“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.”

This step involves recognizing that addiction has taken over one’s life and admitting the need for help. Accepting powerlessness is the first step toward seeking and embracing recovery.

“Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

Individuals begin to trust in a higher power or force beyond themselves. This belief is crucial as it provides strength, guidance, and a sense of hope.

“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”

This step involves committing to surrender control and seek guidance from a higher power. It’s about trusting something greater for support and direction.

“Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”

Individuals reflect on their past behaviors and actions. This step helps identify where they have strayed from their values and highlights necessary changes.

“Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”

Sharing these insights with a trusted person helps to alleviate feelings of guilt and shame, fostering honesty and emotional healing.

“We’re entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”

This step is about preparing mentally and emotionally to let go of negative traits and behaviors, which is crucial for making lasting improvements.

“Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.”

Seeking help to overcome personal shortcomings with humility and openness is the focus. This step emphasizes asking for support in making meaningful changes.

“Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.”

Identifying those who have been harmed and preparing to make amends is essential for repairing relationships. This step underscores the importance of taking responsibility.

“Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”

Actively seeking to make amends with those harmed, while being mindful of potential impacts, helps rebuild trust and repair relationships.

“Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.”

Regular self-reflection maintains awareness and accountability, encouraging ongoing personal growth and ensuring individuals stay on track with their recovery.

“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.”

Enhancing spiritual connection through prayer and meditation supports personal growth and helps individuals understand and fulfill their higher purpose.

“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”

Sharing one’s journey and experience with others helps reinforce recovery and contributes to the community’s well-being. This step emphasizes giving back and integrating principles into daily life.