12-Step Recovery Curriculum

Note: There are 12 modules in this course. Each module contains lessons, a quiz (multiple choice and true/false only), and an assignment with open-ended reflection prompts.

Safety Notice: This course is self-help and not a substitute for professional care. If you are in crisis, contact local emergency services or a trusted professional.

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Module 1: New Beginnings (Step 1 / Tradition 1)

Lessons

Lesson 1: Scripture Reflection – Romans 7:18–19

Learning Objective: Recognize the struggle with powerlessness over addiction.

Read Romans 7:18–19 and reflect on how it describes the inner conflict between wanting to do good and failing to do it.

Activity: Write a short paragraph describing one area where you feel powerless.

Lesson 2: Understanding Step 1

Learning Objective: Understand what it means to admit powerlessness and unmanageability.

Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.

Activity: List three ways addiction has made life unmanageable.

Lesson 3: Tradition 1 – Unity and Group Welfare

Learning Objective: See how unity and group welfare support personal recovery.

Tradition 1: Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.

Activity: Identify one way you can support unity in any recovery group or community.

Lesson 4: 7-Day Micro Action Plan

Learning Objective: Create a realistic, small action plan for the next 7 days.

Activity: Design a 7-day plan including one small daily action (e.g., prayer, reading, or check-in) and one accountability contact.

Quiz – Module 1

1. Question 1 (Multiple Choice): What is the core idea of Step 1?
   A. We can control addiction by willpower alone
   B. We admitted we were powerless over our addictions (Correct)
   C. We must isolate to recover
   D. Powerlessness is shameful
2. Question 2 (Multiple Choice): Tradition 1 emphasizes:
   A. Individual success above all
   B. Group welfare comes first (Correct)
   C. Public promotion of the program
   D. Personal recognition
3. Question 3 (Multiple Choice): Which is a common sign addiction has been controlling a life?
   A. Repeated broken promises to self or others (Correct)
   B. Always keeping every promise
   C. Never feeling cravings
   D. Perfect self-control
4. Question 4 (True/False): A realistic 7-day micro action plan usually focuses on one or two small daily actions, not changing everything at once.
   True (Correct) / False

Assignment – Module 1

Title: 7-Day Micro Action Plan

Instructions:

• Describe your 7-day micro action plan (one small daily action, one accountability contact, and one self-care action).
• Explain briefly why you chose these actions and how they relate to Step 1.
• Optional: Reflect on one fear or resistance you feel about following this plan.

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Module 2: Faith That Restores (Step 2 / Tradition 2)

Lessons

Lesson 1: Scripture Reflection – Hebrews 11:1

Learning Objective: Explore the meaning of faith and hope in recovery.

Read Hebrews 11:1 and reflect on how faith relates to trusting a Power greater than yourself.

Lesson 2: Understanding Step 2

Learning Objective: Understand Step 2 and the idea of restoration to sanity.

Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

Lesson 3: Tradition 2 – Group Conscience

Learning Objective: Learn how group conscience and guidance support recovery.

Tradition 2 emphasizes leadership through group conscience and spiritual guidance rather than personal authority.

Lesson 4: Faith Experiment

Learning Objective: Practice a simple faith experiment for 7 days.

Activity: Keep a daily gratitude list and take one small trust action each day (e.g., asking for help, attending a meeting).

Quiz – Module 2

1. Question 1 (Multiple Choice): Step 2 invites us to:
   A. Rely only on ourselves
   B. Believe a Power greater than ourselves can restore us (Correct)
   C. Avoid community support
   D. Trust only human plans
2. Question 2 (Multiple Choice): Which practice helps build faith?
   A. Keeping a daily gratitude list (Correct)
   B. Isolating from others
   C. Ignoring feelings
   D. Making drastic changes overnight
3. Question 3 (True/False): A small trust action can be as simple as asking one person for help or attending one meeting.
   True (Correct) / False
4. Question 4 (Multiple Choice): Which statement best describes hope in recovery?
   A. Hope is a small, steady expectation that change is possible (Correct)
   B. Hope guarantees instant results
   C. Hope means never feeling fear again
   D. Hope removes responsibility

Assignment – Module 2

Title: Faith Experiment Reflection

• Describe your 7-day faith experiment: what gratitude practice and trust actions you used.
• Explain any changes you noticed in your thinking, emotions, or behavior.
• Share one way you might continue building faith beyond this week.

