The Steps in the Big Book

This is the first stepstep in recovery.

Step over to the nearest barroom and try some controlled drinking.

As soon as we admitted the possible existence of a Creative Intelligence, a Spirit of the Universe underlying the totality of things, we began to be possessed of a new sense of power and direction, provided we took other simple steps.

But somehow, we couldn’t quite step ashore.

If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it—then you are ready to take certain steps.

Here are the steps we took, which are suggested as a program of recovery: 1.

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.

Being convinced, we were at Step Three, which is that we decided to turn our will and our life over to God as we understood Him.

Driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity, we step on the toes of our fellows and they retaliate.

We were now at Step Three.

May I do Thy will always!’’ We thought well before taking this step making sure we were ready; that we could at last abandon ourselves utterly to Him.

We found it very desirable to take this spiritual step with an understanding person, such as our wife, best friend, or spiritual adviser.

Next we launched out on a course of vigorous action, the first step of which is a personal housecleaning,

Though our decision was a vital and crucial step, it could have little permanent effect unless at once followed by a strenuous effort to face, and to be rid of, the things in ourselves which had been blocking us.

This was Step Four.

This brings us to the Fifth StepStep in the program of recovery mentioned in the preceding chapter.

The best reason first: If we skip this vital step, we may not overcome drinking.

Rightly and naturally, we think well before we choose the person or persons with whom to take this intimate and confidential step.

If that is so, this step may be postponed, only, however, if we hold ourselves in complete readiness to go through with it at the first opportunity.

Once we have taken this step, withholding nothing, we are delighted.

Taking this book down from our shelf we turn to the page which contains the twelve steps.

If we can answer to our satisfaction, we then look at Step Six.

Amen.’’ We have then completed Step Seven.

Now we need more action, without which we find that “Faith without works is dead.’’ Let’s look at Steps Eight and Nine.

If we have obtained permission, have consulted with others, asked God to help and the drastic step is indicated we must not shrink.

This thought brings us to Step Ten, which suggests we continue to take personal inventory and continue to set right any new mistakes as we go along.

Step Eleven suggests prayer and meditation.

We usually conclude the period of meditation with a prayer that we be shown all through the day what our next step is to be, that we be given whatever we need to take care of such problems.

“Faith without works is dead.’’ The next chapter is entirely devoted to Step Twelve.

He has read this volume and says he is prepared to go through with the Twelve Steps of the program of recovery.

Cessation of drinking is but the first step away from a highly strained, abnormal condition.

Had they fired me first, and had they then taken steps to see that I was presented with the solution contained in this book, I might have returned to them six months later, a well man.

Will he take every necessary step, submit to anything to get well, to stop drinking forever?