Roughly 90 years ago, two people got together and created a structure for how they were going to establish and sustain sobriety for good. The structure consisted of two components: one was that they had to stop drinking and help another alcoholic, and the second was that they had to give themselves up to a Higher Power greater than themselves. Lo and behold, it worked. Those two men were Bill W. and Dr. Bob, the two founding members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Their program has since gone on to help millions of people and their families recover from addiction. If you are new to recovery and want to know more about inside AA, there are many ways of finding out.
Better Understanding 12-Step Recovery
12-Step recovery is all about working with others and utilizing 12 principles, also known as the Twelve Steps (more on those shortly). The key to AA is that the program begins when a person is willing to “give up.” This is the paradox of 12-Step recovery – you have to surrender to win. You must admit that you have a problem and that you need help.
Second, is being willing to accept help. A major part of 12-Step recovery is listening to those that have more “time” in sobriety. These “old timers” have the knowledge and the tools that can help a person recover and stay recovered in the long term.
Third is to take “action.” This means that you have to do what you are going to say you will do. This is also the critical component of accountability. It is about doing the work if you want to get the results. As the primary text of 12-Step recovery states, “Have measures availed us nothing.” It doesn’t say that doing half the work gets you half the results. It says doing half the work gets you no results. You have to be all in.
What Are the Twelve Steps
The Twelves Steps can be seen as guides by which to live your life. This is true both in a recovery aspect as well as a human one. In fact, many people agree that anyone could benefit from these steps, even if they do not have addiction issues.
The first Three Steps are all about that willingness mentioned earlier. This is also where a person becomes willing to believe in a power greater than themself (Step 3). Many people get hung up on this step because they have a preconceived notion of what God is, or they feel as though they have been spurned by religion. The good news is that a Higher Power does not have to be related to a “traditional” God or religion at all. It just has to be anything that a person can have faith in (something greater than yourself).
The next steps (4 through 9) are all about “cleaning house” and making amends. This is where you will inventory the wrong actions that you took while in active addiction and move forward in making them right. Ultimately, it is about admitting our wrongs and being willing to say “I’m sorry.” The final three steps are all about living an honest and willing life on a daily basis. It is also about helping other people in recovery.
Key AA Rules and Membership Insights for Newcomers
There are some important moves to make if you want to be an active member of 12-Step recovery. For instance, you will need to start going to 12-Step meetings regularly. Additionally, you will need to establish a “home group.” This is where you will volunteer your time to ensure that everyone in the area has a meeting space to go to.
Another important move is to get a sponsor. This is someone who can take you through the Twelve Steps, as well as be available if you are struggling or feel as though you may relapse. Eventually, you should take on this sponsorship role yourself. 12-Step recovery is all about giving back. Also, it is said in 12-Step literature that the best way to avoid a potential relapse is to work with other people in recovery.
Our Primary Purpose at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, our primary purpose is to help people recover by any means necessary. This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future. We also believe that the Twelve Steps can be vital for long-term recovery.
Recovery is out there. It is time to take the steps to achieve it. You got this! We can help.
It can be highly beneficial to have an overview of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), focusing on its essential rules and the membership process. Those new to recovery can gain a better understanding of what to expect and how to navigate their first meetings in a welcoming environment. The Twelve Steps have helped millions of people and their families recover from addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
