The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous
The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer a proven spiritual path toward healing from addiction. At Unity for Recovery, we embrace the transformative power of these steps—not just as a program, but as a way of life.
This page provides a brief overview of each step, along with links to deeper reflections, tools, and resources. Whether you're just starting or revisiting the Steps, you're not alone on this journey.
📖 Step-by-Step Overview
- 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 all 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 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.
🔗 Related Resources
🕊️ Begin Your Healing Journey
Whether you’re on Step 1 or Step 12, remember: recovery is not about perfection—it’s about progress. These steps have helped millions of people find peace, purpose, and freedom. If you’re ready to begin, start here with Step 1.
“Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path.” — AA Big Book
Bringing the Steps to Life: Exercises & Reflection
Instead of just reading the steps, try these practical exercises to embody each principle. Grab a notebook and set aside 15–20 minutes.
Exercise for Steps 1–3: Foundation of Surrender
- Step 1 Inventory: Write three situations in the past month where you felt powerless. Share one with a trusted friend or sponsor.
- Step 2 Prayer: Spend 5 minutes in quiet prayer or meditation, inviting a Higher Power to restore you to sanity. Journal any insights.
- Step 3 Decision: Write a personal commitment statement: “Today I turn my will and life over to…” Read it aloud each morning.
Exercise for Steps 4–6: Inner Work
- Step 4 Chart: Create a two‑column table of resentments vs. fears. Notice patterns.
- Step 5 Share: Choose one row and share it with your sponsor—feel the relief of honesty.
- Steps 6–7 Prayer: Write a short prayer asking removal of that specific defect. Sit in silence for 2 minutes.
Video Guide: 12 Steps in Action
“Working the 12 Steps: Real Stories & Tips”
Reflection Prompts
- Which step challenged me most—and what did I learn?
- How did sharing my inventory (Step 5) change my perspective?
- What daily practice will I adopt to stay connected to Step 3?
Downloadable Workbook
📥 “12 Steps Workbook & Journal” (PDF) — coming soon
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