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Module 3: Daily Surrender (Step 3 / Tradition 3)

Lessons

Lesson 1: Scripture Reflection – Proverbs 3:5–6

Learning Objective: Reflect on trusting God rather than self-reliance.

Lesson 2: Understanding Step 3

Learning Objective: Understand what it means to turn our will and lives over to God’s care.

Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

Lesson 3: Tradition 3 – The Only Requirement

Learning Objective: Explore inclusiveness and belonging in recovery communities.

Lesson 4: Surrender Statement and Daily Ritual

Learning Objective: Create a personal surrender statement and daily ritual.

Quiz – Module 3

1. Question 1 (Multiple Choice): Step 3 asks us to:
   A. Keep control of everything
   B. Turn our will and lives over to the care of God (Correct)
   C. Avoid making decisions
   D. Delay all choices
2. Question 2 (Multiple Choice): A helpful daily ritual might include:
   A. A 1–2 minute morning prayer (Correct)
   B. Ignoring feelings
   C. Making impulsive choices
   D. Skipping reflection
3. Question 3 (True/False): A short morning commitment or prayer can support daily surrender.
   True (Correct) / False
4. Question 4 (Multiple Choice): Which commitment is realistic for 14 days?
   A. Practice one small habit daily (e.g., 5 minutes prayer) (Correct)
   B. Change every habit overnight
   C. Expect perfection immediately
   D. Never reflect on choices

Assignment – Module 3

Title: Surrender Statement and Ritual

• Write your personal surrender statement (3–5 sentences).
• Describe your daily ritual (time, place, and what you will do).
• Reflect briefly on how it feels to commit to this practice.

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Module 4: Honest Inventory (Step 4 / Tradition 4)

Lessons

Lesson 1: Scripture Reflection – Psalm 139:23–24

Learning Objective: Invite God to search the heart and reveal truth.

Lesson 2: Understanding Step 4

Learning Objective: Learn the structure of a moral inventory (resentments, fears, harms, sexual conduct, etc.).

Lesson 3: Tradition 4 – Autonomy and Responsibility

Learning Objective: Understand group autonomy and personal responsibility.

Lesson 4: Inventory Worksheet

Learning Objective: Begin filling out an inventory worksheet with clear sections.

Quiz – Module 4

1. Question 1 (Multiple Choice): Which area is included in a Step 4 inventory?
   A. Resentments (Correct)
   B. Favorite movies
   C. Weather preferences
   D. Social media followers
2. Question 2 (Multiple Choice): When doing inventory you should:
   A. Share identifying details in public forums
   B. Protect your privacy and choose a trusted person for Step 5 (Correct)
   C. Rush through it
   D. Ignore safety
3. Question 3 (True/False): A safe first inventory section to begin with is resentments and fears.
   True (Correct) / False
4. Question 4 (Multiple Choice): A good safety step while doing inventory is:
   A. Have a support contact if you feel overwhelmed (Correct)
   B. Post everything publicly for feedback
   C. Avoid pausing if distressed
   D. Share identifying details online

Assignment – Module 4

Title: Inventory Start and Safety Plan

• Describe which sections of your inventory you have started (e.g., resentments, fears, harms).
• Write out your personal safety plan for doing inventory (who you can contact, how you will pause if overwhelmed).
• Reflect briefly on one insight you gained from beginning this process.

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Module 5: Confession and Healing (Step 5 / Tradition 5)

Lessons

Lesson 1: Scripture Reflection – James 5:16

Learning Objective: Understand the healing power of confession and prayer.

Lesson 2: Understanding Step 5

Learning Objective: Learn what Step 5 involves and why it matters for recovery.

Lesson 3: Tradition 5 – Primary Purpose

Learning Objective: Understand the group’s primary purpose and confidentiality.

Lesson 4: Choosing a Trusted Person and Role-Play

Learning Objective: Prepare to share your inventory safely.

