The classic twelve-step program comes from Alcoholics Anonymous founders Bill W. and Dr. Bob who, in 1935, were both seeking to relinquish a personal attachment to alcohol. The two men came together as friends sharing a single purpose, and their combined efforts gave life to a set of spiritual principles and guidelines that would later become the basis of the 12-step recovery process. The program advocates turning one's additions over to a power greater than himself, one that is capable of admonishing addictive behavior as the result of a fearless process of self-reflection and spiritual discovery.
Acceptance
According to the 12 steps, a person seeking to rid himself of addiction must first admit that he has become incapable of self-control while under the influence of alcohol and that his life has come to disorder as a direct result.
Faith
Step two requires that one seeking sobriety trust in the existence of a power that transcends the physical realm, one that can and will release her bond to alcoholism if invoked.
Release
The alcoholic must then develop a willingness to turn his condition over to this "higher power," as conceived by him alone.
Self-Reflection
The person must then carry through an exhaustive introspection, a fearless examination of her innermost thoughts, feelings, values and intentions.
Confession
The alcoholic must then admit to himself, his higher power and others whom he has wronged the unabridged nature of his offenses.
Courage
The next step requires a willingness to change and to face the potential of living a life without alcohol.
Humilty
Now wholly aware of her flaws, the alcoholic asks her higher power to untie the bridles of her condition.
Recognition of Fault
The recovering alcoholic must then catalog all persons he has wronged and be willing to redress the damage he has caused.
Restitution
At this stage, the recovering addict will make a deliberate effort to restore all that she has taken--physically, spiritually and emotionally--providing her endeavors do not interfere with the freedoms of others.
Maintenance
A periodic re-visitation of the self-reflection process is necessary. Recovery is an ongoing process. When the addict finds that he has acted erroneously, he must immediately concede to this knowledge and attempt to make amends.
Spiritual Alignment
The recovering alcoholic must consistently seek to improve her connection to the higher power that she holds in reverence. Through prayer and meditation, she attempts to obtain knowledge of divine will and the strength to do that which is required.
Giving Back
The recovering alcoholic must now endeavor to reach others suffering from the condition and practice the steps in all matters of life.
