Step 11 of Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a 12-Step program designed to help individuals struggling with alcohol addiction achieve and maintain sobriety. Each Step provides guidance for personal growth, healing, and long-term recovery. Step 11 of AA focuses on improving your spiritual connection through meditation and prayer, which can be a challenging but deeply rewarding part of the process.
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What Is Step 11 of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?
Step 11 of AA states: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”
Step 11 of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) encourages individuals to connect with a Higher Power, whether that’s God, a spiritual presence, or another source of inspiration, and use that connection to strengthen their recovery. Through regular prayer and meditation, members aim to gain clarity, guidance, and inner peace for daily living.
Spirituality is a core part of the 12-Step process, but it’s also deeply personal. While some may embrace traditional religious practices, others may struggle with the idea of a Higher Power altogether. Still, integrating AA Step 11 into your life is essential for continuing your recovery journey and progressing toward Step 12.
If you’re unsure how to complete Step 11 of AA, remember that it’s about progress, not perfection.
How to Complete Step 11 of AA
One of the core principles of the Alcoholics Anonymous program is the belief that nothing happens by mistake. Members are encouraged to recognize and connect with their Higher Power, to listen for guidance, and to draw inspiration from that connection throughout their recovery journey. This spiritual practice is cultivated through prayer and meditation.
A person approaching Step 11 of AA may be unsure of its meaning, how to apply it in daily life, or may have previously rejected religion or spirituality altogether. However, progressing to the final step requires a willingness to embrace this part of the process. Here are some tips on how to complete Step 11 of AA.
1. Don’t Get Hung Up on the Term “God”
When people are presented with the term “God,” many immediately associate it with the deity of the dominant religion in their society. In North America, this would be the Judeo-Christian god. However, “God” is a neutral term, and it is best not to get caught up in how other people choose to define it. In AA Step 11, focus on connecting to what you understand to be God, whether that is Vishnu, Yahweh, Allah, the Great Spirit, or something else.
2. Remember that Prayer Can Take Many Forms
Prayer doesn’t have to follow a strict format. While some people associate prayer with praying and speaking to a Higher Power in a traditional way, that isn’t required. If that method feels right to you, embrace it. But if it doesn’t, that’s okay too. The sincerity of your words matters more than how you say them.
In Step 11 of AA, prayer is about building a personal connection with your Higher Power. Speak as if you’re talking to a trusted friend and share what’s troubling you, ask for guidance, and express gratitude for the support you’ve received. If you’re exploring alternatives to AA, the same principle applies: spiritual growth can take many forms. Whether through prayer, meditation, or mindful reflection, what matters is finding a practice that feels meaningful to you.
3. Meditation Means Listening to Your Higher Power
If prayer is the act of talking to your Higher Power, then meditation is the act of listening to Him or Her. It is a physical and mental discipline that requires you to be still and observe. Many people are uncomfortable with silence, and they will do anything to avoid it. If this describes you, then meditation may be challenging when you first begin. Rest assured, though, it will get easier each time you do it.
As part of Step 11 meditation, begin by sitting quietly for 5 to 10 minutes. Thoughts will come to you, but try not to hold onto them. Let them flow in and out of your mind. As a way of letting go of conscious thought, it may be helpful to observe your breathing or to concentrate on a candle flame. The goal is to connect to your Higher Power and listen for wisdom. There are many books and websites about meditation. It may be helpful to peruse them.
How Step 11 of AA Fits Into the Recovery Journey
Step 11 of AA encourages ongoing self-reflection and spiritual growth. While earlier Steps focus on admitting powerlessness, making amends, and taking personal inventory, Step 11 invites you to strengthen your connection with a Higher Power as a daily practice. This spiritual foundation can help guide your choices and thoughts as you continue building a life in sobriety.
Through prayer and meditation, Step 11 helps you develop the tools to stay grounded, even when life becomes challenging. It encourages you to seek clarity and purpose, rather than relying solely on willpower. Many people in recovery find that consistent spiritual practice becomes a key source of strength.
Finding Help for Alcohol Addiction
Step 11 represents a significant change in the way you see yourself and the world. If you are struggling with this Step, you might benefit from addiction treatment. Rehab can provide a structured and supportive environment that can help you work through the underlying issues that may be contributing to your alcohol misuse.
American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers multiple levels of care, from medical detox and inpatient addiction programs to outpatient options like IOP rehab or PHP rehab. These programs can complement your 12-Step work and help you better sustain long-term recovery.
If you’re ready to learn more, our admissions navigators are available 24/7 to help. Call us at to speak with someone who understands what you’re going through. You can also check your health insurance coverage for addiction treatment using the short form below. We’re here to help you take the next step.