Document Overview
The Twelve Steps were first published in 1939 in the book Alcoholics Anonymous. They describe a proven sequence of spiritual, emotional, and behavioral actions that have helped millions of individuals achieve and sustain long-term recovery from alcoholism.
The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- 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.
📄 Print Specifications
This PDF is designed for immediate printing on 8.5 × 11 inch paper. It includes classic typography, clean margins, and the complete text of the Twelve Steps suitable for framing, meeting wall displays, or binder inserts.
📥 Download Printable 12 Steps PDF (Free)Understanding the 3 Phases of the Steps
The Twelve Steps are commonly grouped into three clinical and spiritual phases:
1. Surrender and Hope (Steps 1–3)
The foundation of recovery requires recognizing that willpower alone has failed to control drinking. Admitting powerlessness breaks through denial, while Steps 2 and 3 introduce the concept of relying on a source of support outside one's own ego.
2. Housecleaning and Restitution (Steps 4–9)
These action steps involve thorough self-examination. In Step 4, members complete a written inventory of resentments, fears, and harms. Steps 5 through 9 focus on sharing this inventory, preparing for character change, and making direct amends to individuals who were wronged.
3. Maintenance and Service (Steps 10–12)
Recovery is maintained on a daily basis. Step 10 provides ongoing daily inventory; Step 11 emphasizes regular mindfulness, prayer, or meditation; and Step 12 focuses on giving back through sponsorship and service to others.