What does it mean to work the 12 steps?

The Twelve Steps are a group of spiritual principles that act as a clear, actionable guide for a way of life free of addiction. Moving through the steps ideally leads to long-term sobriety, a stronger sense of purpose in life, spiritual wholeness and overall happiness.

Can you do 12 steps alone?

Do You Need a Sponsor to Finish the Twelve Steps? In short – yes, you do need a sponsor. You can attempt to work through the steps on your own but doing so will not be effective.

What do the 12 traditions of AA mean?

The Twelve Traditions are the principles that keep 12-step support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Al-Anon, focused on their primary task of fellowship. The Twelve Traditions serve as the framework by which the internal operations of all 12-step programs operate.

How many steps are there in AA?

Twelve Steps
The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

Is the 12 steps for everyone?

AA, founded by Bill Wilson, is based on the 12 steps, first published in 1938. Narcotics Anonymous was founded in 1953 and follows similar principles. The 12-step program is responsible, in part, for saving many lives. This cannot be debated, but neither can the reality that the program is not effective for everyone.

Is AA The best way to get sober?

However, there are some things they can do to feel more alert and appear soberer.

1. Coffee. Caffeine may help a person feel alert, but it does not break down alcohol in the body.
2. Cold showers. Cold showers do nothing to lower BAC levels.
3. Eating and drinking.
4. Sleep.
5. Exercise.
6. Carbon or charcoal capsules.

What are the 12 spiritual principles?

The 12 spiritual principles of recovery are as follows: acceptance, hope, faith, courage, honesty, patience, humility, willingness, brotherly-love, integrity, self-discipline, and service.

What are the principles of 12 steps?

The main principles underneath each of the 12 steps:

• Acceptance.
• Hope.
• Faith.
• Courage.
• Honesty.
• Willingness.
• Humility.
• Responsibility.

Do you have to be religious to do the 12 steps?

You Don’t Have to Be Religious to Attend 12-Step Programs Are 12-step programs religious? No. While the 12 Steps were inspired by spiritual ideals, a 12-step program itself is not religious at all.

How long does it take to complete the 12 steps?

However, most 12-step programs, including those for people addicted to drugs, encourage new members to commit to those 90 meetings in 90 days. You need that commitment and that focus as you are fighting for your sobriety during the most challenging time of your recovery, when you are most vulnerable to relapse.

What are alternatives to 12 step programs?

Some common alternatives to 12-Step programs include: Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery. Women for Sobriety . Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.) LifeRing Secular Recovery . Moderation Management .

What are the 12 step programs?

Twelve-step program. A twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems.

Why are 12 step programs work?

Here are just a few of the reasons why twelve-step programs work. 1. They’re The First Point Of Hope. When you enter into a 12-step program, you’re going to meet a roomful of people just like yourself and most likely be handed a big book. There are many types of twelve-step programs spanning from narcotics anonymous to sex anonymous.

Do twelve step programs work?

Ultimately, 12 step groups are as effective as their participants want them to be. For some people, the approach of a 12 step group simply does not work, and participation in such programs will be of limited benefit, although other treatment programs could be very effective.