Name That Step
Which step involves admitting that you are powerless over alcohol/addiction and that your life has become unmanageable?
Step 1
What word means recognizing reality as it is, even when you don't like or approve of it?
Acceptance
True or false: Admitting powerlessness means admitting that you are powerless to make any choices in your recovery.
False
True or false: You have to believe in a specific religion to practice Step 2.
False.
“I don't really like meetings, but I'm willing to try a few different ones before deciding they aren't for me.”
Recovery. The person is demonstrating open-mindedness and willingness.
Which step asks a person to become open to the idea that a Power greater than themselves can restore them to sanity?
Step 2
What is the opposite of denial—the ability to recognize and acknowledge the reality of a problem?
Awareness
Which is an example of something a person can control: whether they experience a craving OR what they do in response to the craving?
What they do in response to the craving.
True or false: Step 3 requires a person to completely understand exactly how their Higher Power works before making the decision to trust it.
False. Step 3 involves a decision and willingness; complete understanding is not required.
“I've been through treatment before. Nobody here can tell me anything I don't already know.”
Resistance. Knowing information is different from consistently applying it, and the statement demonstrates closed-mindedness toward receiving help.
Which step involves making a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him?
Step 3
In recovery, what does “willingness” mean?
Being open and prepared to try behaviors or actions that support recovery, even when they are uncomfortable or unwanted.
Which statement best demonstrates Step 1?
A. “There's nothing I can do about my addiction.”
B. “I cannot control addiction, but I can choose how I respond to it.”
C. “Once I learn enough coping skills, I'll be able to control my substance use.”
D. “Other people need to keep me sober.”
B.
A person says, “I don't believe in God, so there is no way for me to practice Step 2.” What concept are they misunderstanding?
A Higher Power does not necessarily have to be understood as a traditional religious God.
“My sponsor suggested calling every day. I don't understand why I need to, but I'm going to try it.”
Recovery. The person is willing to accept guidance and try something different even without fully understanding or agreeing with it.
A person says, “Every time I start using, I eventually lose control, but I keep convincing myself that next time will be different.” Which step are they struggling to accept?
Step 1
What is the difference between willingness and willfulness?
Willingness is doing what is effective or needed; willfulness is refusing, resisting, or insisting on doing things only your own way.
A person says, “My girlfriend makes me relapse because she stresses me out.” What are they giving their girlfriend control over?
Their recovery/behavior/choices.
What comes first in the first three steps: acceptance, belief/open-mindedness, or action/surrender?
Acceptance → belief/open-mindedness → decision/action/surrender.
“I'll do anything for my recovery—as long as I agree with it and it makes sense to me.”
Resistance. The person is placing conditions on their willingness to accept guidance and continues to rely primarily on their own judgment.
A person admits they cannot safely control their substance use and believes recovery support can help them, but refuses to follow suggestions or change their behavior. Which of the first three steps are they struggling to practice?
Step 3
What recovery principle means recognizing that you don't have all the answers and being willing to learn from other people?
Humilty
What is the difference between powerlessness and helplessness in recovery?
Powerlessness means recognizing that you cannot reliably control addiction/substance use; helplessness means believing there is nothing you can do. A person can be powerless over addiction while still having power over recovery choices.
“I know I can't control my using. I know other people can help me. But when I'm struggling, I still don't call anyone because I want to handle it myself.”
Which concept is the biggest missing piece?
A. Acceptance
B. Awareness
C. Willingness
D. Powerlessness
Willingness
A person has relapsed several times after isolating. They notice themselves beginning to withdraw again but think, “I don't feel like talking to anyone, so I'm just going to deal with this myself.” Is this recovery or resistance, and what Step 1–3 principle are they failing to practice?
Resistance. The person is repeating a known relapse pattern rather than accepting help.