Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is world-famous, having helped countless millions around the world recover from alcohol addiction. Key to the organization’s success are the 12 Principles. The 12 Principles of AA encapsulate the spiritual and moral values that underpin the Twelve Steps. This article will go over each of the principles, providing examples of how to apply them in your daily life.
What Are the 12 Principles of AA?
The 12 Principles (also known as the 12 Traditions) of Alcoholics Anonymous are guidelines that help AA groups function effectively. They’re distinct from the better-known 12 Steps, which guide individual recovery.
Here are the 12 Principles of AA and how to apply them:
Honesty
Step 1: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.”
Honesty is the foundation of recovery. It begins with acknowledging the reality of one’s addiction and the detrimental impact it has had on one’s life. This candid self-assessment is crucial for initiating change.
Step 4: “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”
Courage is required to confront one’s past actions, behaviors, and character flaws. This introspective inventory is essential for personal growth and healing.
Example: Set aside time to journal about your past behaviors, fears, and resentments. Facing these truths head-on takes courage but is essential for growth.
To apply this step, admit to a friend or sponsor that you’re struggling with cravings instead of pretending everything is fine. This honesty can be the first step toward getting the support you need before a relapse occurs.
Hope
Step 2: “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”
Hope emerges from the belief that recovery is possible. Recognizing that external support—whether spiritual, communal, or both—can aid in restoring mental and emotional well-being fosters optimism and motivation.
Example: When you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself that recovery is possible and look to stories of others who have stayed sober. Attend a meeting to renew your sense of hope.
Faith
Step 3: “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”
Faith involves trusting in a higher power or the recovery process itself. It signifies a commitment to relinquishing control and embracing guidance beyond one’s own understanding.
Say a short prayer or pause to reflect before making a big decision, trusting that guidance—whether spiritual or from your support system—can help lead you in the right direction.
Courage
Step 4: “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”
Courage is required to confront one’s past actions, behaviors, and character flaws. This introspective inventory is essential for personal growth and healing.
Example: Set aside time to journal about your past behaviors, fears, and resentments. Facing these truths head-on takes courage but is essential for growth.
Integrity
Step 5: “Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”
Integrity entails owning up to past mistakes and being truthful about one’s shortcomings. Sharing this acknowledgment with others reinforces accountability and transparency.
Example: Schedule a conversation with your sponsor to share your moral inventory openly. Speaking your truth to someone else strengthens your integrity and accountability.
Willingness
Step 6: “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”
Willingness reflects an openness to change. It signifies readiness to let go of detrimental behaviors and embrace healthier alternatives.
Example: Recognize a recurring pattern—like defensiveness or blame—and express openness to letting go of it, even if you don’t yet know how. Talk about it in your next meeting.
Humility
Step 7: “Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.”
Humility involves recognizing one’s limitations and seeking assistance in overcoming personal defects. It fosters a balanced self-perception and openness to growth.
Example: Instead of insisting you’re right during a conflict, take a step back and acknowledge your part in the issue. Practicing humility helps build better relationships.
Love
Step 8: “Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.”
Love, in this context, pertains to empathy and compassion towards those affected by one’s actions. It underscores the importance of acknowledging harm done to others.
Example: Write down the names of people you’ve hurt, including yourself. Approach the list with compassion and a genuine desire to set things right, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Responsibility
Step 9: “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”
Responsibility is about taking actionable steps to rectify past wrongs. It demonstrates a commitment to making amends and rebuilding trust.
Example: Call someone you’ve wronged and offer a sincere apology. Take ownership of your past behavior without expecting anything in return.
Discipline
Step 10: “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.”
Discipline involves maintaining ongoing self-reflection and promptly addressing new mistakes. This continuous practice helps prevent relapse and promotes personal integrity.
Example: At the end of the day, reflect for five minutes on your actions. If you recognize a moment where you were out of line, send a quick message to apologize or make things right the next day.
Awareness
Step 11: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God…”
Awareness pertains to mindfulness and spiritual connection. Engaging in regular reflection enhances understanding of oneself and one’s place in the broader context of life.
Example: Spend 10 minutes each morning meditating or praying, focusing on being present and receptive to guidance throughout the day.
Service
Step 12: “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”
Service emphasizes giving back and supporting others in their recovery journeys. It reinforces personal sobriety and contributes to the collective well-being of the community.
Example: Volunteer to chair a meeting, mentor a newcomer, or simply offer a ride to someone who needs it. Helping others reinforces your own recovery.
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Call 866-881-1184How the 12 Principles Support Long-Term Sobriety
The 12 Principles of AA are a crucial complement to the Twelve Steps. Where the Steps provide a recovery roadmap, the Principles offer a way of life that supports lasting sobriety and spiritual well-being.
Each principle reinforces habits and mindsets that protect against relapse:
- Honesty helps individuals stay accountable and recognize warning signs early.
- Hope gives them the belief that a better future is possible—even on difficult days.
- Faith encourages trust in the process, rather than acting out of fear or frustration.
- Courage and integrity allow people to face emotional discomfort without turning to substances.
- Service keeps recovery from becoming self-centered and strengthens connection to others.
These values work together to rebuild self-esteem, repair relationships, and create a sense of purpose—three pillars that are essential for long-term recovery. As people continue living by the principles, they’re less likely to feel the isolation, shame, or emotional instability that often fuel addiction. Instead, they develop a new identity rooted in growth, responsibility, and connection.
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Check Your CoverageFinding Support Through AA and Recovery Program
Finding an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting near you is an excellent way to either continue your recovery journey or take that first crucial step. Another important step, however, is getting drug and alcohol addiction treatment in California or treatment in Oklahoma.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction but wonder how long addiction treatment takes or have other questions, call us at 866-881-1184 or contact us here. Our highly qualified staff will be happy to help give you an idea on what to expect from your addiction recovery timeline, help verify your insurance, and assist with any other questions you may have about 12-step programs, behavioral therapy and finding the spiritual principles and steps of AA.
