The Fix Workbook: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone in Between

by Ian Morgan Cron

Did you know that anyone--addicts or non-addicts--can benefit from working the Twelve Steps and find the freedom, joy, and intimacy with God that their hearts long for?

We all suffer from a sense of spiritual homelessness--a feeling that we're not fully at home in the world. To cope with our painful feelings and life traumas, we search for quick "fixes" that eventually become habitual, self-destructive behaviors that ultimately create more problems than they solve.

As a person in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, Ian Cron is no stranger to these destructive habits. It wasn't until he embraced the Twelve Steps that he found true freedom. He knows from personal experience that Twelve Step recovery is more than just a life-saving strategy for guiding substance users into sobriety. Everybody is addicted to something to numb the discomfort of living in a messed-up world, he says, but the good news is that if you committedly "work the steps," you will eventually have a vital spiritual awakening that will give you an entirely new and radically beautiful orientation toward the life God has for you.

If you long for sustainable healing and joy amid life's messiness, The Fix invites you

Journey step-by-step through a spiritual curriculum that has helped millions overcome trauma, pain, and brokenness for over eight decadesUnderstand how the Twelve Steps can be a transformative tool not only for people with chemical or behavioral addictions but for anyone who wants to move beyond self-help to a spiritual awakeningCatch yourself in the act of self-sabotaging behaviors and understand how each day is a new opportunity to trade in self-willed reformation for grace-powered transformation 

"My original subtitle for this book--Twelve Steps to Unscrewing Your Screwed-Up Life--was a little over the top," Ian comments. "But anyone who has ever fallen for a quick fix (like drugs, alcohol, porn, overeating, work, religion, people-pleasing, and more) knows firsthand how our self-prescribed treatment plans derail us. They might not be as visible as empty bottles stashed inside a desk drawer, but they are just as life-complicating and soul-crushing."

With his characteristic wit and transparent self-disclosure, Ian guides us in learning how to work each of the Twelve Steps so we will finally be given a "new pair of glasses" through which we will be able to see ourselves, others, and the world in a startlingly new way--and ultimately take hold of the freedom God has been waiting to give us all along.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Audiobook, Spirituality, Personal Development, Christian Living

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2025

About the author

Ian Morgan Cron is a bestselling author, nationally recognized speaker, Enneagram teacher, trained psychotherapist, Dove Award–winning songwriter, and Episcopal priest. His books include the novel Chasing Francis and spiritual memoir Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me. Ian draws on an array of disciplines—from psychology to the arts, Christian spirituality and theology—to help people enter more deeply into conversation with God and the mystery of their own lives. He and his wife, Anne, live in Nashville, Tennessee.

Reviews

[Christian Schultheiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I completely went into this barely knowing more than the title mostly due to being a real fan of Cron’s works and writing styles that feel down on my level but not in a condescending way which I appreciate, but this was definitely the hardest of his books I’ve read yet to grapple and put into my own life’s perspectives mostly due to the majority of the books content and drive being aimed at helped people with and thru the twelve steps derived from AA mixed with his one somewhat surprising recent experiences that obviously drive him to understand and want to write on this topic in the first place. But as someone who’s neither gone thru AA or dealt with major addiction issues thankfully it did just make running the point home a little harder than usual for sure. The true highlight of the entire read aside from being explorative in the ideas of using the dissected twelves steps for nearly every problem or crisis you may be currently facing in your life, but also his blank humility and transparency that in and of itself made an emotional impact and showed he isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and lead by example. I definitely respect and love exploring Ian’s works and researches so I look forward to getting into whatever topic his next book may entail. 3.75/5

[Charity (Booktrovert Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt very conflicted on what to rate this so I am giving 3.5 ⭐ rounded up.

I went into this book curious about how the 12-step program could be applied beyond drug or alcohol addiction, as the description suggested. While I appreciate the author’s vulnerability and personal stories, many of the examples just didn’t resonate with me personally, which made it harder to fully connect or apply the principles to my own life.

That said, I can see how this book could be incredibly meaningful for those facing similar struggles. It just wasn’t the right fit for where I am currently.

