The 12 principles of AA give a simple path for people dealing with alcohol addiction who feel stuck or unsure what to do next. Addiction can impact many parts of life, like relationships, health, and emotions. This can make it hard to take control without help.
These principles offer structure, accountability, and hope by breaking recovery into smaller, manageable steps. They focus on personal growth and steady progress. Whether you’re new to sobriety or trying to stay on track, these ideas can help guide you forward. At We Level Up, we help people use these principles with personalized care, support, and long-term recovery planning.
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A Short History of the 12 Principles of AA
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Robert Smith. Alcoholics Anonymous has grown to include worldwide chapters devoted to helping individuals end their alcohol dependence. Wilson, struggling with alcoholism, initially sought help from a Christian organization, The Oxford Group.
The Oxford Group tried to help people fix their problems by facing fear and selfishness. Later, Wilson left the group. He wanted something focused only on alcoholism, which was a big issue then and still is today. These early ideas helped shape what is now called the AA spiritual principles recovery model.
Wilson met Akron surgeon Robert Smith at an Oxford Group meeting. Like Wilson, Smith struggled with alcoholism. They both agreed with the idea of treating sin like a “disease.” This way of thinking connected to their experiences with alcohol. The 12 Principles of AA came from these ideas and are often part of the 12 principles of AA explained in modern recovery.
Wilson was the first to stop drinking. He said helping others was key to his recovery. He built his principles from this work and from helping Smith get sober. Wilson believed alcoholism affects the mind, body, and spirit. Because of this, AA grew slowly at first but kept expanding. Over time, it formed what is now known as the alcoholics anonymous principles list.
As AA shared its writings, more people learned about it. After helping 500 people get sober, it gained national attention. By 1950, AA had helped 500,000 people. This growth helped establish what many now see as a 12 principles sobriety guide.
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(844) 597-1011Who Wrote the 12 Step Principles AA?
The 12 Principles of AA is the work of AA’s founders, but the organization recorded six principles early in AA’s history. Many of which were influenced by the founders’ experience with The Oxford Group. By 1939 and the publication of The Big Book, Wilson and Smith modified their principles, extending them to reflect their work and its progress.
AA is heavily concentrated on principles of Christianity, but many of today’s groups have modernized the 12 Principles of AA to reflect a more diverse audience. Even so, the 12 Principles of AA have remained its significant guiding influence. As part of the broader AA principles and traditions, these values continue to shape recovery programs.
As a result, many individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder continue to succeed in recovery by participating in AA’s program.
What Is the Importance of Learning the 12 Traditions of AA?
Is AA right for you? To find out, it’s important to carefully explore the 12 principles of AA. For Wilson and Smith, surrendering to a ‘higher power’ was integral to their plan’s development. Today, some critics of the program find that aspect of AA inappropriate, claiming that self-empowerment is an effective way to manage addiction and achieve recovery.
On the other hand, millions have acknowledged their belief that AA and its principles saved their life. By studying the 12 principles AA, how it works, and each of the 12 traditions of AA, you can determine if this program is ideal for you. Many individuals find it so helpful that they continue to meet with the group to help others as they work to maintain their recovery.
There are many alcohol addiction treatment options today. AA’s plan is one of them. After getting to know the 12 principles of AA, you may want to try the program or include it as part of your post-rehab aftercare plan.
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7/365 Line (844) 597-1011How Do The 12 Principles of AA Relate to the Steps in the Big Book?
The primary text of Alcoholics Anonymous, or “The Big Book,” as AA members call it, goes step by step through 12 distinct phases, each crucial in achieving sustainable recovery from alcohol addiction. Each step centers around a phrase. Many are invoking the notions of God or a “higher power” who guides the recovering alcoholic in various facets of their journey into sobriety.
The Big Book also outlines the 12 principles of AA, which are single words containing the virtues needed to pass each step. Because these 12 principles of AA are single words, they can be interpreted in a much broader sense, which can be helpful for those in recovery who don’t feel like the steps are speaking to them directly, for instance, those who aren’t religious. Here is a breakdown of the principles that match each step and how to practice them in a way that helps you create sustainable sobriety within the doctrines of AA and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
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What Are the Principles in the 12 Promises of AA?
Step 1: Honesty
“We admitted that we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.”
The first step in AA is about admitting your powerlessness, which boils down to a level of honesty that many addicts haven’t reached until now. Unfortunately, many individuals under the influence of drug or alcohol addiction think that “it’s not that bad” or that they can “stop at any time.”
Step 2: Hope
“Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”
Step 2 is about discovering faith in some higher power, and the coexisting principle of hope means that you should never give up that faith, even when you suffer a setback.
This virtue is easy to understand when it comes to practicing it daily. Of course, in recovery, not every moment will be positive, but if you keep that hope and faith alive, you’ll come back on the other side.
Step 3: Surrender
“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”
In Steps 1 and 2, AA instructs members to deny themselves bare of ego and power. Step 3 involves putting yourself at the mercy of this higher power and moving forward for “Him” — or whatever your higher power may be — over the selfishness of addiction. The way to carry this principle forward is to remind yourself that you’re at the mercy of a higher power.
Step 4: Courage
“Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”
Step 4 involves documenting every mistake you’ve ever made and is clearly tied to courage. Some of your “past” will be painful, and you’ll likely have to face some of your biggest regrets. However, living with courage means starting fresh without completely forgetting your past.
Step 5: Integrity
“Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”
It is about taking the moral inventory made in step 4 and admitting first to the higher power, next to yourself, and last to another person.
You can practice integrity in your recovery by talking through everything you feel guilty about and your mistakes. Having integrity is to live honestly.
