Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is a very common way to treat addiction. By breaking down the 12 steps of AA, you can get a better understanding of this approach to sobriety.
Step-by-Step Alcoholism Recovery
1. Admit Powerlessness
This step is about admitting that individuals struggling with addiction just don’t have control over their lives. From chaos can come recovery.
2. Believe in a Higher Power
This is merely the belief that someone or something greater than ourselves exists in the universe. It can be spiritual rather than religious.
3. Turn Control Over to That Higher Power
Next, individuals need to put control of their lives in the hands of a higher power. This means letting go of trying to know and manage everything.
4. Conduct a Moral Inventory
This is all about taking a good, hard look at yourself and evaluating what you find within.
5. Admit Wrongdoing
The 12 steps of AA hinge on being able to admit fault. This is important because it highlights personal responsibility.
6. Be Ready to Make Positive Change
Next, it’s time to prepare for the new and positive changes to come.
7. Ask a Higher Power to Remove Shortcomings
Whether through prayer or meditation, this step is all about trying to remove flaws and change negative behaviors. Often, these are the exact behaviors and actions that led to addiction in the first place.
8. Make a List of People That Have Been Hurt
This can be a challenging step. It requires you to think back to your past and identify anyone you could have hurt. Addiction can impact many people, including those you care most about.
9. Make Direct Amends Wherever Possible
Next, it’s time to apologize for the mistakes in your past. That means seeking out the people you have hurt and making amends, as long as it will be of benefit to them.
10. Conduct an Ongoing Personal Inventory
This is a critical step for individuals. It is not just about admitting wrongdoing in the past, but admitting that you make mistakes all the time. Whenever you act or behave incorrectly, take the time to note it, apologize when necessary and move on.
11. Make Constant Improvements
For religious or spiritual people, this step is about an ongoing connection with a higher power. For others, it can mean acknowledging that recovery doesn’t happen instantly. It takes continuing effort and care to move toward complete recovery that lasts for a lifetime.
12. Share What is Learned With Others
The final step in the puzzle is sharing the experiences of recovery with others. Overcoming a drug and alcohol addiction is challenging, but paying it forward can help the next person achieve recovery. This can be done in alcohol rehab, 12-Step meetings or in mentorship programs.
12 Steps of AA for Addiction Recovery
The 12 Steps of AA are only one element of addiction treatment and recovery. At Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon, they are part of a comprehensive approach to sobriety. Call 866.262.0531 to learn more about the next step to recovery and how you can start living the life you deserve.
