Working the 12 Steps of AA: A Guide to Recovery
The 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been a cornerstone of recovery for millions of people worldwide. However, working through the steps can be a daunting task, especially for those new to the program. In this article, we will break down each step and provide a comprehensive guide on how to work through them using worksheets.
What are AA Worksheets?
AA worksheets are tools designed to help individuals work through the 12 steps of AA. They provide a structured format for recording thoughts, feelings, and insights, making it easier to reflect on past experiences and identify areas for personal growth. By using worksheets, individuals can ensure they are thoroughly working through each step and gaining the most benefit from the program.
Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness
The first step in AA is to admit powerlessness over alcohol. This means acknowledging that you are unable to control your drinking and that it has become unmanageable.
Worksheet Exercise:
- Write down your drinking history, including when you first started drinking and how it progressed.
- Identify the consequences of your drinking, such as relationship problems or health issues.
- Write a statement admitting your powerlessness over alcohol, using the following format: “I am powerless over alcohol and my life has become unmanageable.”
Step 2: Coming to Believe
The second step is to come to believe that a power greater than yourself can restore you to sanity. This means acknowledging that you need help beyond your own abilities.
Worksheet Exercise:
- Write down your thoughts and feelings about a higher power, including any reservations or doubts.
- Identify people or experiences in your life that demonstrate the existence of a higher power.
- Write a statement expressing your willingness to believe in a higher power, using the following format: “I am willing to believe that a power greater than myself can restore me to sanity.”
Step 3: Turning Your Life Over
The third step is to turn your life over to your higher power. This means surrendering your will and making a commitment to follow a new path.
Worksheet Exercise:
- Write down areas of your life where you feel a need for change, such as relationships or personal habits.
- Identify specific actions you can take to turn your life over to your higher power, such as attending meetings or seeking guidance from a sponsor.
- Write a statement expressing your commitment to turn your life over, using the following format: “I turn my life over to my higher power and commit to following a new path.”
Step 4: Making a Moral Inventory
The fourth step is to make a searching and fearless moral inventory of yourself. This means examining your past actions and identifying areas for personal growth.
Worksheet Exercise:
- Write down your past resentments, including people, places, and things that have caused you harm.
- Identify your part in each resentment and take responsibility for your actions.
- Write down areas where you have been selfish or dishonest and make amends if possible.
Step 5: Admitting the Exact Nature of Your Wrongs
The fifth step is to admit the exact nature of your wrongs to yourself, to your higher power, and to another human being. This means being honest about your past mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions.
Worksheet Exercise:
- Write down specific examples of your past wrongs, including the harm caused to others.
- Identify the motivations behind your actions, such as fear or selfishness.
- Write a statement expressing your willingness to make amends, using the following format: “I am willing to make amends for my past wrongs and take responsibility for my actions.”
Step 6: Becoming Entirely Ready
The sixth step is to become entirely ready to have your higher power remove all your defects of character. This means being willing to let go of your ego and make changes to your behavior.
Worksheet Exercise:
- Write down areas where you feel stuck or resistant to change.
- Identify specific defects of character that you are willing to let go of, such as pride or anger.
- Write a statement expressing your willingness to let go of your defects, using the following format: “I am entirely ready to have my higher power remove all my defects of character.”
Step 7: Humbly Asking for Removal of Defects
The seventh step is to humbly ask your higher power to remove your defects of character. This means surrendering your ego and making a commitment to change.
Worksheet Exercise:
- Write down specific prayers or affirmations asking for the removal of your defects.
- Identify actions you can take to demonstrate your commitment to change, such as seeking guidance from a sponsor or attending meetings.
- Write a statement expressing your gratitude for the removal of your defects, using the following format: “I am grateful for the removal of my defects of character and commit to continuing to grow and change.”
Step 8: Making a List of All Persons Harmed
The eighth step is to make a list of all persons harmed by your actions. This means identifying people who have been affected by your past mistakes.
Worksheet Exercise:
- Write down a list of people who have been harmed by your actions, including their names and the specific harm caused.
- Identify specific actions you can take to make amends, such as apologizing or making restitution.
- Write a statement expressing your commitment to making amends, using the following format: “I commit to making amends to those I have harmed and taking responsibility for my actions.”
Step 9: Making Amends
The ninth step is to make amends to those you have harmed, except when to do so would injure them or others. This means taking concrete actions to repair relationships and make restitution.
Worksheet Exercise:
- Write down specific actions you can take to make amends, such as apologizing or making restitution.
- Identify potential obstacles to making amends, such as fear or pride.
- Write a statement expressing your commitment to making amends, using the following format: “I commit to making amends to those I have harmed and taking responsibility for my actions.”
Step 10: Continuing to Take Personal Inventory
The tenth step is to continue to take personal inventory, and when you are wrong, promptly admit it. This means ongoing self-reflection and a commitment to personal growth.
Worksheet Exercise:
- Write down areas where you continue to struggle with personal growth, such as relationships or personal habits.
- Identify specific actions you can take to continue growing and changing, such as attending meetings or seeking guidance from a sponsor.
- Write a statement expressing your commitment to ongoing personal growth, using the following format: “I commit to continuing to take personal inventory and growing in my recovery.”
Step 11: Seeking Guidance and Prayer
The eleventh step is to seek guidance and prayer, and to meditate to improve your conscious contact with your higher power. This means cultivating a deeper spiritual practice and seeking guidance from a higher power.
Worksheet Exercise:
- Write down your thoughts and feelings about prayer and meditation, including any reservations or doubts.
- Identify specific prayers or affirmations that bring you comfort and guidance.
- Write a statement expressing your commitment to seeking guidance and prayer, using the following format: “I commit to seeking guidance and prayer, and to cultivating a deeper spiritual practice.”
Step 12: Carrying the Message
The twelfth step is to carry the message of recovery to others, and to practice these principles in all your affairs. This means sharing your story and experience with others, and living the principles of the program in your daily life.
Worksheet Exercise:
- Write down your thoughts and feelings about sharing your story and experience with others, including any fears or doubts.
- Identify specific ways you can carry the message of recovery, such as attending meetings or sponsoring others.
- Write a statement expressing your commitment to carrying the message, using the following format: “I commit to carrying the message of recovery to others, and to practicing these principles in all my affairs.”
📝 Note: Working the 12 steps is a personal and ongoing process. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you work through each step, and don't be afraid to seek guidance from a sponsor or other support groups.
Working the 12 steps of AA is a journey, not a destination. By using worksheets to guide your progress, you can ensure a thorough and meaningful experience. Remember to be patient and compassionate with yourself, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance from others. With persistence and dedication, you can achieve lasting recovery and live a fulfilling life.
What is the purpose of AA worksheets?
+AA worksheets are tools designed to help individuals work through the 12 steps of AA. They provide a structured format for recording thoughts, feelings, and insights, making it easier to reflect on past experiences and identify areas for personal growth.
How do I get started with working the 12 steps?
+To get started with working the 12 steps, begin by reading the Big Book and attending AA meetings. You can also find a sponsor or work with a therapist to guide you through the process. Start with Step 1 and work your way through each step, using worksheets to record your thoughts and insights.
What if I get stuck on a particular step?
+If you get stuck on a particular step, don’t worry! It’s normal to encounter obstacles or challenges along the way. Seek guidance from your sponsor or therapist, and try to identify the underlying issues that may be causing you to feel stuck. Remember to be patient and compassionate with yourself, and don’t be afraid to take your time working through each step.
