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The 12 Steps of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has become synonymous with the concepts of recovery and sobriety and has been instrumental in changing the conversation surrounding addiction since its inception 80 years ago. Read on to see how AA and other recovery resources can guide your next step toward lasting change.
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What Is AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global program created to help those struggling with alcohol misuse achieve and maintain sobriety with the support of their peers through meetings surrounding addiction.1 AA allows people to come together, share their experiences, and support one another in their recovery.1 Its concept revolves around the premise that alcohol use disorder (AUD) is an illness that can be managed, but not controlled.

There are no other requirements for AA other than having a desire to quit drinking, and it is not associated with any organization, sect, politics, denomination, or institution. Those attending AA commit to joining either voluntarily, as a continuation of therapy, or via court-mandated rehab.

Given the number of individuals struggling with or at risk for an AUD, it is understandable that AA has grown to what it is today—an organization with more than 115,000 groups worldwide.

What Are the 12 Steps of AA?

Step 1 of AA: Admit that alcohol has taken control of your life, and outside help is essential.

Step 2 of AA: Embrace the belief that a power beyond yourself can restore your well-being.

Step 3 of AA: Decide to let that Higher Power guide your choices and actions each day.

Step 4 of AA: Conduct an honest, fearless inventory of your thoughts, behaviors, and past harms.

Step 5 of AA: Confide those findings to your Higher Power, yourself, and a trusted person.

Step 6 of AA: Become fully ready to release the character defects you’ve uncovered.

Step 7 of AA: Humbly ask your Higher Power to remove those shortcomings.

Step 8 of AA: List everyone you’ve hurt and grow willing to set things right.

Step 9 of AA: Make direct amends whenever possible, unless doing so would cause further harm.

Step 10 of AA: Keep a daily self-inventory and promptly admit when you’re wrong.

Step 11 of AA: Deepen contact with your Higher Power through regular prayer or meditation for insight and strength.

Step 12 of AA: Share this message with others in need and live these principles in all areas of life.

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What Is the Big Book in AA?

The Big Book in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a foundational text outlining the principles of recovery for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Published in 1939, the AA Big Book contains 11 chapters that include personal stories and spiritual insights.

The AA Big Book also includes the 12 Steps of AA to provide guidance and support to people looking to achieve and maintain sobriety through the AA fellowship.

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to be diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder (AUD), individuals must meet any two of 11 criteria during the same 12-month period.4

According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 29.5 million people aged 12 or older had an alcohol use disorder in the past year.5 Among people aged 12 or older, 60 million people were binge drinkers in the past month (4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more drinks for men on one occasion), and 16.3 million people engaged in heavy alcohol use over the past month (binge drinking on 5 or more days over the past 30 days).5,6

How to Choose an AA Program for You

Finding the right AA program can make a big difference in how supported you feel throughout recovery. While all AA groups follow the same 12-Step structure, each meeting may have a different focus, format, or tone. You might prefer meetings that cater to specific populations, such as LGBTQ+ individuals or women. Others may be based around particular faith traditions or take a more secular approach. If AA doesn’t feel like the right fit, there are also alternatives to AA that offer different approaches to peer support and recovery. Whether you explore AA or another recovery pathway, what matters most is finding a space where you feel safe, seen, and encouraged to grow.

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Finding Help for Alcohol Addiction

To find Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings near you, you have options. You can start by visiting the official AA website, which includes local listings. You can also contact local community centers, churches, or healthcare facilities for more information on AA and other 12-Step meetings near you.

If you’re exploring a 12-Step program or already attending one, you may benefit from the added structure of inpatient or outpatient rehab. Use our search tool to find an alcohol rehab near you. You can compare accredited facilities, filter by location or insurance, and discover program features that fit your needs. When you find a match, reach out to the facility directly to discuss availability, costs, and next steps toward recovery.