The 12 steps are the guidelines for 12-step support groups. There are various types of 12-step meetings that address addiction to alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, sex, and gambling. Each 12-step meeting has their own format and basic text. All of the 12-step meetings operate under the 12 steps.
The 12 steps originated in Akron, Ohio in 1935 when Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded. The 12 steps are like a roadmap for recovery. The steps help you learn about your addiction, how to recovery, how to use your peers for support, how to move on from the past, and how to live a sober life.
The first step is admitting that you are powerless over the addiction. This does not mean that you are admitting self-defeat. When you work through step one, you are admitting that when you drink or use drugs, things get uncontrollable.
The second step is believing in a higher power. Acknowledging a higher power may be uncomfortable for some people, and there are 12-step meetings that do not include the concept of a higher power in their meetings. There are 12-step meetings for everyone, so do your research and find the right one for you.
The 3rd and 4th step involves taking a moral inventory of yourself and to surrender your will. If there are things you are not proud of, steps 3 and 4 begin the healing process. Turning your will over is nothing more than believing that you can’t continue living life they that you were.
Step 5 is about being ready and open to having defects of character removed. Steps 6, 7, and 8 is about removing shortcomings and making a list of people you may have wronged in your addiction. Step 9 is making direct amends to the people you have harmed.
When you complete steps 1-9, you are ready to tackle steps 10, 11, and 12. Steps 10, 11, and 12 teach you how to continue to be responsible to yourself, avoid harming others, meditate, and help the newcomer.
The 12 steps help you forgive yourself and others for the past. You learn to acknowledge and accept that you can’t drink or use substances in a safe way. You take ownership of your wrongs by making amends to people you have harmed. By the end of the 12 step, you will have forgiven yourself and are able to help other recovering people.
Is the 12-step life right for you? Hired Power can help you determine the path of recovery right for you. Call us today to speak with one of our dynamic recovery professionals so that you can start to bring recovery home: 800.910.9299.