Working the 12 Steps

The 12 steps are the backbone of AA and NA recovery. They move from admitting powerlessness through making amends to carrying the message to others. Here's what working them looks like.

What Are the 12 Steps?

1. Admitted we were powerless
2. Came to believe higher power could restore
3. Decided to turn will and life over
4. Made personal inventory
5. Admitted to God/people exact nature of wrongs
6. Ready for God to remove defects
7. Asked God to remove shortcomings
8. Made list of persons harmed, amends
9. Made direct amends where possible
10. Continued personal inventory
11. Sought to improve contact with higher power
12. Carried message, practiced principles

Step 1: How Do You Accept Powerlessness?

Accept that addiction is stronger than you.

Step 2: Where Does Hope Come In?

Believe recovery is possible.

Step 3: What Does Surrender Mean?

Turn over control.

Step 4: How Do You Take a Personal Inventory?

Write down resentments, fears, harms.

Step 5: Why Share What You've Done?

Share with sponsor/higher power.

Steps 6-7: How Do You Prepare for Change?

Get ready for change. Let go.

Steps 8-9: How Do You Make Amends?

Make list. Make amends.

Step 10: How Do You Maintain the Work?

Keep doing the work.

Step 11: What Does Deeper Growth Look Like?

Deeper spiritual practice.

Step 12: Why Is Service Part of Recovery?

Carry the message. Help others.

How Do You Start Working the Steps?

1. Get a sponsor. Work with someone who's been through it.

2. Read the book. AA Big Book or NA Basic Text.

3. Take the steps in order. One at a time.

4. Be honest. The steps work if you work them.

5. Keep going. Recovery doesn't stop at Step 12.

What Does SoberSphere Recommend?

• The steps work. If you work them.
• Get a sponsor. Don't do this alone.
• In order. One at a time.
• Be honest. Full participation.
• Work all 12. Not just some.

The steps are a path. Take it.

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