At Real Recovery, many of our residents choose to adhere to the 12-Step method to overcome substance use disorder (SUD). The 12-Step method is a widely used approach for overcoming addiction. This method was first introduced by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and has since been adopted by various other 12-Step programs, including Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA). Twelve-Step programs are designed to help individuals find a path to recovery through the Twelve Steps, which promote self-reflection, accountability, and spiritual growth.
If the Twelve Steps are useful to you and your recovery, you can use these strategies and practices to help you move toward the next step. At times, it can be challenging to determine how to engage with the steps and utilize practices that relate to them. As we review each of these steps, we will provide you with suggestions for different practices to engage with. You can use this information to move forward in the 12-Step process and acquire skills that you can use through the remainder of your recovery journey.
Step 1
“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.”
This step accentuates the point that we have no control over substances and other addictive tendencies that come our way. The use of these addictions leads to a negative reaction in your everyday life. Admitting that you have no control over the tendencies of your addiction is a great step in beginning your recovery journey. The effects of your addiction have made your life unmanageable.
Many practices to work through Step One require you to strengthen your mind. This step is fully focused on accepting the state of your addiction and recognizing the aspects of it that are out of your control. A great practice to engage in is writing down the things that you are able to change. For each of the aspects that you can control, you can set a goal or ponder ways to make that aspect assist you in your recovery. Journaling can be a great practice to utilize during this step.
Step 2
“Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”
After reaching a state of acceptance, Step Two is focused on establishing a sense of hope in your abilities to overcome the cycle of addiction. For some, this step may involve trusting God in His ability to set you forth on the right path. For others, this is trusting that the energy of the universe will allow you to go forth on the path, leading you to success. Whatever your beliefs are, step two requires you to understand the power that influences your ability to succeed.
To work through Step Two, work to determine what your motivating factors are. By finding your source of motivation, you can develop the desire to continue working through the Twelve Steps and maintain a sense of accountability for your accomplishments. Learn to trust yourself and the energies around you. Engaging in holistic practices can be extremely beneficial through this step. Try to meditate and focus on your long-term desires, creating an internal source of motivation.
Step 3
“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”
Step Three focuses on accepting the aspects of addiction that you cannot change. This step overviews the idea of surrendering yourself and your inabilities to a Higher Power. Some practices to help engage with this step include differentiating what is within your control and what is out of your control. Be open to receiving help, and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance when needed. Allow yourself to utilize the resources available to you and understand the process of change as a whole.
Practice prayer in your own spiritual way. Take time each day to pray or meditate on your spiritual beliefs. This can help you cultivate a sense of humility and surrender and provide you with the strength and support you need to continue your recovery journey.
Step 4
“Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”
The core purpose of Step Four is to look at ourselves with an honest and open viewpoint. To overcome addiction, you have to look at yourself with a realistic mindset and observe where you are now. This can help you to understand what your current needs are and develop a plan that is focused on you. A great practice to utilize during this step is journaling. Use a journal to write down any fears or misconceptions you may have about recovery.
Write down the aspects of yourself you want to change. Outline what your future will look like with these prompts to help keep your mindset focused on the future ahead of you. Take the time to self-reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This can be accomplished through journaling or engaging in therapy to help you identify patterns of behavior and thoughts that may be contributing to your SUD.
Step 5
“Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”
This step is in place to help you establish supportive relationships with others. Admitting your wrongs to yourself and others can help you to mend any past relationships and create new ones that support your sobriety. Engaging in healthy communication skills is a substantial practice through this step. You can develop a deeper understanding of the relationships you are currently involved with. The behavioral patterns you regularly engage in often become more recognizable.
Practice confessing your wrongs to yourself and others. Find someone you trust, such as a sponsor, therapist, or close friend, and share with them the exact nature of your wrongs. This can help you begin the process of taking accountability for your actions. It can also provide you with the support and guidance you need to move forward in your recovery journey.
Step 6
“Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”
Through your recovery journey, you will have multiple stages of self-reflection. When reflecting on yourself, you can determine the characteristics you obtain that you no longer desire to have. You may also find new characteristics that you wish to develop further. We must forgive ourselves for our past to move forward and obtain those characteristics.
Take time to forgive yourself and others for past wrongs and mistakes. This can help you release feelings of anger, guilt, and shame and provide you with the freedom and peace you need to move forward in your recovery journey. You then have room to become the person that you desire.
Step 7
“Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.”
This step involves asking for help and guidance in overcoming the negative traits that have contributed to your addiction. To practice this step, work to improve your levels of gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on the things in your life that you are grateful for. This can help you cultivate a sense of humility and gratitude and provide you with the peace and joy you need to continue your recovery journey.
Step 8
“Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.”
This step involves making a list of the individuals that have been harmed by your addiction and making a commitment to repair these relationships. To practice this step, take the time to apologize to those you have hurt in the past, whether through your substance abuse or other actions. This can help you begin making amends and repairing damaged relationships and provide you with a sense of peace and closure.
Step 9
“Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when doing so would injure them or others.”
In this step, individuals take action to make amends and repair the relationships that have been damaged by their addiction. Engaging in acts of service is a great way to put this step into practice. Find ways to serve others and give back to your community. This can help you develop a sense of purpose and fulfillment and allow you to make amends for past actions.
You may also try to do good to those you have hurt in the past, being an extra support system to them. This can help repair your past relationships and relieve guilt from your previous actions that may have harmed the relationship.
Step 10
“Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.”
This step involves ongoing self-reflection and the willingness to admit mistakes and make necessary changes to maintain recovery. A great practice to utilize through this step is self-reflection. Take time each day to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Consider keeping a journal or engaging in therapy to help you identify patterns of behavior and thoughts that may be contributing to your SUD. When you identify areas where you need to improve, promptly take steps to make amends and change your behavior.
This practice is nearly identical to the practice in Step Four but requires you to reanalyze yourself at your current state. You may be impressed with the amount you have changed throughout the steps and how your self-reflection shows those differences. Use this change as a factor of motivation to continue forward.
Step 11
“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”
This step involves developing a deeper spiritual connection and seeking guidance in following a path of recovery. For this step, attempt to engage in a spiritual practice that resonates with you, such as prayer, meditation, or yoga. This can help you develop a deeper connection with a Higher Power. It can also provide you with the support and guidance you need to continue your recovery journey.
Step 12
“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”
In this final step, individuals seek to give back and support others in their journey of recovery. This can involve sharing their own experiences, providing guidance and support, and practicing the principles of recovery in all aspects of their life. To practice the final step, allow yourself to seek mentorship. Seek out someone who is further along in their recovery journey and offer to support and mentor others who are just beginning their journey. This can help you develop a sense of purpose and fulfillment and provide you with an opportunity to give back and positively impact others.
If you’re looking to continue maintaining recovery from your substance use disorder (SUD), take the first step today by incorporating these practices into your daily routine. Each step offers a unique opportunity for growth, self-reflection, and healing, and by committing to this process, you’ll be on your way to a brighter and more fulfilling future. Each of these steps can assist you in making the most out of your journey through sober living. Utilizing these practices can also help you to stay on track to long-term sobriety maintenance. To learn more about the different practices you can use through each of the Twelve Steps, reach out to Real Recovery Sober Living at (727) 290-9156.
