Some may prefer alternative methods like therapy, medication, or other support groups. Making amends means more than just saying sorry—it’s about righting wrongs in a meaningful way. It may involve repaying debts, repairing relationships, or simply acknowledging past harm.
It’s a way of seeing that your behavior is only a symptom, a sort of “check engine” light to investigate what’s really going on under the hood. To best serve our clients and community, we prioritize accuracy and reliability in all content. The most effective way to achieve this is through the development of clear editorial standards that serve as our guide. In this context, “prayer” can be considered talking things through, “meditation” is considered reflecting on those conversations, and “conscious contact” is considered listening with intention.
Step 6: Readiness for Change
This will ensure you accomplish your steps whilst also getting the benefits of evidence-based psychotherapy and medication-management for addiction recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship where people come together to share their experiences, hopes, strengths, and setbacks with others to solve the common problem of alcoholism. The only requirement for AA membership is the desire to stop drinking. Alcoholics Anonymous is completely free – there are no fees to join an AA group. The organization supports itself through contributions from the community.
Each one is carefully designed to help you look inward, take responsibility, and ultimately build a healthier, more connected life. Our addiction treatment programs incorporate part of the 12-step philosophy. We offer a strong aftercare program that includes a 12-step program in Washington. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, get in touch with us today and start your journey of recovery.
Step Two: Belief In A Higher Power
There’s a Meeting Guide App that you can download on your smart phone that can help you find AA meetings and resources nearby. There are thousands of success stories from around the world that are a testament to the fact that the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-Step approach is effective. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at You can do this by being an active participant in your AA group, reaching out to friends overcoming addiction, volunteering with local organizations, or becoming a sponsor. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Both men were alcoholics and found that treatment in 1935 was ineffective and primitive. Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions. Now that you’re no longer motivated by selfish desires, you are more invested in your community, your family, and the mark you want to leave on the world.
The Purpose Of 12-Step Groups Based On Alcoholics Anonymous
These 12 Steps are used in addiction treatment to chart a course of action for people tackling alcohol dependence, drug addiction, and behavioral compulsions. 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 were founded. The word “God” was eventually replaced with “Higher Power” to be more accessible to everyone, regardless of faith traditions or beliefs. What you believe to be a Higher Power is a very personal thing. The Twelve Steps are a set of guiding principles in addiction treatment that outline a course of action for tackling problems related to alcoholism, drug addiction and behavioral compulsion.
Support Groups
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available. There is no set timeline for how long it should take a person to work through the 12 steps of AA. The recovery groups are not restricted by age, race, or gender, and are open to anyone who wants help recovering from addiction or support because they have family members who are addicted. In step 12, you can revisit each of these learned lessons and bring those principles to other people, leaning on one another in recovery. Work on improving your connection and communication with yourself and others during this time. If the higher power you turn to in recovery is your sponsor, seek a connection with them.
The idea is to have faith in something outside yourself and believe that it can guide you to recovery. This step is designed to help you let go of control and surrender to a higher power. It helps you understand that you can’t do it all on your own when you’re in recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction. In recent years, AA has expanded its approach by integrating digital support systems with traditional principles. This evolution is reshaping recovery by strengthening community bonds and fostering a deeper sense of accountability. Today’s programs blend in-person meetings with virtual platforms, ensuring that members can access support anytime and anywhere.
Step Five: Admitting Your Wrongs
Some people may require more time on an individual step or need a break after a, particularly challenging one. Some people will adjust their lives to the point where they no longer need the steps, whereas others adopt them as a way of life that they constantly work on. This step emphasizes mindfulness, whether through prayer, meditation, or reflection. It’s about staying connected to a source of guidance and developing inner peace to help maintain sobriety. Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, the two men who founded AA in 1935, drew their inspiration for the Twelve Steps from the Oxford Group. The Twelve Steps and the fellowship of AA were founded and designed around those principles.
- To reap the benefits of the program, an individual in recovery needs to be ready to let go of old patterns (defects) and embrace newer, healthier ways of life.
- Have you ever considered how truly transformative these steps can be?
- Some people will adjust their lives to the point where they no longer need the steps, whereas others adopt them as a way of life that they constantly work on.
- The key in step two is accepting that you need help, which may mean help from friends, a sponsor, the program, a treatment program, or another higher power.
- By step nine, it’s time to put the humility, inward-looking, and acknowledgment of wrongs to the test by making amends with those you’ve harmed.
- They are a systematic framework for building positive coping skills, cultivating resilience, building emotional stability, and learning strategies for living life in a healthy way.
AA Twelve Step programs offer support and acceptance from a loving, non-judgmental community. As an AA member, the social support you receive through sponsorships and meetings can play a vital role in helping you stay clean. Moreover, the 12 steps help to rebuild relationships with loved ones and develop a support network for the future. The 12-Step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous can be very beneficial in helping you heal from the mental health impact of substance abuse and the transition to sober living. The 12 steps help you face the problem, surrender to a higher power, increase self-awareness, and build self-esteem and self-acceptance.
- The Big Book began as a tool for those addicted to alcohol but has since expanded its reach to include those abusing other substances.
- This shift isn’t about giving up; it’s about acknowledging your reality and setting the stage for recovery.
- It is important for us to understand that we are far from perfect, and that we are pretty prone to making mistakes.
- Relapse can happen to anyone, regardless of how far along they are in their journey.
This modern framework reinforces the enduring value of connection while embracing how many steps are in aa technological advancements. Moreover, acceptance is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Each day presents new challenges and lessons, and by consistently embracing acceptance, you cultivate a mindset geared toward growth and self-discovery. Consider reflecting on your emotions and sharing your experiences with your support network. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey—every step taken in acceptance is a step toward lasting recovery. Step 8 of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous focuses on making amends with the people you hurt through your alcohol abuse.
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. Below we explore the 12-step AA program, how they work, why they are so successful in helping recovering addicts maintain sobriety, and why they haven’t changed in over 80 years. ” you’re already taking a brave step toward understanding recovery. Whether you’re exploring AA for yourself or someone else, remember that the journey is personal, and progress is more important than perfection. The 12 Steps work because they address the root causes of addiction, not just the symptoms. They encourage self-awareness, accountability, and connection—key ingredients for lasting change.