The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous have been adapted to fit the treatment of addiction in several different areas. However it has been my own personal experience that Alcoholics can and do recover if they work the program. When asked how it works I usually say I do not know nor do I care it just works. For me and working with others the real challenge at first is admitting powerlessness (step 1) Many people come into AA today with what we call a high bottom. They still have a job, a home a family and a car to get to the meetings in. Accepting that they are powerless can seem like a challenge until they analyze their drinking, next comes unmanageability and again especially women this is a hard pill to swallow. A good sponsor will help them see how the disease has wreaked havoc with their peace and happiness regardless of how it looks on the outside.
The real secret if there is one is finding a God of your understanding and through the gentle loving process of the steps surrendering to that God. Turning your will and your life over to his care. Before I came into AA a Christian I thought I knew God but I only knew God through religion there was no personal relationship and more than anything I did not trust him. Through AA I was able to connect to a loving God and trust him completely. I could only do that through the steps. I had tried everything, therapy, pills, CODA, ACOA, books, self help courses and nothing worked like the process of the 12 steps.
Through the steps you learn to clean up the past, get rid of resentments and live a life of love and tolerance something unknown to most alcoholics suffering from a disease known for it selfishness. The process of addiction recovery is in my opinion rarely successful without the steps and I have seen the light come on in so many people through the simple process. By living daily in steps 10, 11, and 12 we can live a simple, clean and sober life. Sounds simple? yes it is its a simple program for a very complex problem.