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Step 6: Willingness
“Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”
You must prepare for your sins to be taken away by admitting to yourself that you’re fully ready to move past them. Willingness as a virtue means you must be prepared to be absolved to move forward without looking back. Therefore, you should have the willingness in everything you do.
Step 7: Humility
“Humbly ask Him to remove our shortcomings.”
In step 4, you made a record of your past, and in step 6, you admitted them and removed yourself from the guilt and shame. Step 7 is being willing to be removed from your past. In step 8, you ask God, or another higher power, for forgiveness.
Humility is one of the simplest principles to understand because it’s straightforward. When you’re humble, you’re aware that you’re not a major part of the bigger picture. Humility in daily practice means never seeing yourself as more important than you are.
Step 8: Love
“Made a list of all the persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to all of them.”
Love is compassion and empathy, and Step 8 asks you to list everyone you’ve wronged in your journey to where you are now. That’s not all, though. You also have to be willing to make amends, which shows that you genuinely care for the people on your list.
Practicing your sobriety with the principle of love means that you’re not just existing for yourself but in service to the people you care about.
Step 9: Responsibility
“Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”
By Step 9, you’ve forgiven yourself for your past. Now you need to make amends to others to start fresh with them. The principle of responsibility is reflected directly in this step, and practicing in life is clear: If you hope to remain close with those around you, you must be open and honest about your mistakes that impacted them.
Step 10: Discipline
“Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.”
Step 10 relates to its own principle very clearly. It’s one thing to take personal inventory and admit our wrongs one time. It takes discipline to continue to do this over an entire lifetime.
Step 11: Awareness
“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.”
Step 11 is about moving forward without losing track of a higher power. The continued awareness of these demands makes it easy to pair the step with its accompanying principle. Living with awareness means always paying attention to the higher power that guides you.
Step 12: Service
“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.”
The final Step of AA is to pay it forward. You’ve worked your way through the entire process of growing and setting yourself up for success in sobriety, and now you have the opportunity to guide less experienced members through their journey. Living with the principle of service means it’s your responsibility to help others as you were helped when you first started to work the 12 step principles AA.
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FAQs About the 12 Principles of AA
What are the 12 principles of AA?
The 12 principles of AA are basic values that help people recover from alcohol addiction. Each one connects to a step in the program and focuses on things like honesty, hope, courage, and service. These principles help people understand their actions and make better choices. They are not just about quitting alcohol but about changing how you live each day. Many people use them daily to stay on track, improve relationships, and keep a steady and healthy mindset during recovery.
How do the 12 principles of AA support long-term recovery?
The 12 principles of AA help long-term recovery by breaking it into simple actions. Each principle teaches habits like taking responsibility, being humble, and helping others. These habits make it easier to stay sober over time. They also help people think in healthier ways and avoid going back to old patterns. Recovery takes time, and these principles give structure and direction. By practicing them every day, people can build confidence and stay more stable in their recovery journey.
Are the 12 principles of AA the same as the 12 steps?
The 12 principles of AA are not the same as the 12 steps, but they are closely linked. The steps are actions people take during recovery. The principles are the values behind those actions. For example, Step 1 is about admitting a problem, and it connects to honesty. The principles make the steps easier to understand and remember. Together, they give a full guide for recovery by combining actions with personal growth.
Do you need to be religious to follow the 12 principles of AA?
You do not have to be religious to follow the 12 principles of AA. The program talks about a higher power, but this can mean different things to different people. Some see it as faith, while others see it as personal strength, nature, or community. The focus is more on growth and change than religion. This makes the program open to people from many backgrounds. You can follow the principles in a way that fits your own beliefs and comfort level.
How can someone start using the 12 principles of AA?
You can start using the 12 principles of AA by taking small steps. Many people begin by going to meetings or reading recovery materials. It also helps to talk to others who understand the process. You can focus on one principle at a time, like honesty or willingness, and use it in daily life. Over time, these small actions become habits. Support from others can make it easier to stay consistent and keep moving forward.
Can the 12 principles of AA be used with professional treatment programs?
Yes, the 12 principles of AA can be used with professional treatment programs. Many rehab centers include these ideas in therapy and group sessions. This helps people work on both their behavior and their mindset. Programs like We Level Up use these principles to guide recovery while also offering medical and emotional support. Using both approaches together can make recovery stronger and more balanced, helping people stay sober long term.
How to Get Started with the 12 Principles of AA
We Level Up offers structured addiction treatment, aftercare planning, and support designed to work alongside programs like AA. Their team can guide you through the recovery process while helping you apply the 12 principles of AA in a practical, personalized way.
If you’re ready to take the next step:
- Call (954) 475-6031 to speak with a specialist
- Verify your insurance to understand your coverage options
- Schedule a confidential consultation to explore treatment plans
Recovery is not something you have to figure out alone. With the right support system and a clear plan—like the 12 principles of AA—you can begin building a healthier, more stable future today.
Sources:
[1] Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs for alcohol use disorder – 12 Step Principles AA –PubMed (nih.gov)
[3] University of California Santa Barbara Alcohol & Drug Program – Origins of the Twelve-Step Model of Recovery – https://adp.sa.ucsb.edu/blog/gauchos-for-recovery-blog/origins-twelve-step-model-recovery
[4] We Level Up – Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder – https://welevelup.com/blog/symptoms-of-alcohol-use-disorder/
[5] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Types of Alcohol Treatment: What to Know – https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/what-to-know/types-of-alcohol-treatment
[6] Ohio State University Origins – A Brief History of Alcoholics Anonymous – https://origins.osu.edu/read/brief-history-alcoholics-anonymous
