How to Work Step Two in AA

Alcoholics Anonymous is a spiritual, not religious, program. It is very important that in order to stay sober, recovering alcoholics find a power upon which they can rely. Step Two is the beginning of that search for a higher power. It reads: "Come to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." It is worth spending considerable time on this step in AA.

Instructions

1. Review your own ideas about God that you grew up with. Be honest about your feelings and if the higher power you know will work for your continuing sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous.

2. Ask others in Alcoholics Anonymous what their higher power looks like. The only requirement is that your higher power be loving and kind. It can be taken from any religion or something that you have come to believe on your own.

3. Write about your feelings and your experience with the God of your understanding. Often times, long-buried feelings will emerge when writing.

4. Visit your church and talk to your minister if you have one and tell her that you are getting sober. Request some guidance and see if it feels right to you. The second step must include some intuitive thought to become effective in your daily life.

5. Talk about your feelings and any confusion you may be having at an AA meeting. When the chairperson asks for a topic, raise your hand and say that you want to hear others' experience with the second step.

6. Pray even if you don't know to whom you are praying. Watch the results from your prayers and remain open-minded. Many people say they see their higher power manifest in what they previously called "coincidences." Most recovering alcoholics in AA say they do not believe in coincidences.