"step" in the Big Book

This is the first step in recovery.

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

But somehow, we couldn’t quite step ashore.

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 Step 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.

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

Amen.’’ We have then completed Step Seven.

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.

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

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