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12 Step Program

The Road to Recovery

Thanks to AA and other substance recovery programs, you've probably at least heard of the Twelve Steps even if you aren't quite sure how they work. The Twelve Steps, originated by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), is a spiritual foundation for personal recovery from the effects of alcoholism. These steps are to be considered a guideline or baseline.


The 12 steps are also used in recovery programs for addictions other than alcohol, such as NA (Narcotics Anonymous). For many members of 12-step recovery programs, these steps aren't merely a way to overcome addiction - they are a guide toward a new way of life.​

12 Steps to recovery

What are the 12 Steps?

Though the original Twelve Steps of AA have been adapted over time, the premise of each step remains the same for all recovery programs that use a 12-step model. Avodah uses the same principals to help clients gain strength and hope for their recovery. Combined with a strong spiritual belief strengthened by faith and worship, the Avodah Spiritual Respite will show how to apply these principals in to their life.

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The steps and their principles are:

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  1. Honesty: After many years of denial, recovery can begin with one simple admission of being powerless over alcohol or any other drug a person is addicted to. Their friends and family may also use this step to admit their loved one has an addiction.

  2. Faith: Before a higher power can begin to operate, you must first believe that it can. Someone with an addiction accepts that there is a higher power to help them heal.

  3. Surrender: You can change your self-destructive decisions by recognizing that you alone cannot recover; with help from your higher power, you can.

  4. Soul searching: The person in recovery must identify their problems and get a clear picture of how their behaviour affected themselves and others around them.

  5. Integrity: Step 5 provides great opportunity for growth. The person in recovery must admit their wrongs in front of their higher power and another person.

  6. Acceptance: The key to Step 6 is acceptance—accepting character defects exactly as they are and becoming entirely willing to let them go.

  7. Humility: The spiritual focus of Step 7 is humility, or asking a higher power to do something that cannot be done by self-will or mere determination.

  8. Willingness: This step involves making a list of those you harmed before coming into recovery.

  9. Forgiveness: Making amends may seem challenging, but for those serious about recovery, it can be a great way to start healing your relationships.

  10. Maintenance: Nobody likes to admit to being wrong. But it is a necessary step in order to maintain spiritual progress in recovery.

  11. Making contact: The purpose of Step 11 is to discover the plan your higher power has for your life.

  12. Service: The person in recovery must carry the message to others and put the principles of the program into practice in every area of their life.

Things to consider

Remember, 12-step Program and 12-step mutual support groups may not be for everyone. Some challenges or possible disadvantages include:

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  • Co-occurring mental health or chronic health conditions may make participating in 12-step groups more challenging.

  • This approach places full accountability for addiction and recovery on the individual. Avodah staff and support group members are there for support and guidance.

  • Emphasis on a higher power can alienate some people. Our approach is a Christian faith based one. 

  • Does not address the physical aspects of recovery, such as drug detox and withdrawal. Medical or other professional help may be needed.

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For more useful information check out the links provided on our Useful Links & Forms page: ​​

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