Exploring the 12 Steps: Surrender – Steps 1 Through 3

Key Takeaways: This article discusses the first three steps of the 12 Steps program for addiction recovery, known as the “Surrender” steps. It emphasizes admitting powerlessness, believing in a higher power, and making a decision to turn one’s life over to that power. The article also provides practical advice on how to work through each of these initial steps, highlighting the importance of self-reflection, community support, and guidance from a sponsor.

When embarking on the journey of recovery from addiction, many find themselves drawn to the time-tested framework of the 12 steps of recovery, with programs that have helped countless individuals reclaim their lives. Whether you are a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or simply someone seeking sobriety, understanding the steps and benefits of 12-step programs is crucial. Read on to learn more about the first three steps, often referred to as the “Surrender” steps. These foundational steps lay the groundwork for a transformative recovery journey and prayer and spirituality in recovery.

A Brief Look at AA’s 12 Steps

The 12 steps of AA and NA were developed in the 1930s as a spiritual framework for recovery. They guide individuals toward acknowledging their addiction, seeking help, and fostering a new way of living. While the steps are often associated with a higher power, they can be interpreted in various ways, allowing for personal meaning and understanding. How to work the 12 steps of AA is different for everyone.

The 12 steps of recovery are not just a set of instructions; they are a pathway to healing, self-discovery, and connection with others. Working the 12 steps allows each step to build upon the previous one, creating a comprehensive approach to recovery. In this post, we will focus on the first three steps, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to the process and the support of a sponsor.

Steps 1 Through 3: The “Surrender” Steps

The first three steps at 12-step meetings are often made simpler with the I can’t He can phrase, which says “I can’t, He can, I think I’ll let Him,” describing all three steps. Sometimes learning the 12 steps, simplified, can be very beneficial.

These steps are crucial for establishing a solid foundation for recovery. They revolve around the concept of surrender in recovery—acknowledging powerlessness over addiction and embracing the need for help. The spiritual principles of NA and AA also begin here. 

It is very useful to have a sponsor as well as twelve-step program books and an AA or NA step working guide. Let’s break down each step and explore how to work through them effectively.

Step 1 and How to Work It

Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol (or drugs)—that our lives had become unmanageable.

Step 1 is often considered the most challenging step for many individuals. Admitting powerlessness is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a courageous acknowledgment of one’s reality. This step requires honesty and introspection, as it invites individuals to confront the chaos that addiction has brought into their lives.

How to Work Step 1:

• Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your relationship with alcohol or drugs. Consider the consequences of your use—financial, emotional, physical, and relational. Journaling can be a helpful tool in this process, allowing you to articulate your thoughts and feelings.
• Seek feedback: Sometimes, it can be difficult to see our struggles. Reach out to trusted friends or family members who have witnessed your journey. Their insights can provide perspective on how your addiction has affected your life and those around you.
• Attend meetings: Engage with a local AA or NA group or other support group. Hearing AA’s “The Promises” and others share their stories can help you realize that you are not alone in your struggles. It can also reinforce the notion of powerlessness, as you listen to others who have faced similar challenges.
• Work with a sponsor: A sponsor can guide you through this step, providing support and accountability. They can help you navigate your feelings of powerlessness and remind you that admitting this truth is the first step toward recovery.

Step 2 and How to Work It

Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

AA step worksheets for step 2 invite individuals to open themselves up to the possibility of a greater power, which can be a source of strength and support in recovery. This step emphasizes the importance of hope and faith, whether that power is conceived as God, the universe, or a collective spirit of the recovery community.

How to Work Step 2:

• Explore your beliefs: Reflect on your current beliefs about a higher power. This does not have to be religious; it can be any concept that resonates with you. Consider how this belief can provide comfort and guidance in your recovery. For example, Buddhist AA and NA and other types exist for different conceptions of God.
• Connect with others: Engage in discussions with fellow members of AA or NA about their understanding of a higher power. Hearing diverse perspectives can help you shape your own beliefs and find what resonates with you.
• Meditation and mindfulness: Practice meditation or mindfulness exercises to help you connect with your inner self and explore the concept of a higher power. This can create a sense of peace and openness to the idea of surrendering to something greater than yourself.

Step 3 and How to Work It

Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

Step 3 in NA or AA is about making a conscious decision to surrender control and trust in a higher power. This step can be liberating, as it allows individuals to release the burdens of self-will and the need to control every aspect of their lives.

How to Work Step 3:

• Make the decision: Take time to reflect on what surrendering your will means to you. Use a step 3 AA worksheet to write down your thoughts and feelings about letting go of control. This can be a powerful declaration of your commitment to recovery.
• Practice letting go: Start small by identifying areas in your life where you can practice surrender. This could be in daily decisions, relationships, or coping strategies. Recognize that you do not have to do everything alone.
• Engage in spiritual practices: Whether through prayer, meditation, or connecting with nature, find practices that help you feel connected to your higher power. This can foster a sense of trust and reliance on something greater than yourself.
• Work with your sponsor: Discuss your decision to surrender with your sponsor. They can offer support and encouragement as you navigate this step, sharing their own experiences of letting go and trusting in the process.

Why You Work the Steps in Order

The 12 steps of recovery are designed to be worked in a specific order for a reason. Each step builds on the previous one, creating a structured pathway toward recovery. Working them sequentially allows individuals to develop a deeper understanding of their addiction, cultivate humility, and build a foundation of trust in a higher power.

By starting with surrender, you are setting the stage for the subsequent steps. Each step requires a level of honesty, vulnerability, and willingness to change that is only possible when you have fully embraced the reality of your situation. You will hear more about this during the “How it Works” AA reading.

The first three steps of Narcotics Anonymous’ 12 steps—admitting powerlessness, believing in a higher power, and making the decision to surrender—are crucial for anyone seeking addiction recovery resources. While working through these steps can feel daunting, remember that you are not alone. Remember there are many roads and steps to addiction, and it will take some additional steps to help you recover.

To delve more into the 12 steps of recovery, it’s a wise idea to search for “AA meetings near me,” and check the AA meeting guidelines (closed, open, men, women, etc.) to see which one may be a fit for you. 

Additionally, if you’re struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, professional treatment from Mountainside can help. We offer individualized, comprehensive treatment plans for all stages of your recovery. Speak to an admissions specialist today.