Step Study Tools
Resources and tools for people working a 12 step program of recovery.
A Study of the Twelve Steps
Not merely a way to stop drinking, these steps can also be a guide toward an entire new way of life.
Not merely a way to stop drinking, these steps can also be a guide toward an entire new way of life.
A Study of the Twelve Traditions
The Twelve Traditions contain the spiritual principles that keep 12 step support groups focused on their primary purpose.
The Twelve Traditions contain the spiritual principles that keep 12 step support groups focused on their primary purpose.
Top 9 Recovery Videos
These movies look at recovery options available to those who are trying to overcome alcoholism as well as others affected by their drinking.
These movies look at recovery options available to those who are trying to overcome alcoholism as well as others affected by their drinking.
Top 6 More Recovery Books
These are more recently published recovery-related books that many have found to be helpful and informative.
These are more recently published recovery-related books that many have found to be helpful and informative.
Step 9 Experience - How Did Step 9 Help in Your Recovery?
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Sox Shares on Growing and Step 3
It was the message I needed to get me through that moment. Not only was I still growing, but so was the other person.
It was the message I needed to get me through that moment. Not only was I still growing, but so was the other person.
Step 8 Experience - How Did Step 8 Factor Into Your Recovery?
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Elve Shares on a Step Toward Maturity and Step 8
Making a list of the persons I have harmed is difficult because I would have to admit to being wrong.
Making a list of the persons I have harmed is difficult because I would have to admit to being wrong.
Buddy Shares on Doing Step 12 Online
I have found so many opportunities online to meet and greet newcomers, to do service work, and to listen and learn.
I have found so many opportunities online to meet and greet newcomers, to do service work, and to listen and learn.
Elve Shares on Giving Him in Reins in Step 3
It means to turn your life over, having enough courage to admit that the other life was going nowhere.
It means to turn your life over, having enough courage to admit that the other life was going nowhere.
Carol Shares on Letting Go of Hurts and Step 8
If we can let go of our previous hurts to others, we can begin a new facet of sobriety.
If we can let go of our previous hurts to others, we can begin a new facet of sobriety.
Port Shares on Not Rescuing the Alcoholic in Step 12
I have made the mistake of caring the alcoholic instead of carrying the message.
I have made the mistake of caring the alcoholic instead of carrying the message.
Alethea Shares on Learning and Growing With Step 3
Step 3 has shown me how to take those beliefs of God, put them into action, and how to use God in my life.
Step 3 has shown me how to take those beliefs of God, put them into action, and how to use God in my life.
Sox Shares on Who Did I Harm and Step 8
This program is about becoming a better person, and improving your life. It is about living life in an unselfish and compassionate way.
This program is about becoming a better person, and improving your life. It is about living life in an unselfish and compassionate way.
Skip Shares on Living Step 12
I can't sober up the whole world, all I can do is carry the message, the rest is up to them.
I can't sober up the whole world, all I can do is carry the message, the rest is up to them.
Carol Shares on Her Key for Living and Step 3
During my active years of addiction, I pulled away from Him and practiced a selfish, destructive existence.
During my active years of addiction, I pulled away from Him and practiced a selfish, destructive existence.
Magic Shares on Becoming Willing in Step 8
If I work this step to the best of my ability, the promise of living a life free of isolation from my fellow man and God will come to be.
If I work this step to the best of my ability, the promise of living a life free of isolation from my fellow man and God will come to be.
Sox Shares on Doing 'Real' 12 Step Work
Gradually I discovered that 12 step work wasn't just going out to help the one who still suffers.
Gradually I discovered that 12 step work wasn't just going out to help the one who still suffers.
Skip Shares on Opening the Door and Step 3
God had never closed the door on me, I was the one who kept closing the door on God.
God had never closed the door on me, I was the one who kept closing the door on God.
A Study of Step 1
After many years of denial, recovery can begin when with one simple admission of being powerless over alcohol -- for alcoholics and their friends and family.
After many years of denial, recovery can begin when with one simple admission of being powerless over alcohol -- for alcoholics and their friends and family.
Sox Shares on the Hard Work to Get to Step 7
I woke up one morning, and realized the moment I opened my eyes that it was time to work step 7.
I woke up one morning, and realized the moment I opened my eyes that it was time to work step 7.
Chuck Shares on Being Radically Honest in Step 10
Another thing I had to learn about this step was that it means that I only take responsibility for when I was actually wrong.
Another thing I had to learn about this step was that it means that I only take responsibility for when I was actually wrong.
