Step 3 Worksheet with Questions

Understanding Step 3

The primary way that any 12-step fellowshipThis refers to the members of AA and the bonds of support between them. It is this fellowship that allows addicts to share their stories and accept each other in a world that is not always understanding. More encourages its members to approach sobrietyIn 12-step programs, an individual is sober when they are no longer partaking in the behavior or substance to which they are addicted and living a better life following the program. Both are necessary to achieve sobriety. More is to work the stepsThe term “12 steps” refers to the core principles of the approach to addiction exemplified by Alcoholics Anonymous and other similar groups. The 12 steps are a set of guidelines designed to help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. They were created by the founders of Alcoholics A… More methodically. The third step is a massive one that brings the early stages of the steps to a close. This step requires members to have ‘decided to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him,’.

This is a significant moment. We admitted in the first two steps that our lives had become unmanageable and that only a Higher Power could restore us to sanity. We realized that we had not been good to ourselves. We have consistently tripped ourselves up instead of making good and healthy decisions. During this process, we realized we needed to get out of our own way. It was time to “let go and let God,” as an old AA adage goes.

How to Work Step 3

Here, we put that knowledge to use. As a result, the third step is regarded as the first “action step.” The first two involve a critical acceptanceAccepting an inability to cope with addiction alone, is a major part of the recovery process. The same process involves accepting our flaws, responsibility for our actions, and the need to surrender to a Higher Power. More, contemplation, and reflection process. The third step entails giving up some of our most destructive behavior in favor of a healthy and productive relationship with a Higher Power12-step programs greatly stress surrender to and daily communication with a Higher Power. Having trust in something greater than yourself is considered essential for returning sanity in the unmanageable life of an addict. This can be a traditional deity, a spiritual entity or a social one such as th… More. Surrendering to and daily communication with a Higher Power are both heavily emphasized in 12-step programs.

We let go of our attempts to control our own lives, which have led us to increasingly dark places. Instead, we allow ourselves to believe in and follow the path that the Higher Power has chosen for us.

Focus of step 3: This step brings together what we learned in working on the previous two. We should now have an idea of why our lives are unmanageable and how we conceive of a Higher Power. The following questions will help us understand and manage the process of giving control to a Higher Power with spiritual meaning to us.

Step 3 Questions

1. How do you feel about giving up control to a Higher Power? Does it feel scary or comforting? Are you willing to surrender control to something greater than yourself?
2. Can you identify the root cause of your addiction? Was it because you made poor choices based on irrational thoughts or emotions? Did you experience a lack of self-control or discipline?
3. Do you believe in fate or destiny, or do you think you have complete control over your life? How does your Higher Power fit into this belief system?
4. What steps do you take to keep your Higher Power at the forefront of your mind each day? Do you find it challenging to make the necessary effort to maintain your sobriety and work towards recoveryThe process by which addicts attempt to break the hold a certain substance or behavior has on their lives. This can refer to participation in a wide variety of methods. What they all have in common, is a sense that life is improving and the addict is regaining control. More? What obstacles prevent you from putting in the necessary effort?
5. Do you use prayer as a way to connect with your Higher Power? What emotions do you feel when you pray? Do you believe the intention behind your prayer matters?
6. Have you had positive experiences with trust in the past? Have you ever felt let down or betrayed by someone you trusted? Do these experiences make it difficult for you to trust others now?
7. What gives your life purpose and meaning? Have you ever accomplished something that made you feel proud and fulfilled? Do you have goals or aspirations that give you a sense of purpose?
8. Are there certain behaviors or habits that you find easier to let go of than others? Why is this? Are there things that you hold onto despite knowing they are harmful or counterproductive to your recovery?
9. Are there specific behaviors or character traits that continue to cause problems in your life? Are there things that you struggle to let go of despite knowing they are detrimental to your well-being? What steps can you take to work on surrendering these issues?

How step 3 helps us recover: These questions were designed to provide insight into the process of surrender. At the same time, they help us begin to try to understand what role our Higher Power will play in our new path.

Read more about step 3 and the third step prayer.