12 Step Principals (virtues)
Along with the traditional twelve steps of AA, there are a series of linked principles. These restate and reinforce some of the issues common to the alcoholic community. Some refer to these as the virtues of Alcoholics Anonymous.
1. Surrender – the act of admitting we are powerless on our own.
2. Hope – also mentioned as trust, this is the principle of believing there is an answer available.
3. Commitment – accepting the help offered.
4. Honesty– Self-inventory
5. Truth – a confession of wrongs.
6. Willingness– abandonment of defects.
7. Humility – Humbleness to seek repair of shortcomings.
8. Reflection – Discovering those we have wronged.
9. Amends – Repairing what damage we can.
10. Vigilance – Sticking with best practices.
11. Attunement – Growing in spiritual connection.
12. Service – Returning the gift we received to others.
Each of these is derived from, and informed by, the step they link up with. They are a restatement and a support, rather than a replacement. The 12 step principles illustrate the link between moral character and remaining sober, with the best of human virtues reflected in the desired result – sobriety.
