What are the 12 steps 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 12th 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 rehab 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 inventory 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 contact 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 recovery. 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

Who Created 12-Step Programs - A Brief History

Who Created 12-Step Programs? A Brief History

Summary: The 12-step program has a rich history rooted in the struggles and triumphs of its founders, Bill W. and Dr. Bob S. Their vision to help others recover from addiction led to the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous and the development of the 12-step program through a process of experimentation and guidance from the principles of the Oxford Group. Today, the 12-step approach continues to be a vital resource for individuals seeking recovery from addictive and compulsive behaviors, with its impact and success widely recognized by organizations like SAMHSA.

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

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

In 12-step programs like AA or NA, “13th stepping” describes the inappropriate behavior where an established member pursues romantic or sexual relationships with newcomers, exploiting their vulnerability and potentially jeopardizing their recovery. Learn More.

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12 Step Program Safety

Safety in 12 Step Programs

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.

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

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 anonymity 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 sobriety. 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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Do 12 Step Programs Cause Divorce?

No two marriages are the same. Therefore, it is hard to predict how addiction and recovery are likely to affect a specific union.

However, some general rules of the thumb do apply. Addiction does not benefit healthy human relationships, romantic or otherwise. It brings out the more manipulative and self-centered sides in most people’s personalities. Therefore, all things being equal, recovery from addiction should benefit most romantic relationships.

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