Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Step 12: Carry the Message to Others
Many attend support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), to overcome addiction and find a recovery community.1 The 12 Steps of AA are guiding principles that promote spiritual growth and sobriety.2 AA Step 12 is the final, essential Step in the guiding principles.3 Reaching this transformational stage leaves you with a message to spread to others in recovery and the tools to continuously apply in your journey.
What Is Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?
Step 12 of AA is “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.”3 Members reach a spiritual awakening by completing all the Steps leading up to Step 12.4 At this stage, you’ve acquired the growth to move through life in a new positive way and accomplish your goals with help from a higher power.4 AA Step 12 represents transformation and using your experience to help others battling substance use disorder (SUD). 4
What Is the Purpose of Step 12 of AA?
The purpose of Step 12 of AA is to take daily action to sustain sobriety while sharing the message with others struggling with addiction. Each Step pushes you closer to accountability and strengthens your relationship with a higher power. In Step 12, you solidify your transformation by dedicating your life to practicing these principles and trusting in your higher power for guidance.4
You’re also tasked with reaching out to those still fighting addiction and selflessly supporting them with unconditional love.4 This Step can often play a vital role in helping you sustain recovery while helping others achieve it. Step 12 of AA enables you to demonstrate how the 12 Steps have changed you by helping others in any way you can.4
How to Complete Step 12 of AA
For many, reaching Step 12 marks the beginning of a new life. This final Step requires an everlasting commitment to achieving long-term recovery.4 Since recovery is a unique journey, there are many ways to complete AA Step 12. Members can achieve this Step by regularly attending, volunteering, or speaking at AA meetings.4 Furthermore, accepting small duties, like reading meeting announcements or organizing refreshments, can also contribute to completing Step 12 of AA.4
Another fundamental element of Step 12 is sharing the message with others who need help. You can complete your part by reaching out to others in distress.4 This could include introducing others to AA, welcoming newcomers, and assisting long-term members who may be struggling.4
Practicing the 12 Steps daily is also fundamental to completing Step 12 of AA. Ongoing self-reflection, prayer, and meditation, can nurture your relationship with yourself, your higher power, and your peers. By constantly integrating 12-Step philosophy into all life aspects, you can transform your life challenges into testimonies of faith.4
How Step 12 of AA Fits into Your Recovery Journey
Competing AA Step 12 isn’t the end of your journey. Instead, it marks the beginning of maintaining recovery. Throughout each stage, you did the work to achieve sobriety. By Step 12, you’ve gained unwavering faith in a higher power, made amends with your loved ones, and developed a solid understanding of yourself.3 Step 12 ties everything together with a new outlook on life and the tools to continue working on recovery every day.4
How to Find a 12-Step AA Program
People find AA programs in several ways. Some are introduced to AA through group sessions in professional inpatient or outpatient treatment.1 Others may start 12-Step programs with a local group as part of their addiction aftercare plan.1 AA might also be the starting point in recovery for those who don’t attend professional care.
AA meetings are free and available worldwide. You can search for local AA meetings using the online meeting finder.5 Meetings and resources in your area are also available through AA’s mobile meeting guide app.6 Additionally, most cities and districts have AA websites to locate meetings.7
Start Your Recovery
12-Step programs can play a vital role in traditional, evidence-based rehab.1 Peer support groups provide a safe space to share your story while connecting with others on similar paths.1 If you or a loved one is seeking treatment options, consider browsing the recovery.org treatment directory. You can explore different levels of care and tailor your search to fit your unique needs.
Read More About the 12 Steps