Step Two
What is the main focus of Step 2 in the 12-step program?
Believing in a Higher Power that can restore sanity.
Insanity is a ____ of our perspective and our sense of proportion.
loss
As addicts, we are prone to wanting everything to happen _________. But it's important to remember that Step Two is a _______, not an event.
instantly, process
What are some examples of sanity?
- Responding rather than reacting
- Taking time to think through decisions
- Making better choices
- Avoiding quick fixes
- Being willing to ask for help
- Learning new and healthy coping skills
- Finding peace and wellness
What _____ do I have that are getting in the way of my trust?
fears
(describe one fear you have that is getting in the way of your trust)
Why is Step 2 important in recovery?
It fosters surrender to a Higher Power, which is essential for regaining control and living a structured, sober life.
Did I make ______ _________ as a result of my addiction? Did I quit jobs, leave friendships, and other relationships, or give up on achieving other goals for no reason other than that those things interfered with my using?
insane decisions
(provide an example of making an insane decision as a result of your addiction)
What does the phrase, "__ ____ __ _______" mean to me?
we came to believe
(express what the phrase "we came to believe" means to you)
What does restoration mean in Step Two?
changing to a point where addiction and its accompanying insanity are not controlling our lives
Have I been able to make plans, having _____ that my addiction isn't going to get in the way?
faith
(describe plans you have been able to make, having faith that your addiction isn't going to get in the way)
In 12-steps programs, what is "sober" defined as?
Not using the substance or behavior to which one is addicted and living a better life.
How have I ___________ or ____________ to things? How has my life been out of _______?
overreacted, underreacted, balance
(give an example of how you overreacted or underreacted to things and how your life has been out of balance)
How powerful does a Power greater than ourselves have to be?
Because your addiction is more powerful than you, you need a Higher Power that is at least as powerful as your addiction.
How is restoration a _______?
process
(describe how restoration is a process)
Have I ______ ____ from my sponsor, gone to meetings, and reached out to other recovering addicts? What were the results?
sought help
(describe a time you sought help and share the results)
True or False.
Being sober is the same thing as being in recovery.
False.
(explain why being sober is different than being in recovery)
When we've acted on an ________, even though we knew what the results would be, what were we feeling and thinking beforehand? What made us go ahead?
obsession
(recall what made you go ahead with an obsession even when you knew what the results would be)
How can a Power greater than myself help me recover?
- Provides strength and guidance
- Reduces self-reliance
- Fosters humility and openness
- Builds faith and hope
How has ______ already been ________ to me in my recovery?
sanity, restored
(share how your sanity has already been restored in your recovery)
Why is having a closed mind harmful to recovery?
- It limits solutions
- It keeps you isolated
- It resists spiritual principles
- It delays hope
What does "sanity" refer to in Step 2?
Mental clarity, emotional balance, and the ability to live a healthy, functional life.
Define obsessions and compulsions in step two.
Obsessions - are persistent, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that dominate your mind, often related to your addiction, past mistakes, or unmet needs. In addiction, these may be cravings, fear of relapse, or resentment toward past experiences.
Compulsions - are repetitive behaviors or rituals you feel driven to perform - such as seeking out substances, hiding them, or engaging in denial - in an attempt to relieve the distress caused by obsessions.
What evidence do I have that a Higher Power is working in my life?
Examples:
- You feel guided in decisions
- You experience peace or calm in challenging times
- You find strength beyond your own will
- You notice positive, unexpected outcomes
- You feel connected to something bigger
- You grow in humility and gratitude
- You see patterns of help and healing
How will working the rest of the steps help me in my restoration to sanity?
In short, Step Two is the hope - the rest of the steps are the practical, daily work that turns that hope into a new way of life. Without working all the steps, you may still be in the cycle of addiction; with the 12 steps, you build a life where the Higher Power's guidance becomes your steady compass.
Give an example of an action someone can take that demonstrates their trust in the process of recovery and a Power greater than themselves.
- attending and engaging in group meetings
- listening to suggestions
- getting a sponsor
- seeking and accepting help from others