A Study of Step 2
It seems to be a spiritual truth, that before a higher power can begin to operate, one must first believe that it can.
It seems to be a spiritual truth, that before a higher power can begin to operate, one must first believe that it can.
One Christian View of Step 2
My suggestion to newcomers is the same that I received, put your beliefs or unbelief on hold and give the whole program a chance.
My suggestion to newcomers is the same that I received, put your beliefs or unbelief on hold and give the whole program a chance.
Carol Shares on Taking Action in Step 7
By doing this, I could focus on change in behaviors. My action was necessary, both in effecting new attitudes and in prayer.
By doing this, I could focus on change in behaviors. My action was necessary, both in effecting new attitudes and in prayer.
Carol Shares on Cleaning House With Step 10
What a joy to not let any mean spirited deed or thoughtless remark fester.
What a joy to not let any mean spirited deed or thoughtless remark fester.
A Study of Step 3
A lifetime of self-will run riot can come to a screeching halt, and change forever, by making a simple decision to turn it all over to a higher power.
A lifetime of self-will run riot can come to a screeching halt, and change forever, by making a simple decision to turn it all over to a higher power.
Sox Shares on God at Work in Step 2
Until that moment, I had always resented God for butting in where He wasn't wanted.
Until that moment, I had always resented God for butting in where He wasn't wanted.
Carol Shares on Growing Up in Step 6
I asked God to remove the compulsion to drink, he did. How can I not ask for help with learning a better way of life?
I asked God to remove the compulsion to drink, he did. How can I not ask for help with learning a better way of life?
Sox Shares on Step 10 as an Ego Buster
I always find a way to turn it and twist it and make it the other guy's fault. That's what I did for years.
I always find a way to turn it and twist it and make it the other guy's fault. That's what I did for years.
A Study of Step 4
There is a saying in the 12-step programs that recovery is a process, not an event. The same can be said for Step 4.
There is a saying in the 12-step programs that recovery is a process, not an event. The same can be said for Step 4.
Avinz4u Shares on Insanity and Step 2
I saw that my insanity was in my drinking alcohol believing that with each new episode it would be different.
I saw that my insanity was in my drinking alcohol believing that with each new episode it would be different.
Sox Shares on Getting Humble With Step 6
The only avenue to redemption was by making amends, but first, I had to ask HP to remove my defects. And the only way to ask Him was in deep humility.
The only avenue to redemption was by making amends, but first, I had to ask HP to remove my defects. And the only way to ask Him was in deep humility.
Skip Shares on Taking a Daily Inventory With Step 10
At first I thought this was going to be a drag, until I realized how good it made me feel at the end of the day.
At first I thought this was going to be a drag, until I realized how good it made me feel at the end of the day.
A Study of Step 5
Probably the most difficult of all the steps to face, Step 5 is also the one that provides the greatest opportunity for growth
Probably the most difficult of all the steps to face, Step 5 is also the one that provides the greatest opportunity for growth
Carol Shares on Step 2
Slowly I found that the God in my religion has a special face he shows only to drunks and I found Him in the rooms of AA.
Slowly I found that the God in my religion has a special face he shows only to drunks and I found Him in the rooms of AA.
Carol Shares on Growing Up in Step 5
I asked God to remove the compulsion to drink, he did. How can I not ask for help with learning a better way of life?
I asked God to remove the compulsion to drink, he did. How can I not ask for help with learning a better way of life?
Nancy Shares on Staying Humble With Step 10
This step in my daily life has helped me to be more conscious of other people's feelings instead of just my own.
This step in my daily life has helped me to be more conscious of other people's feelings instead of just my own.
A Study of Step 6
After identifying shortcomings and admitting to them by working Step 4 and 5, the next step forces members of 12-step recovery groups to ask themselves if they are really willing to give up some of those faults.
After identifying shortcomings and admitting to them by working Step 4 and 5, the next step forces members of 12-step recovery groups to ask themselves if they are really willing to give up some of those faults.
Buddy Shares His Experience on Step 1
When I finally found my way into Al-Anon, I learned that the reason that this scene played out over and over was because she was powerless over alcohol.
When I finally found my way into Al-Anon, I learned that the reason that this scene played out over and over was because she was powerless over alcohol.
Sox Shares on Dealing With Fear in Step 5
The more I examined it, the more I found that fear was not only the exact nature of my wrongs.
The more I examined it, the more I found that fear was not only the exact nature of my wrongs.
