Step Six is the beginning of an inner transformation sometimes called reentrance. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. AA members will usually emphasise to people who are new to AA that only problem drinkers themselves, individually, can determine whether or not they are in fact alcoholics. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

Adam Vibe Gunton is an American author, speaker and thought leader in addiction treatment and recovery. After overcoming homelessness and drug addiction, Adam found his life’s purpose in helping addicts find the same freedom he found. As Founder and Executive Director of the 501(c)3 nonprofit, Recovered On Purpose, and Managing Partner of Behavioral Health Partners, Adam has helped thousands find freedom from addiction all over the world. The effectiveness of the Twelve Steps is rooted in the transformational process they create when worked thoroughly. Recovered alcoholics describe a complete shift in how they respond to life, marked by freedom from addictive thinking and destructive behaviors. The twelve steps guide us through a process that not only addresses our substance use but also reshapes how we think, act, and connect with others.

Step 11: Seeking Through Prayer and Meditation to Improve Our Conscious Contact

We begin to consider the possibility of a new way of life—one where we are no longer running the show. To help you decide whether you might have a problem with drinking, we’ve prepared these 12 questions. When I catch myself doing it, I remind myself to pause and ask God to direct my thinking. I get everything I need, so there is no reason to be anxious about the future. The obsession to drink came back, and I had no choice but to ask for help. Generally speaking, they involve members speaking about their drinking and the actions they took to stop drinking.

Provides a Support System

The challenges of Alcoholics Anonymous include a lack of professional guidance, spiritual emphasis, varying success rates, and difficulty in personal accountability. While AA provides a strong support network, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and some individuals struggle with aspects of the program, such as the spiritual focus or the group-based structure. Additionally, AA’s reliance on self-motivation and voluntary participation means some members do not fully engage, reducing effectiveness.

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• Meetings focus on mutual support, accountability, and personal growth, helping participants build coping skills and maintain long-term sobriety.
• The program operates through a 12-step approach, emphasizing personal accountability, behavioral change, and peer support.
• It also asks members to help others, who are still suffering, to achieve sobriety.
• To be “entirely ready” means we no longer justify or cling to the behaviors and attitudes that have harmed us and others.
• It provides a platform for people to come together and share their experiences, recover from substance use, and live sober, more positive lives.

Understanding these dynamics is critical, as it underscores the importance of integrating the 12 Steps into broader therapeutic practices for individuals grappling with substance abuse. AA’s 12 Steps give a practical roadmap for folks trying to break free from substance abuse—a journey that aims not only for sobriety but also sparks a kind of genuine self discovery. Instead of following a strict regimen, the process is broken into bite-sized parts that build steps of alcoholics anonymous personal responsibility and encourage inner growth; many view these elements as key drivers for lasting change.

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We offer a strong aftercare program that includes a 12-step program in Washington. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, get in touch with us today and start your journey of recovery. Step 9 in the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Steps can be one of the most challenging for people in recovery from drugs and alcohol, but also the most rewarding.

What Is AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)?

People with the desire to stop drinking alcohol, of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, regardless of the severity of their alcohol use disorder (AUD) are eligible to join AA. AA meetings are held in various locations, including church halls, office buildings, treatment centers, and community centers. Depending on local availability, many groups also meet in hospitals, libraries, or private homes.

They encourage people to recognize their struggles, make amends, and practice these principles in daily life. Whether you are new to addiction recovery or looking for additional recovery support, understanding the 12 steps can help guide you on your path to recovery. Recovery programs built on the 12 Steps have caught the attention of clinicians and community members alike.

For me, this moment came when I finally stopped trying to control my addiction and surrendered fully. I spoke the Step 3 prayer aloud, and something changed—I felt a weight lifted, and I knew I wasn’t fighting alone anymore. Making this decision with complete honesty opened the door for everything that followed in recovery. Step 2 invites us to believe that recovery is possible, even when we feel hopeless.

Carrying the message of hope becomes not just a duty but a privilege—one that keeps us grounded in our own recovery. At Recovered On Purpose, one of the ways we help others find freedom from addiction is by providing support and guidance for those on their 12 Step journey. Throughout this page, you’ll find helpful resources and additional content designed to deepen your understanding of the Twelve Steps and support your personal recovery. Explore the tools shared here to take meaningful steps toward lasting sobriety and spiritual awakening. As someone who has personally experienced the power of the Twelve Steps, I can attest to their effectiveness in helping addicts and alcoholics achieve long-term recovery.

How Often Do AA Meetings Typically Occur?

The Twelve Steps are a set of guiding principles in addiction treatment that outline a course of action for tackling problems related to alcoholism, drug addiction and behavioral compulsion. The AA Big Book also includes the 12-Steps of AA to provide guidance and support to people looking to achieve and maintain sobriety through the AA fellowship. The Big Book in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a foundational text outlining the principles of recovery for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Published in 1939, the AA Big Book contains 11 chapters that include personal stories and spiritual insights. Step 9 begins by revisiting your Step 8 list and working with a sponsor to determine the best way to approach each amends. It’s essential to prioritize humility and sincerity, making direct contact where appropriate and avoiding harm where necessary.

Substance abuse tends to crop up from a jumble of causes—biological, psychological, and social all mixing together. Some people, thanks to their genes, seem to be born with a higher chance of getting into trouble when issues with substances arise; if addiction runs in the family, you often see that risk popping up again. Then there’s the environment—experiencing trauma or not having a good circle of support can really tilt the scales, sometimes making things a lot worse.

Unity emphasizes the importance of a strong support network, recovery is achieved by following the 12 steps, and service involves giving back to the community by helping others struggling with addiction. The 12-step model provides a structured approach to overcome addiction, focusing on personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and long-term sobriety. The peer support, encouragement, and accountability offered by Alcoholics Anonymous can help you overcome addiction and stay sober for the long-term.

The focus is not on religious practices but on universal spiritual principles like honesty, accountability, and selflessness, empowering those in recovery to rebuild their lives. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its famed 12-Step approach help many people burst out of substance abuse, though figuring out its full impact can be pretty tangled. Research generally shows that sticking with AA often boosts long-term sobriety—yet a lot depends on personal drive and having a solid support network. Some studies (cite27) even hint that those who actively participate and drop into meetings on a regular basis tend to do better in their recovery, while missing out can really put a damper on progress.

The name also reflects AA’s fundamental belief that alcoholism is a disease that requires mutual support rather than public scrutiny. This step involves making a decision to trust a higher power and let go of self-destructive behaviors. It’s about understanding that recovery is possible with guidance and support. What’s more, many recovering addicts receive other treatments in addition to the 12-Step philosophy.