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The 12th Step of AA

The 12th Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous is the last in the program. This step requires you to have a spiritual awakening that came as a result of completing the previous 11 Steps of AA, carry the message of AA to others in need, and practice the principles of AA in your daily life. Many people find the 12th Step of Alcoholics Anonymous to be one of the most challenging because it forces them to publicly acknowledge their struggles with alcohol when delivering the AA message to others.

What is the 12th Step of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

Step 12 of AA involves carrying the message of recovery from alcohol addiction to others and practicing the principles of AA in your daily life. Step 12 emphasizes helping fellow people struggling with alcohol addiction achieve sobriety, fostering a sense of community, and maintaining spiritual growth. Step 12 encourages individuals to share their experiences, offer support to those in need, and continue the journey of personal and spiritual development. This Step also reflects the idea that sustained recovery is not only about personal well-being but also about contributing to the well-being of others in the recovery community.

Spiritual Awakening and Delivering the AA Message

As you approach the 12th Step in AA, remember that you have prepared for this by completing Steps 1 through 11. With the help and support of your sponsor and the AA fellowship, you can complete Step 12 the same way you completed the others.

After completing the 12th Step, some people feel a sense of relief, as though they have graduated from the AA program. Although it is important to feel proud of your accomplishments, it is just as important to remember that recovery is a lifelong journey and your participation in Alcoholics Anonymous isn’t over. However, for some people, the sense of completing the AA program brings back their urge to drink. Some people feel that by completing Alcoholics Anonymous Step 12 they have proven that they are capable of living a sober life and can drink alcohol in moderation.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

If you start to feel yourself slipping back into self-destructive behaviors, you may want to pursue additional alcohol addiction treatment. Some people who complete Step 12 are resistant to pursuing additional treatment. The reasons for this resistance vary from one person to another, but it is common for people to feel a sense of guilt and shame for having completed the 12th Step of Alcoholics Anonymous yet still requiring more treatment. Although this is a normal feeling, you should remember that admitting you need help is a sign of strength. Asking for the help you need is a sign of immense courage.

If you feel yourself slipping back into addiction, gain the support of your sponsor, AA fellowship, and loved ones. These people care about you and want to help you succeed. Ask them to help and support you as you pursue additional treatment options, such as inpatient alcohol rehab or outpatient alcohol rehab. This additional treatment will not take the place of the AA program but complement it.

step 12

Finding Help for Alcohol Addiction

Help for alcohol addiction is easy to find, but it is not always easy to ask for. Overcoming an addiction to or a dependency on alcohol can be a long and sometimes frustrating process. Still, if you’ve decided to stop drinking you’ve crossed the most important hurdle in your recovery.

If you’re ready to get help with alcohol addiction, visit the AA website to find a support group near you. Many secular programs may help you achieve or maintain recovery. However, if you or a loved one needs detox support or addiction treatment, you may benefit from attending treatment at a dedicated rehab facility. American Addiction Centers (AAC) operates treatment facilities nationwide, with professional admissions navigators standing by 24/7 to help you get admitted into treatment. Our addiction helpline may also be able to help connect you with rehabs near you. To speak to an admissions navigator, call .

Find freedom from alcohol addiction today. Your health insurance provider may be able to cover all or part of the cost of rehab. Use the form below to find out instantly.

Next: Alcoholics Anonymous Overview
Last: Step 11


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