Magic Shares on Using Step 10 at Home
For my sobriety, I must work this step everyday. I must look at my part alone.
For my sobriety, I must work this step everyday. I must look at my part alone.
A Study of Step 7
The spiritual focus of Step 7 is humility, asking a higher power to do something that cannot be done by self-will or mere determination.
The spiritual focus of Step 7 is humility, asking a higher power to do something that cannot be done by self-will or mere determination.
Skip Shares His Experience With Step 1
The first step has lead me to an unbelievable life. The first step was the beginning to help me believe in a higher power.
The first step has lead me to an unbelievable life. The first step was the beginning to help me believe in a higher power.
Avinz4u Shares on Finding Freedom in Step 5
I discovered that I wasn't all bad, nor was I all good. I was a human being with the disease of alcoholism.
I discovered that I wasn't all bad, nor was I all good. I was a human being with the disease of alcoholism.
Larry Shares on Taking Responsibility and Step 10
I learned that it made me feel good to admit to being human, and making a mistake, and being truly sorry for it.
I learned that it made me feel good to admit to being human, and making a mistake, and being truly sorry for it.
A Study of Step 8
Making a list of those harmed before coming into recovery may sound simple. It's becoming willing to actually make those admends that is the difficult part
Making a list of those harmed before coming into recovery may sound simple. It's becoming willing to actually make those admends that is the difficult part
Elve Shares Her Experience With Step 1
I had to admit and still do, that on my best day, I could do nothing about my loved-one's drinking.
I had to admit and still do, that on my best day, I could do nothing about my loved-one's drinking.
Magic Shares on Eliminating Pride in Step 5
Admitting them to another human being was a different story. I was afraid I'd look bad in another person's eyes.
Admitting them to another human being was a different story. I was afraid I'd look bad in another person's eyes.
Carol Shares on Facing the Truth in Step 9
Facing the fact that omissions can be painful made this a powerfully healing step to do.
Facing the fact that omissions can be painful made this a powerfully healing step to do.
A Study of Step 9
Making amends may seem like a bitter pill to swallow, but for those serious about recovery it can be good medicine for the spirit and soul.
Making amends may seem like a bitter pill to swallow, but for those serious about recovery it can be good medicine for the spirit and soul.
Sox Shares His Experience With Step 1
I can only say that I am grateful for everything AA has done for me, and indeed, I owe everything I have to AA.
I can only say that I am grateful for everything AA has done for me, and indeed, I owe everything I have to AA.
Skips Shares on Doing Step 4 With a Sense of Humor
I felt real bad about so many things that I had done in my life, that it seemed impossible to get all of this inventory down right.
I felt real bad about so many things that I had done in my life, that it seemed impossible to get all of this inventory down right.
Memory Shares on Staying Honest in Step 9
When I worked this step with my sponsor I realized that I had several issues that I didn't even realize I needed to make amends about.
When I worked this step with my sponsor I realized that I had several issues that I didn't even realize I needed to make amends about.
A Study of Step 10
Step 10 may be one of the least popular of all the 12 steps, because it is simply no fun to be wrong and then have to admit it.
Step 10 may be one of the least popular of all the 12 steps, because it is simply no fun to be wrong and then have to admit it.
Carol Shares Her Experience With Step 1
Two years later, I was whipped. I was ready to try anything to stop the pain. In 1982 I began my AA journey.
Two years later, I was whipped. I was ready to try anything to stop the pain. In 1982 I began my AA journey.
Sox Shares on Doing Step 4 'By the Book'
So I embarked on my 4th step journey. I wrote and I wrote and I wrote.
So I embarked on my 4th step journey. I wrote and I wrote and I wrote.
Alethea Shares on Healing and Step 9
I made amends because I finally saw things differently, and saw my part in the hurts I had caused.
I made amends because I finally saw things differently, and saw my part in the hurts I had caused.
A Study of Step 11
The purpose of Step 11 is to discover the plan God as you understand Him, has for your life and find the power to carry it out.
The purpose of Step 11 is to discover the plan God as you understand Him, has for your life and find the power to carry it out.
S.S. Shares on Being Honest and Step 4
My mother was an alcoholic and died at 49, my brother was an alcoholic and died at 48.
My mother was an alcoholic and died at 49, my brother was an alcoholic and died at 48.
Sox Shares on Step 9 Not Being an Apology
An amend is not an apology. It is a clear and purposeful act designed to clear up a problem from the past.