[Jaimie Engle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the concepts presented in the book and found the humor helpful, but I don’t think it was as valuable as I’d hoped for. It felt double-minded in places. I think sticking to the twelve step approved literature has proved more valuable to me. I thought this was going to be more Bible led than personal pov.

[Karla Osorno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 5 stars.

Ian Morgan Cron writes with humor and truth. After listening to his podcast and reading a book he co-wrote about the enneagram I was aware he is in recovery. The Fix combines the steps and stories in an inspiring and helpful way. Cron is a gifted writer and infused difficult human experiences with great hope. He is well read and adds meaningful quotes at just the right moments. I really enjoyed reading The Fix and recommend it for anyone who is in recovery or knows someone in recovery.

[Ginny Yurich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I looooooooved it. It is witty with a lot of interesting stories woven throughout that I’d never heard of. It is honest and heartwarming and I felt so much peace after reading it. I will take so much of it with me into life moving forward.

[Tommy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have I attended an Anonymous meeting? No. Do I want to after reading this book? Yeah, I think I do. Why? Because, according to Ian Morgan Cron, that’s where you see people with their masks off—the ones we all create to make society accept us but that don’t reflect who we really are. It’s a place of laughter. It’s where true healing occurs, where you can finally stop the cycle of endlessly doing what you don’t want to do and find the fix through the twelve-step process popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous.

This book teaches that we all have addictions—attachments—we can’t shake on our own, and they bring negative consequences into our lives. Sure, we might be on the “lighter” end of the addiction spectrum, but it’s still there. These addictions aren’t the problem; they’re the solution we’ve created to numb what Cron calls our “Big Ache”—our longing for home, for safety. This book isn’t just for those who’ve hit rock bottom. It’s for everyone.

Cron’s humor and humility are what make this book shine. Page after page, his sprinkles of witty commentary made me smile the way a good Larry David bit does. And with X-ray intensity, he exposes his messy parts—the parts that make him cringe. I’m drawn like a magnet to this kind of authenticity because it’s so human. Make no mistake, Cron screws up like we all do. And reading about it makes us all better.

There’s a lot packed into these pages—big, foundational stuff about our higher power and our posture toward them. About surrender. About peace, rest, and work. I don’t know if I’ll return to this book, but I’m thankful for its existence. I pray it finds those who need it when the time is right.

[Laura Fabrycky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been anticipating this one for a long time, and it surpassed my expectations. Already doing a second read.

[Sarah R. Loper · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Please note; I received this workbook as an ARC. While I appreciate the kindness and generosity, it in no way affects my review.
***Note #2: I do not own, nor have I read the companion book, the Fix. (yet...)

Upon receiving this book as a PDF file ARC, I immediately realized I will need to order the Fix & and the Workbook.
I have heard Crons name over the years, as someone who found a lot of interested in the Ennegram topic.

However, I had never heard of his struggles. And, I admire when a public figure can be bold and share what they have been through---and then share about their recovery---even though they could always potentially relapse.

However, Cron is bold & authentic and asks hard, insightful questions in the Fix Workbook.

But, let's back up just a bit.

I will say the one thing that kind of threw me is that essentially the Fix Workbook (and I'm assuming the Fix are based on 12 Steps programs. As a fellow author, it felt like some of the content from the workbook could have easily come straight from AA or NA meetings. HOWEVER---I do think that having a Workbook assembled like this is wonderful, and having something like this assembled in a faith background you are comfortable with makes a big difference too.

But---that was not a huge turn off for me. See---I have gone to Celebrate Recovery (CR) for a couple of years, and my husband has gone for nearly a decade. CR is kind of like a 12 step program that expands to meet many addictions/issues as well---so I could really appreciate how the Fix Workbook was really meeting the needs of many.

I do think it will take a special kind of person to really sit down and work through these questions. They are NOT easy. They will take a lot of work, accountability and support. A LOT. They are not just "gloss over it questions" so I am hoping that people plan on mentoring & allowing ample time.

After all that has been said---I really can forsee the Fix Workbook being a guide to helping people put into practice what they are learning at a 12 step program (or what they would if they were going!). This is POWERFUL material ---if you do the work! The Fix gives people the tools to do the work. It is not a book I would recommend to everyone, but for the right people, I would wholeheartedly recommend it.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only all-star holdout was the overly folksy writing style Cron chose for the book. Perhaps an editor determined this approach might offer an appeal to a less erudite consumer, I'm not sure. Regardless, this book has so much to offer EVERY reader! And I for one will be re-reading it regularly, or just as often as I need the Fix to fill the Big Ache of living in a hard world. Highly recommend!

