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12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous: 5 Ways You Can Benefit from the Steps of AA, Whether or Not You’re an Alcoholic
Anyone seeking spiritual growth and/or mental health improvement can benefit from the twelve steps of AA, as they rely on similar transformative mechanisms found in traditional psychotherapy.1
Millions of people today2 attribute their ability to live life to the fact that they are committed to the twelve steps. Some people discover the twelve steps through addiction treatment, others may know about the twelve steps because they have seen a loved one work through them, and still others stumble upon the twelve steps seemingly by chance.
The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are a set of guiding principles designed to help individuals recover from addiction, build spiritual connection, and lead more honest and purposeful lives. Originally created for people struggling with alcohol use by founders Bill Wilson (Bill W.) and Dr. Bob Smith, these steps have since been adapted by various recovery programs and treatment programs addressing a wide range of issues—from drugs and food to relationships and emotional challenges.
How have 12-step fellowships changed since the widespread use of virtual meetings?
Virtual recovery spaces, including AA meetings and other 12-step fellowships, have removed barriers to recovery, connecting people across the world who might have been unsure or anxious about attending a meeting in person. More people than ever have discovered shared stories of hope and recovery through virtual platforms.
Caroline Beidler, MSW
How do the 12 Steps of AA fit into a recovery program?
A person may work the 12 Steps of AA while in a treatment center, in conjunction with an outpatient program, at the recommendation of a family member, or by seeking help through a helpline.
While it is possible to work through the Twelve Steps on your own, the true benefits come when one works “the Steps” alongside others.
Though none of the following are requirements, doing step work often goes hand-in-hand with reading the Big Book, joining a support group, and attending step meetings.
For many people, addiction comes with isolation, and healing truly begins in connection with others. Therefore, joining AA groups and attending meetings are highly encouraged to support one’s Twelve Step work.
The Twelve Steps outline action-based principles that help individuals address their addiction(s) and grow spiritually. These steps work in harmony with the Twelve Traditions, which are guidelines that ensure group unity and focused functioning.
Richard Rohr’s book Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps, captures the essence of the 12 Steps: “We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.“
5 Benefits of AA
The following are a list of benefits of working the 12-Steps that can benefit anyone.
1. Taking a Moral Inventory
Part of working the twelve steps is taking a moral inventory of oneself, which involves looking deeply and honestly at oneself and becoming willing to let go of anything interfering with one’s spiritual growth.
This process is about acknowledging our flaws, which can be painful and tedious. But is essential for growth, change, healing and recovery. By humbly letting go of negative behaviors and beliefs, we create space for new growth and improved relationships with others.
As a result of this work, one develops greater tolerance, patience, kindness, and self-awareness ultimately opening oneself up to the healing power of a God, as one understands God. These benefits, based in the willingness to change, brings one a sense of peace and faith that touches all areas of one’s life.
2. Letting Go of Defects of Character
Another important part of the twelve steps is the willingness to let go of character defects that hinder spiritual growth. Character defects often serve as coping mechanisms, ultimately preventing one from living authentically and practicing spiritual principles.
- By becoming aware of one’s defects of character and developing an openness to change, one starts freeing oneself from self-destructive patterns and embraces a readiness to be transformed by a Higher Power.
- This work is a lifelong commitment and practice that fuels one’s personal growth and connection with others.
- By becoming aware of these defects and opening ourselves to change, we start freeing ourselves from self-destructive patterns. This step requires humility and faith, both of which prepare us for deeper personal growth and connection with others.
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3. Making Direct Amends
The importance of making amends to the list of all persons one has harmed is not meant to erase guilt, but rather to restore relationships and enhance spiritual growth. This practice is something all people can certainly benefit from.
- Making direct amends might feel intimidating, but it is one of the most transformative parts of the 12-step program because it allows one to humbly practice forgiveness and accountability.
- Healing can only happen once one has accepted what needs to be healed, and that includes accepting one’s past actions. Accepting the role that one played in straining a relationship is a sign of integrity that restores one’s self-esteem and strengthens one’s commitment to personal growth, moving us closer to greater freedom and peace.
4. Taking a Personal Inventory
Daily self-reflection and action are encouraged as part of the twelve steps in order to maintain spiritual progress. One commits to identifying and correcting missteps before they escalate as well as fostering emotional balance and self-awareness.
