12 Step recovery Program

Step One – We realize that we cannot control our addiction, or the disastrous effects it has on our lives (health, financial, relationships, careers/educational). Accepting that our efforts to abstain from using/drinking by ourselves alone have failed, becoming aware of the obsessive and compulsive nature of the disease. The operative spiritual principle behind Step 1 is honesty, defined as the absence of the intention to deceive, not only others, but fundamentally ourselves.   

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Step Two – We come to accept that there is a greater power outside ourselves that can restore us to wholeness, and we decide who, or what that power is: God, Spirit, etc., that becomes our source of strength. We acknowledge that a spiritual awakening can help us to find a new way of life, as we deal with our self-righteousness and habitual behavior. Step 2 offers hope of a life free from drugs/alcohol.

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Step Three – We decide to turn our will and our lives (thoughts, feelings, defiant and habitual behavior) over to the guidance of the God, or Higher Power of our understanding. We are ready to follow, and stay true to the new path we have chosen. Acceptance allows evasion and denial to give way to reality and peace of mind. We attain the power to welcome new people and ideas into our lives. Faith makes us willing to do the right thing, by employing the recovery skills we are learning, and not engaging in behaviors, previously dictated by negative thoughts and emotions.

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Step Four – We take a moral inventory of our lives, by delving into the underlying layers of the psyche to discover unhealthy thoughts, and behavioral patterns that must be broken, in order to enjoy true healing and restoration. We have the strength and courage to look within and face whatever obstacles hinder continued personal and spiritual development. It gives us the courage to honestly look at how our judgment, has become warped to justify our continued behavior. Honesty is the ability to match up our insides with our outsides, meaning that thoughts, feelings and behavior are in harmony.

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Step Five – We commit to become fully aware of how our use of drugs/alcohol hurt those around us. Introspection and reflection shed light on the hidden darkness we carry, but in admitting the exact nature of our wrongs, the sense of isolation diminishes, we receive forgiveness, and also give it. We practice integrity by owning up to our past behaviors, and through humility, we gain emotional honesty and acceptance of reality.  

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Step Six – We actively work to identify our limitations, in order to improve our mental, spiritual and emotional well-being. We become willing to make the necessary changes in our lives, and develop our human potential. Another key component is the comprehension of the difference between striving for an objective, as opposed to unattainable perfection.

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Step Seven – Humility enables us to move further into action, in the previous step we became willing to let go of our old behaviors, and in Step 7 we ask for help in actively letting go. We become proud of our strength and ability to grow. True faith is the result of surrender coupled with experience, the belief that our limitations can be “removed”.  

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Step Eight – Through discipline and action, we continue to remove the barriers that can inhibit sober living and spiritual growth. We make a list of people we have harmed, which includes ourselves, both through actions, and not being present to live up to obligations. By realizing the mistakes we have made, we can make amends and restore relationships through our words and actions.

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Step Nine – We face our fears and do all we can to make amends, except when to do so, would do us, or the other person more harm than good. Patience is taking time for things to move into place without force or breakage. Asking forgiveness of those we have intentionally, or unintentionally injured, and try to correct those injuries through our actions, and not mere words.

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Step Ten – A daily inventory based on our thoughts, feelings and behavior, cultivates the self-awareness to admit our mistakes, as we become aware of them. It offers acceptance for both the good, and the challenges present in our lives. Humility teaches us that we simply need to be better than the person we were yesterday on this journey of recovery.

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Step Eleven – The conscious effort to do the right thing, being at peace with the knowledge, and awareness of our purpose in life, whilst actively pursuing it. Through prayer and meditation, we gain the strength and courage to realize our full potential. It also brings about emotional regulation, and ensures that we remain connected to the god of our understanding, life and people around us.

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Step Twelve –Steps 1 – 11 has brought about a paradigm-shift and enlightened state of consciousness, acceptance and awareness. Service and gratitude empowers us to demonstrate the new principles by which we live, not only to remain in recovery, but through the example of our conduct and actions in our daily lives. We continue to develop our potential and spirituality, seek out, and are available to help others in need, or suffering from addiction. Sharing and caring is the active and passive forms of love that keeps us alive, allowing a higher power to use us as instruments.