Alternative Steps

In many of the newer 12-Step Programs psychology is quickly replacing the spirituality of the original 12 Steps. So, I have created these steps from a psychological point of view. The Steps, in whatever form they take, are about honesty, reaching out for help, self-knowledge, change, and sharing what you have learned with others.

1. We admitted we needed help to change, and we sought it out.

2. We came to believe that we can change.

3. We prepared ourselves for a shift in consciousness.

4. We listed our stumbling blocks with suggestions for overcoming them.

5. We shared with at least one human being the story of our road to recovery.

6. Expectations become wishes that we can surrender at will.

7. We opened ourselves up to new ideas and we implemented them.

8. We began to change how we think, feel, and act.

9. We made a list of people whom we had harmed and made material or "living" amends.

10. We continued our journey in recovery by diligently working these steps.

11. We find a balance between helping ourselves and helping others.

12. We forever adopt an attitude of positive thinking, and having raised our own self-esteem, we help others to reach their full potential.