- Step 1: Honesty. “We admitted that we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.” ...
- Step 2: Hope. “Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” ...
- Step 3: Surrender. ...
- Step 4: Courage. ...
- Step 5: Integrity. ...
- Step 6: Willingness. ...
- Step 7: Humility. ...
- Step 8: Love.
What does it mean to work the 12 steps?
The Twelve Steps are a group of spiritual principles that act as a clear, actionable guide for a way of life free of addiction . Moving through the steps ideally leads to long-term sobriety, a stronger sense of purpose in life, spiritual wholeness and overall happiness.
Where did the 12 steps of AA originate from?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the first twelve-step fellowship, was founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith, known to AA members as “Bill W.” and “Dr. Bob”, in Akron, Ohio .
How long does it take to complete the 12 steps?
However, most 12-step programs, including those for people addicted to drugs, encourage new members to commit to those 90 meetings in 90 days . You need that commitment and that focus as you are fighting for your sobriety during the most challenging time of your recovery, when you are most vulnerable to relapse.
What are the principles of the 12 steps?
- Step 1: Honesty. “We admitted that we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.” ...
- Step 2: Hope. “Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” ...
- Step 3: Surrender. ...
- Step 4: Courage. ...
- Step 5: Integrity. ...
- Step 6: Willingness. ...
- Step 7: Humility. ...
- Step 8: Love.
What are the seven principles of God?
- The Principle of Gratitude. Every day is a gift; every breath is a gift. ...
- The Principle of Humility. ...
- The Principle of Optimism. ...
- The Principle of Generosity. ...
- The Principle of Forgiveness. ...
- The Principle of Intention. ...
- The Principle of Expectation.
What are the stages of recovery?
There are six main stages of change in addiction recovery: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance and termination . Although people can move through these stages in order, it’s also common for people to go between stages, forward and backward, or be in more than one stage at a time.
What does the first step in AA mean?
This first step states that “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable .” Taking this first step and admitting you have a drinking problem can be difficult and scary, but it is the foundation of all positive change.
Can you do the 12 steps without a sponsor?
In short – yes, you do need a sponsor . You can attempt to work through the steps on your own but doing so will not be effective.
What is the 10th step in AA?
What Is Step 10? In step 10, personal inventory refers to emotional disturbances that can trigger a person to return to misusing drugs or alcohol. Watching for these disturbances on a daily basis—and taking a daily inventory—is an important part of recovery. Step 10 helps to keep the spiritual house clean.
Is there a 12 step program for depression?
There is a 12 step program for depression as well as a 12 step program for anxiety and others as well. Anyone who is interested in obtaining emotional wellness can join.
Who invented AA?
Bill Wilson , the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, recalls the fateful meeting that changed his life and planted the seed for the 12 Steps in the Big Book of A.A.: “My musing was interrupted by the telephone. The cheery voice of an old school friend asked if might come over. He was sober.
What year were the 12 Steps of AA written?
Twelve step programs were created and popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous which was founded in 1935 . Nearly 100 years later, the 12 steps are still a widely used to treat substance abuse.
Do you have to follow the 12 steps in order?
Do You Have to be Religious in Order to Follow the Twelve Steps? No . While it’s true that the 12 Steps were originally based on the principles of a spiritual organization, the world isn’t the same as it was in 1935 when AA and the 12 Step program was founded.
What is a newcomer in AA?
The original purpose of meetings of AA, and it says it directly in the book, is for newcomers to find and hear the message . We stay sober by helping the newcomer and, more often than not, the newcomer helps the old-timers more than they know. We are a community built on helping each other.
What does AA sponsor do?
What does a sponsor do? A sponsor is a senior member of AA or NA who has been in recovery for usually at least a year. Sponsors help you navigate membership, answer questions, work on the 12-steps , and offer accountability. A sponsor is also a confidant who understand where you have been.
