AA Step 2: Find a Power Greater Than Yourself

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provides support and guidance that helps many people recover from addiction. AA follows a 12-step program model, requiring the completion of steps in sequence to support ongoing sobriety.

In Step 2 of the 12 Steps, the program participant reaches the belief “that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” After acknowledging an inability to overcome an alcohol problem without help (Step 1), participants enter Step 2 as an opportunity to connect with God or another higher power. While this is common, it’s not necessary to take a religious approach in Step 2.¹

What Is Step 2 of AA?

Step 2 in the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous encourages AA participants to realize that they need spiritual help to move forward in life. As mentioned, many participants take a religious approach, but there are other ways to complete Step 2. For those who aren’t religious, focusing on attaining your best self, the love you want your family to feel, inspiration from a famous person in history, or even a fictional character can all help guide your actions on your journey toward sobriety.

What Is the Purpose of Step 2 of AA?

In Step 2, you’ll come to the understanding that you’re not able to overcome alcohol use disorder on your own and that you need the support of a higher power—whatever that may mean to you—in order to focus your efforts and help you establish positive mental health. This Step lays a solid foundation that you’ll be able to lean on as you continue through the recovery process.

How to Complete Step 2 of AA

Some of the ways to complete Step 2 of AA may include:

• Talk with your sponsor. They may be able to provide some insight on how to discover the higher power that makes sense for your beliefs and your sobriety.
• Stay open. If you aren’t religious, it can be easy to turn your nose up at this Step, but give it a chance. Talking about your feelings at meetings can help you gain new insights and perspectives and may spark new ways of thinking.
• Consider your reasons for getting sober. When you think about what you want your life to be, think about the guiding principles that you’d like to follow. Consider where these principles come from and use that information to help guide you to your higher power.

How Step 2 of AA Fits into Your Recovery Journey

During Step 1 of AA, you admitted that you are powerless over alcohol. Step 2 helps you find the power to restore your mental and physical health before reaching Step 3, which requires you to turn your life over to God (or your higher power). Identifying your higher power is an integral part of your journey to sobriety.

What Are the Remaining Steps?

The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are designed to be completed in order, with support, and with each step building on the one before it. Together, from the Big Book of AA, they guide patients through awareness, accountability, personal growth, and long-term recovery support. While Step 2 focuses on belief and openness to help, the remaining steps help translate that belief into action, both internally and in relationships with others.

• Step 1
• Step 2
• Step 3
• Step 4
• Step 5
• Step 6
• Step 7
• Step 8
• Step 9
• Step 10
• Step 11
• Step 12

Each of the remaining steps supports a different aspect of recovery, from self-reflection and making amends to ongoing personal growth and helping others. Patients often work through these Steps with a sponsor, at their own pace, and may revisit them over time. Recovery is not about perfection. It’s about progress, honesty, and staying connected to support that helps sustain long-term sobriety.

How to Find a 12-Step AA Program

There are many ways to find a 12-Step AA program. Many rehab facilities will integrate the 12-Steps or a secular alternative into their comprehensive treatment program. Additionally, many programs operate independently, meaning you can connect with a local chapter by visiting a program’s website.

Start Your Recovery

For many people, 12-Step programs play an integral role in recovery from substance use disorder. If you’re ready to begin your sobriety, learning more about a 12-Step program can help.

Recovery may seem daunting, but effective help is available. Explore residential drug rehabs or specialized alcohol addiction treatment programs to find the right environment for healing. Use our free tool to search for addiction treatment by insurance, location, and amenities now.