An Introduction to the 12 steps of Alcoholic Anonymous
Alcoholics anonymous twelve steps are an arrangement of spiritual principles. It is a camaraderie of individuals who solve their drinking problems. Sincerely practicing these principles in real-life empowers individuals to expel their drinking obsession while enabling them to recover from alcoholism. Regardless of age, gender, or education, anyone can participate in the A.A. meetings where their fundamental focus is to achieve sobriety. The only prerequisite to joining an alcoholics anonymous is the desire to quit alcohol abuse.
Following are the twelve steps that are covered in any alcoholic anonymous program:
Step 1: Admitting powerlessness over alcohol
The first and foremost step of alcoholics anonymous is admitting that you have a drinking problem. Acceptance can be difficult for some individuals, yet it is the solid foundation for positive changes. Therefore, individuals must understand the disease model of addiction.
Step 2: Believing that the higher power can help in restoring the sanity
The second step of Alcoholics Anonymous states that a power greater than ourselves can enable individuals to regain their sanity. Here, the individuals struggling with alcohol abuse are taught how to connect with their inner conscience and higher power to seek help, enabling them to find inspiration that can help them remain sober.
Step 3: Giving up on personal will and believing in the empower of Almighty
During the early stage of recovery, self-reliance can take you to relapse. Some alcoholics may have a hard time undergoing this step because of conflicting feelings. However, this step is meant to assist alcoholics in relying on more robust support that can help them cease their drinking habits.
Step 4: Self-reflection
Another critical step of Alcoholics Anonymous is to stay faithful to themselves during the entire treatment program.You may learn about your true beliefs, personal character, and weaknesses that contributed to alcoholism during self-discovery. This step works as a foundation for future efforts by making you aware of your weaknesses and helping you to focus on your points of improvement that need support.
Step 5: Honest acceptance of wrongdoings and effective communication
Besides admitting the exact nature of your misdeeds, step 5 requires you to embark on honest self-assessment for your faults. This step helps individuals mitigate their egoism and allows them to minimize their fear. Therefore, equipping you to work on your confessions with honesty, courage, and openness to the Almighty and other human beings.
Step 6: Willingness to be cured by God
Another significant step of Alcoholics Anonymous is to become willing to recover and make the most out of their addiction recovery program. Hence, the sixth step focuses on willingness to let go of your inner fears, weaknesses, and other shortcomings. Furthermore, it helps you focus on the desire to transform your old behaviors into the path to sobriety.
Step 7: Praying to the Almighty to eliminate the shortcomings
This step is the continuation of the sixth step. Once individuals become willing to transform their negative thoughts and behavioral patterns, they can connect with their inner self and seek support from the Almighty for helping them to remove their shortcomings. Hence, individuals learn to adopt new, healthy practices that help them prevent relapse and combat cravings.
Step 8: Being honest about your wrongdoings
As individuals approach the eighth step of Alcoholics Anonymous, they need to acknowledge the enormous progress they have made so far. This also helps you work through resentments that could potentially trigger a relapse. However, the fundamental root of this step is to truly understand the impact of your actions on others.
Step 9: Making one-on-one amendments
This step is for people to make amends in person by expressing their apologies calmly and rationally. This step and the journey so far allows individuals to communicate effectively and make amends willingly regardless of the personal consequences. Hence, the spiritual aspect of the mandate enables you to develop the strength to do the right thing by following the right path to a sober lifestyle.
Step 10: Focusing on continuing to take personal inventory
The purpose of this step is to show yourself that you can make the right decisions without falling into the vicious cycle of relapse. This enables you to take responsibility for your actions and practice different coping ways to deal with anger or stress. Therefore, you choose a sober and better life rather than hurling abuse.
Step 11: Practicing prayer and meditation
Prayer and mindful meditation are the critical components of the holistic portion of the comprehensive recovery program. Hence, this step encourages the bolstering of spiritual connection. This further helps in relapse prevention and emotional regulation.
Step 12: Practicing spiritual awakening
All of the steps mentioned above help individuals attain spiritual awakening amongst themselves. With the forever support of the A.A. fellowship, you become capable of accomplishing this treatment program. Moreover, it proves your ability to lead a healthy, sober life.
About us
If you are looking for an effective alternative to a rehabilitation treatment facility to free yourself or your loved ones from the shackles of substance addiction, we are here to help you.
At Taylor Made Retreat, we provide an ideal environment to individuals struggling with substance abuse issues to help them achieve life-long sobriety, inner peace, and confidence. For detailed information about our program, reach us at 503-457-3366 or email us at [email protected].
