AHACodependency

The practical 12 steps

Practical guidance for self-exploration.

AHA uses the steps to guide a process of self-exploration. Members are encouraged to consider how these principles may aid their own recovery.

How we use the steps

We are open-minded and trying to do something new. These steps grew out of secular recovery language and were adapted by the group for recovery from codependency.

We believe the path of recovery from codependency requires a shift from outward to inward, and from guilt, shame, and self-denial toward self-love and self-compassion. Often the greatest harm of codependency is what it does to ourselves.

  1. Admitted we were caught in a self-destructive cycle and currently lacked the tools to stop it

  2. Trusted that a healthy lifestyle was attainable through social support, self-improvement, and self-compassion

  3. Made a decision to commit to a life of progress and empowerment, trusting a process of change, growth, and self-acceptance

  4. Made a comprehensive list of our resentments, fears, and patterns of thought and behavior in our relationships with ourselves and others, evaluating our need and willingness to change

  5. Shared our lists with a trustworthy person

  6. Made a list of our character traits, both healthy and unhealthy

  7. Began cultivating healthy character traits through consistent positive behavior

  8. Determined the best way to make amends to those we had harmed including ourselves

  9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would cause harm

  10. Practiced daily self-reflection and continued making amends to ourselves and others whenever necessary

  11. Started meditating

  12. Sought to retain our newfound recovery lifestyle by teaching it to those willing to learn and by surrounding ourselves with healthy people