If you are a recovering addict, there is no doubt that you have heard of the twelve step process.  It is used by Alcoholics Anonymous, many treatment centers, as well as most private support groups.  If you are curious about the twelve steps, but don’t fully understand them, read on to learn a little bit more about the first six of Alcoholics Anonymous’ twelve steps.  Join us next week to learn about the last 6.  

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.

The most important thing to do when you are trying to change your life is to admit that you need to change.  You need to be able to to admit to yourself that your addiction has become too much for you to handle, and that it is time to reach out for help.  

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

Looking towards something greater than yourself can give you the strength to change.  Believe in a Higher Power and that It can help you change your life for the better.  

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

This step asks that you turn your will towards God, and let Him heal you. You need to be willing to accept His help in order to change.  

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

Take the time to do a full analysis of where you are and where you have been.  Really take the time to take an inventory of all the things that you have done.  Analyze your life and where you need to make changes.  This step can be quite painful, but it is necessary in order to fully heal.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

It is a humbling yet freeing experience to admit all that you have done to another person.  This is one of the hardest steps of the twelve step process.  

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

In order to change, you have to be willing to change.  If you hold onto a bad habit or character defect, you will not be able to fully change your life.  You need to be ready to let them go.