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The 12 Steps in 12 Step Programs

What are the 12 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 in 12 step programs, what do they mean and how do they help? Find out more below.

What are the 12 Steps?

The 12-step approach to addiction exemplified by Alcoholics Anonymous and other similar groups is the 12-step program. After admitting they have a problem and seeking help, recovering addicts can join a 12-step program by attending meetings and finding a sponsor. Once they do so, addicts are encouraged to “work the steps,” which means following each step to completion before moving on to the next.

However, the process of dealing with addiction and rebuilding one’s life does not end with the completion of the 12^th and final step. Instead, addicts are encouraged to repeat the steps throughout their lives to sustain a happy and stable life.

The steps were created by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith. Initially workshopped in the early meetings of AA, the 12-steps received mass exposure in “The Big Book of AA,” published in 1939. The book has since become a best-seller and was designated one of the “Books that Shaped America” by the Library of Congress in 2012. Due to their power and broad dissemination, the 12-steps have been adopted by many groups and are often used in rehabRehabilitation from addiction to a substance or harmful behavior. The term is often used to refer to in-patient facilities. Rehab usually consists of an intensive course of behavior modification which may include therapy, medication, and oversight. More centers worldwide.

Here are the 12-steps at the core of this approach:

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

Made a searching and fearless moral inventoryStep 4 recommends the addict conduct “a searching and fearless moral inventory.” This involves coming to terms with the flaws which preceded addiction and those that came as a result of it. More of ourselves.

Step 5

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

Step 6

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

Step 7

Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

Step 8

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

Step 9

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

Step 10

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

Step 11

Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contactBuilding a relationship with a Higher Power is a crucial element in recovery. This involves conscious contact with a Higher Power through prayer and meditation regularly. More with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

Step 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.

How the 12 Steps Help

It is easy to see how these steps build on each other. They encourage individuals to develop specific characteristics which facilitate 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. Starting with the very first step, addicts are expected to engender an attitude of humility and the courage of self-examination.

The process can be a long and difficult one. There is no estimated timeline for completing the steps. Rather than rush through the steps, it is far more important to progress thoroughly and when one is ready.

12-step programs are not the only method of recovery from addiction. Indeed, they are not for everyone. However, the steps are a well-established method of fighting addiction that has changed the lives of millions for the better.

Articles about the 12 steps in 12 step programs including what they are, what the importance of each step is and each step is done. Read about each of the 12 steps.

Articles about the 12 Steps

AA Success Rates: Facts and Statistics About Success in 12-Step Programs

December 24, 2024 No Comments

After decades of debate regarding its non-professional, spiritual structure, AA is now supported by growing, high-quality evidence:
Strong AbstinenceThe act of not partaking in the substance or activity to which a member is addicted. The length of sobriety of addicts is determined following the period of abstinence. More Results – Numerous studies, including the Cochrane Review (2020), indicate AA participation correlates with greater abstinence rates than many other approaches.
Dose-Response – More frequent and longer AA attendance generally leads to better outcomes.
Cost Savings – Studies in the Cochrane Review point to reduced healthcare costs for those who engage in AA or TSF programs.
Individual Fit – While AA benefits a large segment of individuals with alcohol-use disorders, some prefer less spiritual or differently structured models.
Combining formal treatments like inpatient care or CBT with AA can offer even stronger results. If you or someone you know is grappling with alcoholAn organic compound used in many products, most notably intoxicating drinks. Alcohol addiction is known as alcoholism. The first 12-step program was devised to deal with that malady. More misuse, it can be worthwhile to explore AA or a 12-step facilitation programThis refers to any official course of treatment for addiction. This could be anything from in-patient facilities, to 12-step programs to harm-reduction programs. More, and then evaluate whether these resources align with your personal or clinical goals.

How to Get NA Books, Literature & Pamphlets for Free

Where to Get NA Books and Literature for Free

December 21, 2024 No Comments

If you’re ready to take the first step in recovery, finding free NA books and literature is easier than ever. From attending meetings to downloading the NA Basic TextThe first basic text was the Big Book of AA, which accompanied the recovery of alcoholics since its publication. Since then every 12-step program has adopted a handful of basic texts which are used for readings in meetings and to guide their members to recovery. Members are expected to bring them to... More online, there are multiple avenues to access the information and support you need.

