The Twelve steps model of recovery is offered and supported through
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and various
detoxification and recovery programs. The twelve step approach
is intended for those who want to refrain from the use of drugs
entirely. This is usually referred to as abstinence.
NA and AA have had success worldwide at assisting individuals
to alter their behaviours and stay clean from substance use. NA
and AA provide support and services through home groups and meetings.
Individuals are encouraged to locate a home group that best supports
their needs.
1. We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction, that
our lives had become unmanageable.
2. We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could
restore us to sanity.
3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to
the care of God - as we understood Him.
4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being
the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects
of character.
7. We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became
willing to make amends to them all.
9. We made direct amends to such people wherever possible,
except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. We continued to take personal inventory and when we were
wrong promptly admitted it.
11. We 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.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps,
we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these
principles in all our affairs.
(Copyright © - Alcoholic Anonymous World Services.)
The Twelve Steps model is the backbone of many recovery programs
such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. To find
out more on twelve steps programs, or to join an AA or NA program,
check out the list of National and International
Organizations below, or go to our Youth
Resources page and follow the links to your geographical area.
