How do I make these steps work for me?

Those of us in recovery often say of the steps: “They work if you work them.” The steps absolutely do work, as millions of us can attest, but to make them work requires some effort on your part. If you are persistent, your efforts will be rewarded beyond all expectations. “We have found much of heaven and we have been rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p.25)

To begin the process we suggest that you attend meetings of the twelve step program appropriate to your situation. You can locate these through links provided here. Next you should approach a group member of your sex (to avoid unnecessary complications) and ask him or her to be your sponsor. Your sponsor will be your personal guide through the steps. (Click here to see one way to find a sponsor.) Your sponsor will almost surely suggest some readings. Many programs have a “big book” similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. The “big book” describes what it is like to live with an addiction like yours, spells out a program of action for you, and then, in some detail, tells you how to go about implementing your program of recovery. Some programs have books like Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, which explain the principles behind the steps and how to work them in more detail.

Don’t drink or use drugs, go to meetings and listen to your sponsor. Miracles will happen.

Of course we encourage you to explore this website to deepen your understanding of the twelve steps. Check the step forums to see questions and answers about the steps from others in recovery. We encourage you submit questions and answers of your own.