An amend is not an apology. It is a clear and purposeful act designed to clear up a problem from the past.
A Study of Step 12
For those in recovery programs, practicing Step 12 is simply how it works
For those in recovery programs, practicing Step 12 is simply how it works
Magic Shares on Humbling Yourself in Step 4
I had to humble myself before God. It is worth every second of pain I had to go through to come out on the other side, out of the darkness.
I had to humble myself before God. It is worth every second of pain I had to go through to come out on the other side, out of the darkness.
Gregor Shares on Moving Forward and Step 8
The only thing I can do now is, not look to the past, but move forward and live by my newfound example of a trying positive attitude.
The only thing I can do now is, not look to the past, but move forward and live by my newfound example of a trying positive attitude.
A Study of Tradition 1
Without unity within the group, members of 12 step support groups will find it difficult to make progress.
Without unity within the group, members of 12 step support groups will find it difficult to make progress.
Carol Shares on Asking for Help in Step 4
I was so afraid to not be exactly perfect in my task and the pain was excruciating.
I was so afraid to not be exactly perfect in my task and the pain was excruciating.
A Study of Tradition 2
Group decisions are just that, group decisions. After a discussion of all aspects of a given situation, including the minority opinion, the group votes on the issue and an agreement is reached with the majority vote.
Group decisions are just that, group decisions. After a discussion of all aspects of a given situation, including the minority opinion, the group votes on the issue and an agreement is reached with the majority vote.
A Study of Tradition 3
Although the qualifications for membership in 12 step support groups is specifically defined, generally it is the individual members themselves that decide if the belong to the group.
Although the qualifications for membership in 12 step support groups is specifically defined, generally it is the individual members themselves that decide if the belong to the group.
A Study of Tradition 4
Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. or Al-Anon as a whole.
Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. or Al-Anon as a whole.
A Study of Tradition 5
The primary purpose of any 12 step group is to carry its message and give comfort to others who are still suffering.
The primary purpose of any 12 step group is to carry its message and give comfort to others who are still suffering.
A Study of Tradition 6
In order to preserve the integrity of the program and maintain their primary spiritual aim, 12 step support groups do not endorse any outside organizations and causes.
In order to preserve the integrity of the program and maintain their primary spiritual aim, 12 step support groups do not endorse any outside organizations and causes.
A Study of Tradition 7
By being self-supporting and declining outside contributions, 12 step groups protect the fellowship structure and basic spiritual foundations.
By being self-supporting and declining outside contributions, 12 step groups protect the fellowship structure and basic spiritual foundations.
A Study of Tradition 8
There is a saying in the 12 step groups, In order to keep it, you must give it away
There is a saying in the 12 step groups, In order to keep it, you must give it away
A Study of Tradition 9
By not being highly organized, 12 step groups keep the emphasis on true fellowship and the focus on their primary purpose.
By not being highly organized, 12 step groups keep the emphasis on true fellowship and the focus on their primary purpose.
A Study of Tradition 10
By not expressing opinions on outside issues, 12 step groups hope to avoid controversy, both publically and within the fellowship itself.
By not expressing opinions on outside issues, 12 step groups hope to avoid controversy, both publically and within the fellowship itself.
A Study of Tradition 11
When dealing with the media, the traditions of the 12 step programs request that members maintain anonymity, not so much for their protection, but for the good of the fellowship as a whole.
When dealing with the media, the traditions of the 12 step programs request that members maintain anonymity, not so much for their protection, but for the good of the fellowship as a whole.
A Study of Tradition 12
A hallmark of 12 step recovery programs is the offer of anonymity to participants, but the principle goes much deeper than just not revealing last names.
A hallmark of 12 step recovery programs is the offer of anonymity to participants, but the principle goes much deeper than just not revealing last names.
Sponsorship: Not a Lifetime Contract
Author Anne Wayman looks at the sponsorship relationship and how it is and is not supposed to work.
Author Anne Wayman looks at the sponsorship relationship and how it is and is not supposed to work.
Who is 'Ready' for Step 4?
There is an attitude among some 12 Step support group members that newcomers have 'to be ready' to work the steps, but that is not what the founders had in mind.
There is an attitude among some 12 Step support group members that newcomers have 'to be ready' to work the steps, but that is not what the founders had in mind.
Where Did The 12 Steps Come From?
"In the last analysis, perhaps nobody knows. Yet some of the events which led to their formulation are as clear to me as though they took place yesterday," Bill W. wrote.
