Many addicts reach a desperation point where they may be ready to try a 12 steps program.

Hazelden Alcohol and Drug Rehab

If you are really determined and are willing to do whatever it takes, then God’s mighty power can free you:

1. Admit that you are powerless over your addiction and that you need God’s help. A good start would be to get down on your knees and confess your desperation to Jesus.

2. Believe strongly that Jesus can deliver you from your addiction. Repeat the words of Saint Paul, “I can do all things in Him Who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

3. Turn your will and your life over to the care of Jesus.
   “Jesus I surrender my life to you. Please free me from my addiction. From today, I will no longer live only for myself. Instead I will reach out to those who need my help. Jesus, I will praise and thank you all the days of my life.”

4. Take an honest look at your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discover the causes of your addiction. Take some personal responsibility. The goal is not only recognizing what needs to be changed, but also repairing your relationship with Jesus.

5. Confess to Jesus, to yourself and to another person the nature of your wrongs. Humility is at the core of what an addict must experience in order to overcome his addiction. The sacrament of Reconciliation, where Jesus acts through a priest, is a supportive way to confess your faults.

6. Humbly ask Jesus to remove your character defects. Look at how you treat others. Do you only think of your own needs? Do any of the following hinder your recovery... anger, impatience, blaming others, or self-pity? Is more self-discipline needed? Ask Jesus to help you change.

7. Make direct amends if possible. Apologize to those you have harmed. It will take time and effort to regain their trust. Ask Jesus to help you gain their forgiveness.

8. Continue to take personal inventory in your Quiet Time. When wrong, promptly admit it. Remember, Jesus calls you to personal holiness.

9. Use prayer and meditation to improve your conscious contact with Jesus. This should be one of the 12 steps. An addict in recovery needs to practice Quiet Time for a few minutes each day. Pray for guidance and strength, and try to avoid people and situations that feed your addiction.
   
10. Carry this message to other addicts. Tell them how Jesus has helped you and that He can help them. All of us are God’s children.

11. Say the rosary and practice devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus each day.

12. Receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist as often as possible. It is this close personal contact with Jesus that can change your life. You will become a new person in Jesus Christ.

From 12 Steps to Overcome an Addiction

Home Page