In this article series, we examine each of the 12 step principles from a SOZO client’s perspective, as they journey through the twelve steps.
Yesterday an Honors group of nurses from National Park College came to SOZO to give a class on the prevention of diabetes. Addict/alcoholics are a high-risk group for diabetes. The nursing team provided hand-outs regarding healthy meal planning. The SOZO…
As Executive Director of SOZO Addiction Recovery Center, and a recovering alcoholic myself, i have seen thousands of failed resolutions to stop the addictive use of alcohol and/or drugs. Every single failed resolution had two critical shortcomings: The resolution…
We have a saying at SOZO that goes, “The most important client is the next one”. This works for us in many ways. First, it reminds all of the staff and clients to be especially kind and caring to the…
STEP 12 Service “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.” This final step encourages people in recovery to help…
STEP 11 Awareness “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood him, praying only for knowledge of his will for us and the power to carry that out.” As part of this step,…
STEP 10 Perseverance “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.” It’s never easy to admit you’re wrong, but this step requires it. Clients must commit to monitoring themselves for behaviors that could harm themselves…
STEP 9 Justice “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” At this stage, clients attempt to rectify their wrongdoings by confronting the people they harmed. The conversation may take…
STEP 8 Brotherly Love “Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.” During this step, clients make a list of all the people in their lives they have wronged as…
STEP 7 Humility “Humbly ask Him to remove our shortcomings.” Recovering clients ask the higher power to eliminate character defects, which may include impulsivity, selfishness, impatience, or anger. In order to do this, clients must admit they are not strong…