encourage the newcomer to approach the steps with a willingness to work through their difficulties and challenges. Bill W believed strongly in the power of the 12 steps to transform lives and help people overcome their struggles with addiction, and he would likely encourage the newcomer to embrace the program with a positive and optimistic attitude, and to focus on the progress they make along the way, rather than on the challenges they face. He would also likely emphasize the importance of reaching out for help and support from others in the AA community, and would encourage the newcomer to find a sponsor or other support system to help them navigate the process. Overall, Bill W would likely view the 12 steps as a journey of growth, self-discovery, and transformation, and would encourage the newcomer to approach the program with an open heart and a willingness to embrace the change and growth that come with working the steps.

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