A Christian’s Twelve Steps for Overcoming Chemical Dependency
Step One
We admit that by ourselves we are powerless over chemical substances – that our lives have become unmanageable.
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for
the wishing is present in me, but the doing of good is not. (Romans
7:18)
Step Two
We come to believe that God, through Jesus Christ, can restore us
to sanity.
For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for
His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)
Step Three
We make a decision to turn our lives over to God through Jesus
Christ.
I urge you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, to present
your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which
is your spiritual service of worship. (Romans 12:1)
Step Four
We make a fearless and moral inventory of ourselves.
Let us examine and probe our ways, and return to the Lord. (Lamentations 3:40)
Step Five
We admit to God and to another human being the exact nature of
our wrongs.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one
another, so that you may be healed. (James 5:16a)
Step Six
We commit ourselves to be obedient to God, so that these patterns
of sin can be removed from our lives.
Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt
you. (James 4:10)
Step Seven
We humbly ask God to renew our minds so that our sinful patterns
can be transformed into patterns of righteousness.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Step Eight
We make a list of all persons we have harmed, and become willing
to make amends to them all.
And just as you want men to treat you, treat them in the same way.
(Luke 6:13)
Step Nine
We make direct amends to such people where possible, except
when doing so will injure them or others.
If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there
remember your brother has something against you, leave your
offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled
to your brother, and then come and present your offering.
(Galatians 6:1)
Step Ten
We continue to take personal inventory, and when we are wrong,
promptly admit it.
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
(1 Corinthians 10:12)
Step Eleven
We seek to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ through
prayer, meditation, and obedience, praying for wisdom and power
to carry out His will.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all
men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who
doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
(James 1:5-6)
Step Twelve
Having had a spiritual awakening, we try to carry the message of
Christ’s grace and restoration power to others who are chemically
dependent, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are
spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to
yourselves, lest you too be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)