Quiz – Module 5

1. Question 1 (Multiple Choice): Step 5 involves:
   A. Confessing to God, ourselves, and another trusted person (Correct)
   B. Keeping everything private
   C. Publicly posting details online
   D. Avoiding accountability
2. Question 2 (Multiple Choice): Which practice supports safe sharing?
   A. Choosing an emotionally stable listener (Correct)
   B. Posting in public forums
   C. Sharing without boundaries
   D. Rushing the conversation
3. Question 3 (True/False): It is wise to ask your listener to keep your Step 5 details confidential.
   True (Correct) / False
4. Question 4 (Multiple Choice): Which opening line is appropriate when asking someone to listen?
   A. “I have something important to share; can you listen without judgment?” (Correct)
   B. “Tell everyone my story now”
   C. “I will post this online”
   D. “You must fix this for me”

Assignment – Module 5

Title: Step 5 Preparation and Reflection

• Write your opening script for sharing with a trusted person.
• List your confidentiality boundaries and expectations.
• After sharing (or planning to share), reflect on your feelings and any relief or fears you experienced.

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Module 6: Willingness to Change (Step 6 / Tradition 6)

Lessons

Lesson 1: Scripture Reflection – Psalm 51:10

Learning Objective: Invite God to create a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit.

Lesson 2: Understanding Step 6

Learning Objective: Become entirely ready to have God remove defects of character.

Lesson 3: Tradition 6 – Boundaries with Outside Enterprises

Learning Objective: Understand how boundaries protect recovery.

Lesson 4: Defect-to-Virtue Mapping

Learning Objective: Map one character defect to a daily practice that cultivates the opposite virtue.

Quiz – Module 6

1. Question 1 (Multiple Choice): What does Step 6 ask us to be?
   A. Entirely ready to have God remove defects (Correct)
   B. Resistant to change
   C. Indifferent to character
   D. Focused on blame
2. Question 2 (Multiple Choice): A practical defect-to-virtue practice example is:
   A. Pause and take three deep breaths before responding (Correct)
   B. Ignore the defect
   C. Argue with others
   D. Avoid reflection
3. Question 3 (True/False): Avoiding high-risk places or people for a time can be a healthy boundary in early recovery.
   True (Correct) / False
4. Question 4 (Multiple Choice): How should you track a new practice for two weeks?
   A. Use a simple daily note or habit tracker (Correct)
   B. Expect instant perfection
   C. Never review progress
   D. Post publicly every day

Assignment – Module 6

Title: Defect-to-Virtue Plan

• Identify one defect of character you are willing to work on.
• Describe the opposite virtue and the daily practice you will use to cultivate it.
• Explain how you will track this practice for at least two weeks.

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Module 7: Humble Asking (Step 7 / Tradition 7)

Lessons

Lesson 1: Scripture Reflection – 1 Peter 5:6

Learning Objective: Reflect on humility and God’s timing.

Lesson 2: Understanding Step 7

Learning Objective: Humbly ask God to remove shortcomings.

Lesson 3: Tradition 7 – Self-Support and Service

Learning Objective: Understand self-support and service as expressions of humility.

Lesson 4: Humility Practices

Learning Objective: Practice humility through anonymous service and reflection.

Quiz – Module 7

1. Question 1 (Multiple Choice): Step 7 focuses on:
   A. Humility and asking God to remove shortcomings (Correct)
   B. Boasting about achievements
   C. Avoiding responsibility
   D. Seeking recognition
2. Question 2 (Multiple Choice): Tradition 7 encourages:
   A. Self-supporting service (Correct)
   B. Relying on outside funding
   C. Public promotion
   D. Ignoring service
3. Question 3 (Multiple Choice): Which is a simple anonymous service idea?
   A. Leave a helpful note for someone or volunteer quietly (Correct)
   B. Seek public recognition for service
   C. Post about others’ faults
   D. Announce every deed
4. Question 4 (True/False): Performing one small act of service without telling others can be a powerful humility practice.
   True (Correct) / False

Assignment – Module 7

Title: Humility and Service Reflection

• Describe one anonymous service task you completed or plan to complete.
• Reflect on how humility felt during or after this act of service.
• Share one way you might continue practicing humble service.

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Module 8: Willingness and Forgiveness (Step 8 / Tradition 8)

Lessons

Lesson 1: Scripture Reflection – Colossians 3:13

Learning Objective: Reflect on forgiveness and bearing with one another.

