Twelve Steps
A set of guiding principles for recovery originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous. The twelve steps outline a spiritual and practical path for overcoming addiction and building a new way of life.
The Twelve Steps were first published in the AA Big Book in 1939, written by AA co-founder Bill Wilson. They describe a path from the depths of addiction to a life of sobriety, purpose, and service. The steps have since been adapted by Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, and dozens of other programs addressing various addictions and compulsive behaviors.
The steps are not a one-time checklist — they are a lifelong practice. Early steps focus on honesty and surrender: admitting powerlessness, believing that a higher power can restore sanity, and making a decision to turn one's life over. Middle steps involve personal inventory, confession, and character work. Later steps address making amends and carrying the message to others.
Completing the steps is often marked with a celebration — a chip, a meeting dedicated to the milestone, a gift from a sponsor. Step work is where the real internal transformation of recovery happens, and many members describe working the steps as the most important thing they ever did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Terms
Step Work
Step work is the active, guided process of working through the 12 steps of recovery — often with a sponsor — to address the root causes of addiction.
Making Amends
Making amends is steps 8 and 9 of the AA 12-step program — the process of identifying and repairing harm caused during active addiction.
Sponsor
A sponsor is an experienced member of a recovery program who guides a newcomer through the 12 steps and provides one-on-one support.