[Ashlee Grussing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for everyone (not just alcoholics and drug addicts). Everyone can benefit from the 12 steps, it will teach you how to take back your life and find true freedom. Whatever is taking up space in your brain, making you into a person you don’t like, this will ground you.

This book should be in everyone’s tool box for those seasons of life that are tougher then others.

[Avery Holbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke down the 12 steps into “plain English” and into bite sized bits. I found this writing style very welcoming and approachable as a newcomer in the AA community.

[Danica Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐helpful,convicting, and real

[Ariana Igwebuike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. Couldn’t recommend it more.

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are all addicts. Most of us are just socially acceptable ones.

The good news? Addiction isn’t the actual problem—it’s the symptom of the problem.

The bad news? The problem isn’t going anywhere.

Cron’s explanation of the problem: “You and I were made for paradise, but we feel like we’re stuck in a Motel 6 on the border between heaven and earth.”

In other words, we’re all temporarily homeless.

Every day, we encounter what Cron articulates as a big ache—that deep, persistent feeling that this is not how things are supposed to be.

In an attempt to soothe that ache, we jump from one fix to the next. And so the the vicious cycle begins: we feel out of place, numb our pain (an act that usually ends up hurting ourselves or those we love), feel shame, and start the cycle again.

“The Fix” shows us how to open the closed circuit with The 12 Steps.

The 12 Steps don’t get rid of the big ache. They offer a more constructive way of coping with it, which is really great news considering most of us don’t want to hurt ourselves or those who cross our path.

After reading, I would argue that The 12 Steps are the most relevant expressions of spiritual disciplines available to us today. I will return to them often, if not daily.

[Cathy Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading "THE FIX" by Ian Morgan Cron. The subtitle is "How the Twelve Steps offer a surprising path for transformation for the well-adjusted, the down-and-out, and everyone in between." I've heard of AA and the Twelve Steps all my life. Before reading this, I think I believed they were a way to solve life's problems by ourselves. Rather, Cron notes, "the purpose of the Twelve Steps is to facilitate a spiritual awakening that renders our need for numbing addictive substances or behaviors unnecessary and enables us to become emotionally and spiritually wiser people who can be of maximum service to God and others".
The steps are built on spiritual principles:
One: honesty
Two: hope
Three: faith
Four: courage
Five: Integrity
Six: willingness
Seven: humility
Eight: forgiveness
Nine: love
Ten: perseverance
Eleven: spiritual awakeness
Twelve: service
The practices for acknowledging God, needing a Savior, and working with the Holy Spirit to work in your life as described complement, not compete against, all I've known and believe.
Aren't we all in "recovery" for something? I'm thankful this book came into my path.

[Brian Benner · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second book that I have had the blessing of spending tome with the author. Ian goes on to write a book about “The Big Book”. No, not the bible, but the 12 steps in Alcoholic Anonymous. This is a book for everyone. Whether you are struggling with an addiction of your own or you want a beautiful playbook on how to find peace in a world that is anything but, this book is for you. He is so raw and real about his own struggles as well as hilarious at times. I loved it. May you find it as much a blessing as I did. My favorite line was and I believe I am paraphrasing is “The ability of an addict fixing himself by himself will have as much success as someone trying to blow a lightbulb out…” We all need community and people in our corners to cheer us along the way or be there for us when our world comes crashing down and we need to put the pieces back together but in a more constructive way. I hope you would give this book a chance to experience a new perspective on living. Cheers!

[Grier · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this book isn’t a replacement for finding a 12 step group and running the program through that platform. Nor is the book especially helpful in teaching how the 12-step applies to general problems in life

Written by a priest I expected him to connect the 12-step program to the Gospel more directly, but there’s not even an attempt. That was a bad assumption on my part.

I really wanted to like this book and I wanted it to give me a better understanding of how 12-step programs work, but I think I would have been better off just reading The Big Book since it’s referenced so often and skipped the awkward personal anecdotes of the author.

