Understanding the Twelve Steps: An Interpretation and Guide for Recovering

by Terence T. Gorski

Millions of people have transformed their lives by working the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Their success has come from their ability to truly understand these principles and to apply them in their daily lives. Yet for many embarking on the road to recovery, the Steps can seem vague, even confusing.
This practical, no-nonsense guide takes the mystery out of the Twelve Steps, presenting a straightforward explanation of what each step means, as well as examples of how it translates to real life. Written by a certified alcoholism and drug abuse counselor with more than twenty years of experience, it offers a wealth of wisdom, knowledge, and genuine support for anyone in recovery.
Understanding the Twelve Steps
—Clear, easy-to-understand interpretation of the Twelve Steps—the vital building blocks of recovery
—Checklists that summarize the tasks and objectives of each step
—The Twelve Promises -- the positive changes you can expect in your life if you follow the Twelve Steps
—What happens at Twelve Step meetings and why it is important to have a sponsor
—The experiences, strength, and hope of other recovering people

Genres: Self Help

189 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1989

Reviews

[Jasmine]

I am force to rate this book on several levels.

5 stars for overall creepiness
5 stars for instructions on how to create a cult
1 star for ability to convince me aa is a good idea
1 star for understanding of how to advertise.
5 stars for being an ass hole.

[James]

The late Terence Gorski does a masterful job of breaking apart the 12 Steps of AA and offering lucid interpretations that are extremely useful, especially for those who have difficulty with the deity-centric language of the originals. Gorski was the leading expert on relapse prevention from 1980 until his death in 2020, and strongly advocated the importance of 12-step living for maintaining sobriety.

[Mac Connors]

The beginning was great. The info on the steps made clear the author hasn't actually worked them. I highly recommend the beginning chapters for anyone trying to find their way in AA (or other 12 step programs)

[Cait]

it explains em.

[Veronica]

Reading it in Swedish...

[John]

This is my second reading.