- By staying committed to a practice of taking persona inventory, one learns to promptly admit mistakes, learn from one’s behavior, and continue making necessary amends.
- As a result, one continuously improves one’s relationships, strengthens one’s connection with a Higher Power, and cultivates humility, integrity, and peace.
5. Having a Spiritual Awakening
Having a spiritual awakening is necessary and unavoidable for anyone seeking growth. Through this awakening, one gains access to qualities like patience, love, and honesty, which transform how one approaches life.
- Having a spiritual awakening, has been proven to change a person’s beliefs and fuel one’s drive to serve others,3 in addition to deepening one’s sense of purpose, connection, and joy. Ultimately, spiritual growth can lead to a life of peace, resilience, and gratitude.
The Universal Invitation of the 12 Steps
The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous may have been born from the struggle of addiction, but they offer tools that reach far beyond recovery from substance use. They provide a path toward integrity, accountability, spiritual connection, and healing—gifts that anyone, from any walk of life, can benefit from.
Still, important questions remain: When is the right time to introduce someone to the Steps? Are there circumstances where the Steps may not be beneficial—or even potentially harmful? And in a digital world, what’s the most effective way to engage with this process?
As we continue to explore and expand access to these powerful principles, let’s not lose sight of their deeper promise: to help us become more honest, connected, and alive. Whether in-person, online, or somewhere in between, the invitation remains the same—a spiritual awakening that transforms how we live, love, and serve.
FAQs
Q: Where are the 12 Steps in the AA book?
A: The Twelve Steps are outlined in Chapter 5, titled “How It Works,” in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. You can find them on page 59 in most editions.
Q: What are the 12 principles of recovery in AA?
A: Each of the Twelve Steps corresponds to a spiritual principle, such as honesty, hope, faith, courage, integrity, willingness, humility, and service. These principles guide personal growth and recovery.
Q: Where can I find the 12 Steps?
A: You can find the Twelve Steps on the official AA website,4 in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, and in most AA meeting materials.
Q: What are the 12 Promises of AA?
A: The Twelve Promises describe the emotional and spiritual benefits that come from working the Steps. They include feelings of peace, freedom, and fearlessness, and are found in Chapter 6 of the Big Book.
Q: What are the 12 Steps of AA?
A: The Twelve Steps are a set of principles designed to help individuals overcome addiction by fostering honesty, accountability, and connection with a Higher Power. They include admitting powerlessness, taking moral inventory, making amends, and helping others.
Q: Are there alternatives to the Twelve Steps and AA?
A: Yes. Alternatives include SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, LifeRing Secular Recovery, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based programs. Each offers different approaches to sobriety and self-improvement.
Q: Does Alcoholics Anonymous work?
A: Studies show that participation in AA and 12-Step programs can significantly support long-term sobriety and emotional healing, especially when combined with professional treatment and ongoing support.
Q: What are the benefits of a 12-Step program?
Benefits include increased self-awareness, stronger coping skills, spiritual growth, reduced isolation, and lasting recovery through mutual support and service.
Q: How do the 12 Steps work and why?
A: The 12 Steps work by fostering honesty, accountability, and spiritual growth. They help people identify destructive patterns, make amends, and build meaningful connections, which promotes lasting change.
Q: How can I start working the 12 Steps of AA?
A: Start by reading the Big Book, attending AA meetings, and finding a sponsor who has experience with the Steps. Many people begin their journey in a treatment center or with the support of a recovery program.
Q: How can the 12 Steps help with addiction recovery?
A: The Steps provide structure, community, and spiritual guidance, helping individuals move through denial, heal past wounds, and build a new way of life rooted in purpose and service.
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1. O'Connell, M. (2023). Alcohol use disorder. In Handbook of Substance Misuse and Addictions: From Biology to Public Health (pp. 627–639). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-95702-1.00024-0
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2. Marlatt, G. A., & Witkiewitz, K. (2010). Update on harm-reduction policy and intervention research. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 38(1), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2009.11.002
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3. Eaton, A. A., Craig, S. L., & Wallace, D. (2020). Reducing suicidal ideation among LGBTQ youth through inclusive practices in schools: A review of evidence. Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, 11, 79–87. https://doi.org/10.2147/AHMT.S240404
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4. Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (n.d.). The twelve steps. Alcoholics Anonymous. https://www.aa.org/the-twelve-steps
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