Step 2 of Alcoholics Anonymous: Seek a Higher Power

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) seeks to help those struggling with alcohol addiction achieve and maintain sobriety. Specifically, Step 2 of Alcoholics Anonymous focuses on introducing the concept of a higher power and using this concept as inspiration for sobriety.

What is Step 2 of AA?

Alcoholics Anonymous Step 2 states that, “We came to be aware that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” This step follows the first step, in which an individual admits they have an alcohol problem and are powerless to stop drinking on their own.

What Does Step 2 of AA Mean?

To really understand what Step 2 of AA means, it is important to look at it in comparison to the first step. The first step asks people to admit they are powerless over their desire to drink.

This is a difficult thing to do because many who struggle with addiction think that if they could just try a little harder, they could stop drinking or that they just haven’t found the right answer yet. Admitting you need help means making yourself subordinate to those who are helping you, at least temporarily, so that they can guide you in the right direction.

This is what Step 2 of AA encourages you to do, except it puts the problem onto a spiritual plane. Instead of asking you to allow other people to help you, it asks you to consider the possibility that there’s some sort of power greater than yourself that can guide you towards a better life.

AA Step 2 then asks you to define for yourself what that power might be so that you can be open to its guidance. Some people find it helpful to talk to a spiritual adviser, an AA sponsor, or a counselor to help them accept and define their higher power.

How to Approach Step 2 of AA

1. Think about what inspires you to stay sober

For Step 2 of AA, some people use their best selves as a higher power—the way they are when they are sober and doing exactly what they want to be doing. Other people are inspired by a favorite television show or character, a famous person in history, or the love they want their children to feel. Some use God or other religious beliefs. Don’t worry about whether your higher power makes sense to anyone else; just choose something or someone that works for you.

2. Talk with other members about their experiences with Step 2

If you’re not religious, you may not know how to apply Step 2 of AA. Talking to other AA members can help you get some perspective.

Many people come to AA with the same thoughts and feelings that you may have when thinking about this step. Other members can support you on your own quest to understand and use Step 2 of AA and can share their experiences so that you can see some alternative ways of interpreting this step.

3. Be open to new ideas about this step

Sometimes it’s difficult to accept AA Step 2 because of your feelings about God or religion. In addition, taking this step further solidifies the idea that you’re not able to control your drinking on your own, which can sometimes be scary.

Instead of trying too hard to understand this step, try reading it over once a day and just accept whatever thoughts and feelings come into your head. You may find yourself understanding it more as you reread.

4. Consider seeing a spiritual advisor

If you are feeling conflicted about your Higher Power, consider reaching out to a spiritual advisor. Their guidance may be helpful in providing some clarity for you, as well as giving you a better understanding of the many different kinds of potential spiritual connections.

5. Make Step 2 a part of your daily life

You can incorporate Step 2 into your daily life in a number of ways, even if you don’t have a full grasp on it just yet. For example, journaling every morning can be a helpful way to clear your mind of the many thoughts you may be having, allowing you to focus more on connecting with a Higher Power of your choosing.

Common Challenges With Step 2 of AA

Arguably the most common reason why Step 2 can be challenging for some people because they may think that they have to believe in God to continue on with the program. Those who don’t have religious beliefs or who aren’t comfortable with the concept of God sometimes balk at this step. However, Step 2 isn’t really about God—it’s about finding something outside of yourself to inspire you and help you remain sober. Many AA members, religious or not, have found this step useful in finding inspiration and building a drive to achieve or maintain sobriety.

Additional challenges that people might also face with Step 2 of AA include:

• Fear of losing control as they work to put their faith in something intangible.
• Being skeptical of how the Steps can actually benefit them.
• Continuing to struggle with admitting and accepting their addiction fully.

How to Find a 12-Step AA Program

If you have already been in treatment, such as in an inpatient drug and alcohol rehab program or outpatient addiction treatment programs, then chances are you have likely already been introduced to the 12-Steps and have and understanding of what they are. Additionally, you may also have obtained referrals from treatment providers and/or other patients regarding local AA programs to attend once treatment has been completed.

However, if you are beginning your journey by going to an AA program and don’t have these resources, it can be helpful to know how to find one. Consider the following:

• Go to the official AA website by clicking this link to begin your search for meetings in your area.
• Download the AA Meeting Guide App on the App Store or Google Play so you can locate meetings on the go.
• Visit the In The Rooms website, where you can drop in to any virtual AA meeting from right where you are at no charge.
• Reach out to local community resources (such as those offered through state-run programs, community centers, churches, etc.) that may be able to fill you in on meetings in the area.

Start the Recovery Journey

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

If you or a loved one need more intensive services that was AA can provide, such as 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 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 .

Are you covered for rehab? You can use the form below to see if your health insurance provider may be able to cover all or part of the cost of rehab and associated therapies.