This is a list of Twelve Steps alternate wordings of the Twelve Steps set of guiding principles for recovery from addictive, compulsive, or other behavioral problems that was originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous.[1] The twelve-step method has been adapted widely by fellowships of people recovering from various addictions, compulsive behaviors, and mental health problems.
In some cases, where other twelve-step groups have adapted the AA steps as guiding principles, they have been altered to emphasize principles important to those particular fellowships, to remove gender-biased or specific religious language.[2][3][4]
Gamblers Anonymous has made significant changes to Steps 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 12 by reducing references to God, including a financial inventory, and eliminating "Spiritual Awakening".[5]
Most of the alternate wordings are in Step 1 and Step 12:
We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
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.
^RonStarR and TraditionallyStepping (January 13, 2006). "NA History Chronology". Archived from the original on February 16, 2008. Retrieved October 7, 2007. Note the 1953 Events Detailing step adaptation: NA emphasizes the unity by starting all steps with 'we'
