The twelve step program is the spiritual foundation for personal recovery from the effects of alcoholism. For the alcoholic, their family and friends.
For many alcoholics in recovery the twelve steps are not just a way to stop drinking, but also a way of life.
Step 1: Honesty
After many years of denial, recovery can begin, with one simple admission of being powerless over alcohol- for alcoholics, their family and friends.
Step 2: Faith
It seems to be a spiritual truth, that before higher power can begin to operate, you must first believe that it can.
Step 3: Surrender
A lifetime of self-will run riot, can come to a screeching halt, and change forever, by making a simple decision to turn it all over to higher power.
Step 4: Soul Searching
There is a saying in the 12-step program that recovery is a process, not an event. The same can be said for this step-more will be revealed.
Step 5: Integrity
Probably the most difficult of all steps to face. Step 5 is the one that also provides the greatest opportunity for growth.
Step 6: Acceptance
The key to step 6 is acceptance- accepting character defects exactly as they are and becoming entirely willing to let them go.
Step 7: Humility
The spiritual focus of step 7 is humility, asking a higher power to do something that cannot be done by self-will or determination.
Step 8: Willingness
Making a list of those harmed before coming into recovery may sound simple. Becoming willing to actually make those amends is the difficult part.
Step 9: Forgiveness
Making amends may seem like a bitter pill to swallow, but for those serious about recovery, it can be a great thing for the soul.
Step 10: Maintenance
Nobody likes to admit to being wrong. But it is necessary to maintain progress in recovery.
Step 11: Making Contact
The purpose of step 11, is to discover life that has been planned for you.
Step 12: Service
For those in recovery programs, step 12 is simply, how it works.
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