The Alternative 12-Steps: A Secular Guide to Recovery

by Martha Cleveland, Arlys G. Cleveland

Offers a secular interpretation of the Twelve Step program used to help individuals recover from alcoholism, and shares the stories of recovering alcoholics

Genres: Addiction, Psychology

136 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1991

Reviews

[Jan Stinus Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the book. It's a welcome alternative to the archaic, biblical lingo of AA. Being very short it is by its very nature an introduction, a guide. The real work is the work you do yourself. Of course. In that sense this is one of those books you never really finish but keep returning to and using as a natural part of your 12 step work, whatever you're recovering from. That is another great thing about the book: the focus is not solely on alcohol or substance abuse, it's much wider. Some parts of the book got a little new age and fluffy for my taste, but at its core this is a book that should be in your library.

[Dallas Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book. Changed. My. Life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone in recovery and anyone who takes issues with the "God" language in the 12 Steps.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. Admit we are powerless over other people, random events, and our own persistent negative behaviors, and that when we forget this, our lives become unmanageable.
2. Come to believe that spiritual resources can provide power for our restoration and healing.
3. Make a decision to be open to spiritual energy as we take deliberate action for change in our lives.
4. Search honestly and deeply within ourselves to know the exact nature of our actions, thoughts, and emotions.
5. Talk to another person about our exact nature.
6. Be entirely ready to acknowledge our abiding strength and release our personal shortcomings.
7. Work honestly, humbly, and courageously to develop our assets and to release our personal shortcomings.
8. List all people we have harmed, including ourselves, and be willing to make amends to them all. Be willing to forgive those who have harmed us.
9. Whenever possible, carry out unconditional amends to those we have hurt, including ourselves, except when to do so would cause harm.
10. Continue to monitor ourselves, to acknowledge our successes and quickly correct our lapses and errors.
11. Increasingly engage spiritual energy and awareness to continue to grow in abiding strength and wisdom and in the enjoyment of life.
12. Practice the principles of these Steps in all our affairs and carry the 12 Step message to others.

[Dee Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding … read & study! … Spirituality confused early in the book

This is an OUTSTANDING book … I’ve been in the a Step program for 17 years. As a person who believes God exists, BUT absolutely don’t accept God intervening in my life. In most recovery meetings God working in member’s life is a strong focus … which is OK with me. When sponsors share they often discuss the cliches in the BB about non-believers not having an open mind … etc … and push it at me so I feel uncomfortable. This book, other than not making their “sprit”, and related word use clear at the beginning (minus 1 star) of the book it is a very good … actually the BEST Step study and use guide I have found in my years of abstinence. I will this with all the members I help work through the Steps. … Its a 2014 publication and I hope the authors consider making tweaks and re-fresh the book as a revised edition, BUT even if they don’t it will remain an outstanding resource for everyone, secular or deeply religious, working the steps and/or helping others work the steps whether they are just beginning or an seasoned in the Step program.

The authors meaning of “sprit” and related words is explained on page 95 (beginning of Step 11 discussion); “Our spirit is our life force, and our spirituality is expressed in the way we relate to the world through our thoughts, attitudes and actions. Everyone is spiritual. The question to ask ourselves is whether we are moving with positive spirituality or whether our spiritual energy is taking us in a negative direction. Positive spirituality nourishes life, negative spirituality diminishes us.”

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise reframing of the steps in secular language appropriate for use in any fellowship. If you’re a humanist/atheist who’s worked the steps in AA or NA, you’ll find a lot here that you’ve already had to figure out on your own (or with the help of the like-minded people you can find aplenty in those rooms if you look). I’d have given it 5 stars except it lacks the emphasis on humility via ego puncturing that I personally needed when I was new. But hey, that’s what sponsors are for.

[Robert Munnings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book which provides both personal insights and deeper wisdom into the challenges of 12-step programs in relation to concepts of God and how they may hinder recovery. I found book very refreshing and encouraging as I was working through a 12-step program. It helped fill in many of the gaps with regards to the meaning and content of the steps and what was involved in practicing them.

[Joe]

this book was written in 1991. It's a refreshing look in a genre dominated by male authors/perspective. This book is secular - not anti-religious. It explains the experience of the Twelve Steps without a supernatural explanation - same experience, different narrative.

[John Heer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening! Perfect for those of us struggling with the God part. The 12 Steps distilled into the original intent without complications or necessity of a deity. Well written and explained.

[Arielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding and excellent book based on the 12-Steps of AA but without all of the religion. No where in this book does the word "God" ever come up, which is so refreshing to me. From a woman's perspective, it is much better than the original steps too as there is no reference to powerlessness and needing to accept and submit. If the Big Book were to be rewritten, this is the template they should use.