"In the last analysis, perhaps nobody knows. Yet some of the events which led to their formulation are as clear to me as though they took place yesterday," Bill W. wrote.
Traditions Check List
A great group inventory or meeting discussion-starter for 12-step groups.
A great group inventory or meeting discussion-starter for 12-step groups.
4th Step Inventory Guide
A downloadable guide to doing the 4th Step from the Network12 web site.
A downloadable guide to doing the 4th Step from the Network12 web site.
252 AA Slogans
All the slogans you ever wanted to know, from Jami's Recovery page.
All the slogans you ever wanted to know, from Jami's Recovery page.
Complete? List of AA Sayings
Another list of sayings and slogans from the Alcoholism Anonymous program from several sources.
Another list of sayings and slogans from the Alcoholism Anonymous program from several sources.
Deaf Resources
Deaf and hard of hearing AA 12 step recovery resources, including access information.
Deaf and hard of hearing AA 12 step recovery resources, including access information.
Gender Independent 12 X 12
Definitely not conference approved, this is a re-write of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of A.A. with gender references removed.
Definitely not conference approved, this is a re-write of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of A.A. with gender references removed.
Gratitude List
A lack of gratitude can lead to Self-destructive behavior, consumed with envy, lethargy, sloth, lack of creativity and reduced motivation.
A lack of gratitude can lead to Self-destructive behavior, consumed with envy, lethargy, sloth, lack of creativity and reduced motivation.
The ABC's of Alcohol
Alphabetical list of the "evils" produced by alcoholic drinks from the Minnesota Recovery web site.
Alphabetical list of the "evils" produced by alcoholic drinks from the Minnesota Recovery web site.
Underlying Causes
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous indicates that alcoholism is a symptom of underlying causes. What are the causes and how does the recovering alcoholic identify them?
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous indicates that alcoholism is a symptom of underlying causes. What are the causes and how does the recovering alcoholic identify them?
What is Spirituality?
Many people are perplexed about the term spirituality and have trouble understanding just what the term means and how it's important in recovery.
Many people are perplexed about the term spirituality and have trouble understanding just what the term means and how it's important in recovery.
Early Guide to the 12 Steps
This little booklet, originally titled "Alcoholics Anonymous: An interpretation of our Twelve Steps," was widely used in the early days of A.A. in the Northwest USA.
This little booklet, originally titled "Alcoholics Anonymous: An interpretation of our Twelve Steps," was widely used in the early days of A.A. in the Northwest USA.
Taming Your Turbulant Past
A recovery book by Gayle Rosellini & Mark Worden is now free online.
A recovery book by Gayle Rosellini & Mark Worden is now free online.
The Original 6 Steps
The original six steps of Alcoholics Anonymous handwritten by Bill W., from The Jaywalker site.
The original six steps of Alcoholics Anonymous handwritten by Bill W., from The Jaywalker site.
Signs of a Spiritual Awakening
A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experience.
A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experience.
Sponsorship
What exactly is a "sponsor" in Alcoholics Anonymous? This article from the Primary Purpose Group explains the background of how the practice began.
What exactly is a "sponsor" in Alcoholics Anonymous? This article from the Primary Purpose Group explains the background of how the practice began.
Twelve Qualities of Sponsorship
I will be with you and "hang in there" with you so long as I continue to get even the slightest hint that you are still trying to grow.
I will be with you and "hang in there" with you so long as I continue to get even the slightest hint that you are still trying to grow.
Group Inventory
A printable form to use for an Alcoholics Anonymous group inventory, from The Jaywalker web site. In PDF format.
A printable form to use for an Alcoholics Anonymous group inventory, from The Jaywalker web site. In PDF format.
Achieving Excellence in Recovery
Now that you're sober and free to explore, grow, and develop, the first step to achieving excellence is admitting you are not powerless in your quest to be the best you can be.
Now that you're sober and free to explore, grow, and develop, the first step to achieving excellence is admitting you are not powerless in your quest to be the best you can be.
Sluggers Path
The SlugSystem is a new and easily understood description of the recovery process, designed to provide a focus to recovery and prevention efforts for professionals and the addict.
The SlugSystem is a new and easily understood description of the recovery process, designed to provide a focus to recovery and prevention efforts for professionals and the addict.
January Thoughts of the Day
Read an inspirational recovery thought for each day of the year at the About.com Alcoholism / Substance Abuse site.
Read an inspirational recovery thought for each day of the year at the About.com Alcoholism / Substance Abuse site.