Step 12 AA – Helping Yourself By Helping Others

“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this
message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”

Congratulations, because you just made it to step twelve of the program. You successfully completed the previous steps, which is something to be proud of. Now, it is time to embrace the last step of the twelve-step program.

This post is part of a 15 part look into the 12 Step Program and how it can be used to help in alcohol addiction and recovery. The full 15 part book can be downloaded for free by Clicking Here

What Is Step 12?

Step twelve is all about looking back to the previous steps and embracing everything you have learned. Of course, it is also about paying it forward, helping others and empowering them to change their life for the better.

How Do I Do Step 12?

To become successful in your sobriety long-term, it is essential that you keep applying all the twelve steps of the program in your everyday life. So, even though you have completed all these steps, these are valuable lessons that you will take on in your new life of sobriety. 

Aside from repeating the twelve steps in your everyday life, you should also practice the following during step twelve. 

Help fellow addiction sufferers: With the twelve steps solid in your mind, you have the ability to pay it forward to other addiction sufferers. It is recommended to do this in a safe and trusted environment. Of course, if you find yourself struggling or triggered, it is important to keep maintaining the twelve steps as well as your emotional wellbeing first and foremost. 

Turn weakness into strength: During the twelve-step program, you learned to assess your character flaws and defects, and to turn them into more positive behaviours. If you still encounter some issues you want to work on, then step twelve gives you further opportunity to do so.

Spend time on spiritual growth: It is also advised to keep your focus on your spiritual well being and growth, as this will become an anchor for you in your new sober life. As such, be sure to refer back to step ten often if you need a refresher. There is no shame in recalling the other steps, as they will only strengthen you on your new path. 

Find peace: This is probably the most important part of it all. Put qualities such as ego, hubris and prestige at the door, as these can only lead to a path of unhappiness and create new triggers for you. Finding peace with the person you have become and facing the challenges of life head on is what it is all about. While everyone struggles with life’s challenges, the techniques you learned will most certainly help you stand more positive in life. 

What Are The Common Pitfalls And How Do I Avoid Them?

Many believe that they should do step twelve perfectly, mainly because they have so many tools at their disposal already. However, this is not the case, as recovery is a lifelong journey and you must continue practicing the twelve steps in your everyday life to maintain your sobriety. Obviously, this also means that you can encounter some pitfalls during your journey.

Not repeating the steps: One of the biggest pitfalls that people encounter is not repeating the twelve steps they have learned, believing they are done once they go through all the twelve steps. Remember, you will have difficult days in the future, no matter how great things are going now. By keeping your twelve steps on hand, you have the tools you need to combat life’s stresses and potential triggers in the future.

Seeking reward: Helping other addiction sufferers during step twelve is an admirable thing to do, but it must be done for the right reasons. If you seek to help another addiction sufferer expecting a reward or prestige, then you are not doing it for the right reasons. Therefore, it is essential to implement everything you have learned during the twelve steps with other people on the program. Remember, things such as ego can only be a trigger in the long run, especially when things are out of your control or do not go your own way. So, help when you expect nothing in return, and where there is no ulterior motive to do so.

Honesty: This is one of the most important things to maintain during the twelfth step and even long after that. Be honest with yourself about new mistakes you are making, or maybe you need to be honest with yourself about the fact you may be struggling a little more than usual? By being honest with yourself throughout step twelve and beyond that, you are far less likely to relapse and to seek help promptly when you need it. 

How Will I Know That I Completed Step 12?

As we briefly mentioned above, you do not really complete the twelve-step program completely. What we mean with that is that the steps you learned in this program must be maintained throughout. So, while you will move from step twelve sometimes, you can find yourself returning to other steps such as step eleven or even four. 

The twelve-step program provides the opportunity for spiritual growth. It enables you to learn everything about yourself, but also to change the things you no longer want in your character. It teaches you to be humble and accept advice when you need it.

From step twelve, you will start paying it forward. In the beginning, this may seem incredibly daunting. It has been quite the journey from addiction sufferer to recovered addict, and this journey should not be underestimated. Give yourself the time to acclimatise to your new life and to keep practicing the twelve steps you have learned. Start paying it forward when you are ready during step twelve and continue to do so if you can. Nobody can fight addiction alone and your help is vital to keeping this life saving system going. Of course, this also means to remember not to put too much pressure on yourself. If you have understood all this, then you have mastered the twelve-step program.