How to Work Step Twelve in AA

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Step Twelve is the last of AA's maintenance steps, and is part of the three pillars of AA life. Service inspired the AA slogan "You got to give it away to keep it." It is a very important part of long-term recovery.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step1

Before attempting Step Twelve, be sure you have a sponsor who has worked the step before you and agrees that you are ready to take this step. Read Chapter 7 in the book "Alcoholics Anonymous," which is devoted exclusively to Step 12.

Step2

Step Twelve has three parts: the first is about having a spiritual awakening, the second covers carrying the message, and the third encompasses carrying all the Steps into daily life. A spiritual awakening is essential to long-term sobriety. his is why you are working the Steps in the first place. It's not about not drinking anymore. For information, read Appendix II: Spiritual Experience, in the back of the book "Alcoholics Anonymous."

Step3

Carrying the message can be tricky. And it is about in AA, not about promoting AA to outsiders. When you go to meetings, share your experience, strength and hope with other members. Talk about the solution, not the problem. And always share from a viewpoint of being helpful, not preachy. You are now ready to start sponsoring others.

Step4

The third part of Step Twelve is the hardest. In all you do, in AA or not, you want to do your best to live the principles of the Twelve Steps. We all fall short everyday, but the importance is that we try. All the knowledge you have gained from these steps will not work if you don't apply it.

Tips & Warnings

Don't give up! We all have hard times. The important thing is that you try to best to walk the talk.
Stay positive when sharing in meetings. Focus on what you can bring to a meeting instead of what you get out of it. But always be honest; if you have something on your chest you need to talk about, don't hold back.
Service doesn't have to involve sponsoring others or speaking at meetings. Making coffee, opening up the club or cleaning can be important service work.