Lesson 2: Understanding Step 8

Learning Objective: Compile a list of persons harmed and cultivate willingness to make amends.

Lesson 3: Tradition 8 – Nonprofessional Support

Learning Objective: Understand the role of nonprofessional peer support in recovery.

Lesson 4: Forgiveness Meditation and Harm List

Learning Objective: Use a short forgiveness meditation to prepare emotionally for amends work.

Quiz – Module 8

1. Question 1 (Multiple Choice): Step 8 asks us to:
   A. Make a list of all persons we had harmed and become willing to make amends (Correct)
   B. Ignore those we harmed
   C. Publicly shame others
   D. Avoid responsibility
2. Question 2 (Multiple Choice): Tradition 8 emphasizes:
   A. Nonprofessional peer support (Correct)
   B. Professional-only treatment
   C. Public promotion
   D. Commercial sponsorship
3. Question 3 (True/False): A harm list might include headings like: Name; How I harmed them; Proposed amends; Safety concerns.
   True (Correct) / False
4. Question 4 (Multiple Choice): A safety concern before making amends might be:
   A. The other person’s emotional readiness or risk of harm (Correct)
   B. Forcing contact immediately
   C. Posting the amends plan publicly
   D. Ignoring safety

Assignment – Module 8

Title: Harm List and Forgiveness Reflection

• Describe your process for creating a harm list (without naming people publicly).
• Reflect on how the forgiveness meditation affected your willingness to make amends.
• Note any safety concerns and how you plan to address them.

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Module 9: Making Amends (Step 9 / Tradition 9)

Lessons

Lesson 1: Scripture Reflection – Matthew 5:23–24

Learning Objective: Understand reconciliation as a spiritual and practical step toward repair.

Lesson 2: Step 9 Guidelines and Safety

Learning Objective: Learn principles for making amends safely and effectively.

Lesson 3: Tradition 9 – Service Structures

Learning Objective: Understand how service structures support safe amends work.

Lesson 4: Amends Role-Play and Script Templates

Learning Objective: Prepare a clear, sincere amends script and practice it.

Quiz – Module 9

1. Question 1 (Multiple Choice): Step 9 asks us to make amends:
   A. Wherever possible, except when it would injure them or others (Correct)
   B. Only when convenient
   C. By public announcement
   D. Only to close friends
2. Question 2 (Multiple Choice): A key safety check before contacting someone is:
   A. Consider their readiness and safety (Correct)
   B. Assume they want to hear from you
   C. Contact them immediately without support
   D. Post about it publicly
3. Question 3 (True/False): A sponsor, mentor, or mediator can help you plan and carry out amends safely.
   True (Correct) / False
4. Question 4 (Multiple Choice): Which opening sentence fits an amends script?
   A. “I want to say I am sorry for [specific action].” (Correct)
   B. “You must forgive me now”
   C. “I will tell everyone about this”
   D. “You owe me forgiveness”

Assignment – Module 9

Title: Amends Plan

• Outline an amends plan for one or more people (without using real names in public spaces).
• Include: harm done, proposed amends, safety considerations, and support person.
• Reflect on one fear and one hope you have about making amends.

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Module 10: Ongoing Inventory (Step 10 / Tradition 10)

Lessons

Lesson 1: Scripture Reflection – Proverbs 4:26

Learning Objective: Consider careful thought and steadfastness in daily life.

Lesson 2: Step 10 Daily Inventory Tools

Learning Objective: Learn practical tools for daily inventory and prompt admission of wrongs.

Lesson 3: Tradition 10 – Neutrality and Focus

Learning Objective: Understand how staying neutral on outside issues helps recovery focus.

Lesson 4: 14-Day Inventory Challenge

Learning Objective: Build a daily habit of brief inventory.