[Brittany Futrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel as thought I learned so much about what the AA program entails and can now see why it has been so helpful for so many. Ian explains each step and adds his own experiences and stories. I laughed out loud at a few of his stories, which I wasn’t expecting. One reason I picked this book up is because my husband went through the program when he was younger and I wanted to have a greater understanding of it. And I ended up finishing the book with some helpful insight and perspective and things to reflect on for myself. I think that so much can be gleaned from this book from people in all walks and seasons of life.

[Carole Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I didn't know I needed. LOVE!
Ian Morgan Cron nails it home in an approachable way - we are all addicts. Breaking the cycle of addiction/habits/whatever you call it and can't seem to shake (online shopping, sports betting.. the list is endless), he lays out the power of the 12 Steps.
This book is funny. The candid, conversational tone set me at ease. I WANTED to pick up and finish this book instead of thinking I need to "work" through this book.
An enjoyable, eye-opening read.

[Kendall Ludwig · Rating 4 out of 5]

DNF—but not because it was bad, it was actually really good (what I read anyway).

But it's just not a book for me (blessedly). I really enjoy Cron's podcast so I figured I'd give it a read, but it's truly a self-help book for addicts that need immediate help. I got to a certain part where Cron basically told me to put down the book because I'm not the intended audience (fair!).

By the grace of God, I don't need this book, and I pray to God that I never will. I can only imagine what a life-saver it is for those that do need it.

[Sandy Duke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much NEW information here, but I found it to be an enjoyable explanation of The Twelve Steps. Cron is a rather irreverent Episcopal priest who is kind enough to share his take on the continuing process of recovery from his personal viewpoint and sometimes hilarious experience.

I highly recommend it to… well, anyone. Because whether you have come to the realization or not more than likely you have or will have an addiction to something.

[Rhonda Erickson-Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an alcoholic. By the grace of God I have many years of sobriety. Thank you Ian for pointing out I am currently running on autopilot and my inner voice is shouting "wake up". I haven't attended an AA meeting in a long time. I am sober and doing good so I don't need to go to a meeting. 🤣
Yep you will find me in an AA meeting later today!

[Cynthia Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very valuable read, one that speaks to the gift of the Twelve Steps for all of us. Cron points out how the Twelve Steps saved (and continue to save) his life. I enjoyed the book and found it helpful. At the same time, the overly lighthearted quips got in the way of genuinely lifting up how the Twelve Steps offer a truly transformative, life-changing spiritual practice.

[Mary Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ian Cron’s generous and hard earned wisdom reveals that the 12 steps are not just for alcoholics and addicts, but a path to a profound transformation of self for everyone.” Fr. Richard Rohr.
Couldn’t agree more. The Fix reveals the beauty, truth and wisdom which the Twelve Steps provide for ALL of us. Truly an inspirational guide to live by.

[Diana Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book in my opinion was a preface of what is to be expected when starting the Twelve Step Program. The author takes each step & breaks it down for the reader. He includes his own experiences and gets the reader ready to commit. Mostly speaking about alcohol & porn (for some odd reason) addiction, but the basic principles can be applied to other addictions as well.

[Wendy Nyborg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready for the companion workbook

Ian’s vulnerability and writing style captures the reader immediately. This book makes the 12-Steps easy to understand ad applicable to everyone. Can’t wait to start working through the Workbook as well.

[Chris Davey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best and most practical book that I have read on the 12 steps. Note: this is not a book only for people in recovery. The premise of this book is that the 12 steps are a way of life for everyone!

[Haley Williamson]

DNF. I tried, I really did. I recognize my own over identifying with his family and it started to feel like torture to me to keep reading. Might try to revisit it when I’m in a different place, or this may not be a book meant for me and that’s fine too.

[Trey Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great introduction to 12-step spirituality — a program of transformation for everyone, not just addicts in the traditional sense.

Accessible, clear, relaxed, full of anecdotes, avuncular, helpful.

For anyone of any faith or none who’s seeking a deeper spiritual life.

[Tere · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a concise book on the Twelve Steps but Cron strayed from his premise to write for everyone. He clearly explained how we are all addicts from the onset but lost his way in his folksy narratives.