12- Step Principles
This Step asks individuals to turn their will and lives over to the care of a Higher Power.
What is Step 3?
This type of rigid cognitive pattern can prevent someone from making meaningful behavioral changes.
What is resistant thinking?
The process of returning to substance use after a period of recovery
What is relapse?
In Step 3, individuals turn their will over to this entity, defined personally by each member.
What is a Higher Power?
Making a plan for what to do when you encounter a trigger is an example of this.
What is a coping strategy or action plan?
This pair of attitudes was highlighted as essential to practicing Step 3 effectively.
What are willingness and open-mindedness?
Replacing rigid thinking with adaptive thought patterns is a core aim of this therapeutic approach.
What is CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy)?
The unwillingness or inability to consider new ideas or differing opinions
What is close-mindedness?
The group emphasized that trusting a Higher Power often begins with taking this type of small, faith-based action.
What is leap of faith?
A person you can call when you feel triggered; sponsors and trusted friends fall into this category.
What is a support person?
Members explored how surrendering control in Step 3 can support this long-term outcome.
What is long-term recovery?
Clients practiced identifying thoughts that lead to resistance rather than this more flexible mindset.
What is open-mindedness?
The repetition of self-destructive behaviors despite knowing the consequences.
What is insanity?
This spiritual principle encourages individuals to “let go” of control to support their recovery.
What is surrender?
Paying attention “on purpose” to the present moment instead of reacting automatically.
What is being present/mindful?
Discussing past participation in these groups helped clients connect their earlier recovery efforts with current growth.
What are 12-step programs?
Members explored how thoughts, feelings, and actions interact—a process known by this term.
What is the cognitive behavioral model?
This phrase describes a person’s inner pushback against suggested actions or change in recovery.
What is resistance?
Clients discussed how aligning their will with a Higher Power may help reduce this internal struggle.
What is resistance?
This technique involves challenging thoughts like “I can’t handle this” and replacing them with more balanced, realistic ones.
What is reframing?
The group reviewed how Step 3 builds on the personal insights gained in these first two steps.
What are Steps 1 and 2?
Unchallenged assumptions and beliefs can act as these psychological barriers to recovery.
What are cognitive distortions?
Internal conflicts between personal desires and recovery goals—an example of this psychological tension.
What is ambivalence?
This individualized process allowed each member to shape their understanding of a guiding presence in recovery.
What is defining a Higher Power?
This skill helps prevent relapse by identifying early warning signs before things escalate.
What is recognizing relapse warning signs?