Quiz – Module 10

1. Question 1 (Multiple Choice): Step 10 encourages which practice?
   A. Ongoing inventory and prompt admission of wrongs (Correct)
   B. Ignoring mistakes
   C. Blaming others
   D. Publicly shaming others
2. Question 2 (Multiple Choice): A practical daily inventory tool is:
   A. A short template in a phone note or journal (Correct)
   B. A long essay every day
   C. Posting on social media
   D. Avoiding reflection
3. Question 3 (True/False): A daily inventory entry can be as short as 3–5 sentences.
   True (Correct) / False
4. Question 4 (Multiple Choice): A good daily template includes:
   A. Date; What went well; Where I fell short; What I will do differently; Prayer (Correct)
   B. Only complaints about others
   C. Public accusations
   D. Only a list of tasks

Assignment – Module 10

Title: Daily Inventory Reflection

• Describe your experience with at least 7 days of daily inventory.
• Identify one pattern you noticed and one change you want to make.
• Explain how you plan to continue this practice beyond the challenge.

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Module 11: Prayer and Meditation (Step 11 / Tradition 11)

Lessons

Lesson 1: Scripture Reflection – Psalm 46:10

Learning Objective: Embrace stillness as a path to deeper contact with God.

Lesson 2: Step 11 Practices

Learning Objective: Develop simple, repeatable prayer and meditation practices.

Lesson 3: Tradition 11 – Attraction Not Promotion

Learning Objective: Understand how humility in spiritual practice attracts others.

Lesson 4: Guided Meditations and Prayer Routines

Learning Objective: Practice short guided meditations and establish a prayer routine.

Quiz – Module 11

1. Question 1 (Multiple Choice): Step 11 focuses on:
   A. Improving conscious contact with God through prayer and meditation (Correct)
   B. Avoiding spiritual practices
   C. Public promotion
   D. Ignoring prayer
2. Question 2 (Multiple Choice): A short daily practice might include:
   A. A 2–10 minute guided meditation or breath prayer (Correct)
   B. A long lecture
   C. Posting spiritual quotes publicly
   D. Skipping reflection
3. Question 3 (True/False): A simple breath prayer like “Lord, be my strength” can be repeated with the breath during the day.
   True (Correct) / False
4. Question 4 (Multiple Choice): After daily practice, a likely change is:
   A. Greater calm or clearer perspective in small moments (Correct)
   B. Immediate elimination of all problems
   C. No change ever
   D. Instant perfection

Assignment – Module 11

Title: Prayer and Meditation Log

• Describe your 7-day prayer/meditation routine (what you did and when).
• Share one change you noticed in your thoughts, emotions, or reactions.
• Identify two practices you plan to continue long-term.

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Module 12: Service and Carrying the Message (Step 12 / Tradition 12)

Lessons

Lesson 1: Scripture Reflection – Galatians 6:2

Learning Objective: Reflect on carrying one another’s burdens as a form of service.

Lesson 2: Step 12 – Living Recovery Through Service

Learning Objective: Translate personal recovery into practical service and mentorship.

Lesson 3: Tradition 12 – Anonymity and Responsibility

Learning Objective: Understand how anonymity protects individuals and the message.

Lesson 4: Design a Small Service Project

Learning Objective: Create a realistic, anonymous-friendly service plan.

Lesson 5: Capstone Reflection – Tying the Steps Together

Learning Objective: Reflect on the journey through the 12 Steps and plan next steps.

Quiz – Module 12

1. Question 1 (Multiple Choice): Step 12 emphasizes which practice?
   A. Carrying the message and practicing these principles in all affairs (Correct)
   B. Keeping recovery private and never serving
   C. Publicly promoting the program for profit
   D. Avoiding responsibility
2. Question 2 (Multiple Choice): Tradition 12 highlights the importance of:
   A. Anonymity and placing principles before personalities (Correct)
   B. Public recognition for service
   C. Selling recovery materials
   D. Ignoring confidentiality
3. Question 3 (True/False): A small service project plan can include: Goal; Target group; Steps; Timeframe; Resources; Anonymity considerations.
   True (Correct) / False
4. Question 4 (Multiple Choice): A realistic first action for a service project is:
   A. One small, anonymous act of help within 30 days (Correct)
   B. Launch a national campaign immediately
   C. Do nothing
   D. Publicly promote for profit

Assignment – Module 12

Title: Service Plan and Capstone Reflection

• Design a small service project using: Goal; Target group; Steps; Timeframe; Resources; Anonymity considerations; Impact measure.
• Write a 300–500 word capstone reflection describing how two or three Steps changed you.
• Explain how you plan to continue practicing these principles in all your affairs.