Step 12

Carry the Message & Practice Principles

A lifelong design for living in all our affairs.

12a) Carry This Message

1. Securing Confidence (Pg. 91)

“See your man alone, if possible... tell him enough about your drinking habits, symptoms, and experiences to encourage him to speak of himself.” (Pg. 91)

“Dwell on the troubles liquor has caused you, being careful not to moralize or lecture.”

2. Defining the Malady (Pg. 92)

“Show him... how the queer mental condition surrounding that first drink prevents normal functioning of the will power.”

“Continue to speak of alcoholism as an illness, a fatal malady.”

3. Getting Them to Ask "How?" (Pg. 93)

“Once... he has become very curious to know how you got well. Let him ask you that question, if he will.”

“Tell him exactly what happened to you. Stress the spiritual feature freely.”

"By focusing on our own hopelessness, we allow the newcomer to discover their own desire for the solution."

12b) Practice These Principles

Am I practicing these principles in all my affairs?

“We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.” (Pg. 60)

“What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition.” (Pg. 85)

Recovery (Mind)
Practicing the 12 Steps as a whole process
Unity (Body)
Being an active, regular member of an AA group
Service (Spirit)
Helping suffering alcoholics work the 12 Steps

“We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free!” (Pg. 133)

“God, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, Courage to change the things we can, and the Wisdom to know the difference, Amen.”