Who Created 12-Step Programs? A Brief History

May 26, 2024 No Comments

Summary: The 12-step programA 12 step program includes 12 steps of recovery to help those struggling with substance addictions or behavioral addictions. The 12 steps are also used in programs dedicated to helping loved ones of addicts. 12 step programs include 12 step meetings where members go to share their experience strengt... More has a rich history rooted in the struggles and triumphs of its founders, Bill W.Bill W., formally known as William Griffith Wilson, is a name that resonates deeply within the realms of addiction recovery and self-help. As one of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Bill W.'s life journey and struggles with alcoholism are meticulously detailed in the Big Book of AA, a f... More and Dr. Bob S. Their vision to help others recover from addiction led to the creation of Alcoholics AnonymousThe original 12-step fellowship, formed in 1935, to help alcoholics, regain control over their lives. It remains the largest 12-step organization and has contributed to the sobriety of millions worldwide. Read more about Alcoholics Anonymous More and the development of the 12-step program through a process of experimentation and guidance from the principles of the Oxford GroupA Christian movement of self-improvement, highly popular in the 1930s Its founder Frank Buchman believed all human problems derive from selfishness. The founders of AA were members and used many of the tenets of the movement for the 12-steps. More. Today, the 12-step approach continues to be a vital resource for individuals seeking recovery from addictive and compulsive behaviorsThese are behaviors in engaging in due to a strong urge to do so. Compulsion may be difficult to control but is mostly manageable. If compulsion turns into addiction, the problem becomes more severe. More, with its impact and success widely recognized by organizations like SAMHSA.

The 13th Step in 12 Step Programs - 12steppers.org

The “13th Step” in AA, NA & Other 12 Step Recovery Programs

May 10, 2024 No Comments

In 12-step programs like AA or NA, “13th stepping” describes the inappropriate behavior where an established memberAn individual who attends 12-step program meetings and has the desire to overcome addiction. More pursues romantic or sexual relationships with newcomers, exploiting their vulnerability and potentially jeopardizing their recovery. Learn More.

Safety in 12 Step Programs

January 21, 2024 No Comments

This article delves into the crucial aspect of safety in 12-step recovery programs. It addresses common concerns newcomers may have about trust and personal security, highlighting the challenges within recovery groups such as inappropriate behavior and disruptions. The guide offers practical advice on responding to threats, understanding group autonomy, and the importance of balancing individual rights with group welfare. Learn strategies for dealing with disruptive members, the role of law enforcement, and the necessity of contingency plans for physical emergencies. It’s a must-read for anyone involved in or considering a 12-step program, emphasizing good judgment and common sense informed by the Twelve Traditions to maintain security and facilitate recovery.

Bill Wilson Alcoholics Anonymous Founder

What Does ‘Friends of Bill’ or ‘Friends of Bill W.’ Mean?

September 12, 2023 No Comments

What does ‘Friends of Bill’ mean?
“Friends of Bill” or “Friends of Bill W.” is a discreet term commonly used to refer to members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or individuals who are in recovery from alcohol addiction. The phrase is an allusion to William Griffith Wilson, often known as Bill W., who co-founded AA alongside Dr. Bob Smith. The term underscores the importance of anonymityAlcoholics Anonymous and all the 12 step groups modeled after it, protect the anonymity of its members. Members are forbidden from disclosing the identity of other addicts to outside sources or identifying themselves with the group on any form of public media. The idea behind this is to focus on the... More within the AA community.
Beyond its use in AA meetings, the term has found its way into various contexts such as cruise ships, biker gatherings, and other public events as a subtle call for mutual support or a sign of shared 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. Whether during a “Friends of Bill W. gathering” on a Royal Caribbean cruise or through a biker sporting an “I’m a Friend of Bill W.” patch, the phrase symbolizes solidarity, understanding, and the continuous journey toward recovery.

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The 12 Steps in 12 Step Programs

Here are the 12-steps at the core of this approach:

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Step 10

Step 11

Step 12

How the 12 Steps Help

Articles about the 12 Steps

AA Success Rates: Facts and Statistics About Success in 12-Step Programs

Where to Get NA Books and Literature for Free

Who Created 12-Step Programs? A Brief History

The “13th Step” in AA, NA & Other 12 Step Recovery Programs

Safety in 12 Step Programs

What Does ‘Friends of Bill’ or ‘Friends of Bill W.’ Mean?

Links to Official 12 Step Websites

Important Addiction Resources

Disclosure

The 12 Steps in 12 Step Programs

Here are the 12-steps at the core of this approach:

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Step 10

Step 11

Step 12

How the 12 Steps Help

Articles about the 12 Steps

AA Success Rates: Facts and Statistics About Success in 12-Step Programs

Where to Get NA Books and Literature for Free

Who Created 12-Step Programs? A Brief History

The “13th Step” in AA, NA & Other 12 Step Recovery Programs

Safety in 12 Step Programs

What Does ‘Friends of Bill’ or ‘Friends of Bill W.’ Mean?

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