This AA Morning Step Work Sheet is designed for newcomers or anyone who wants to start each day off in a way that will definitely set them up for a new & better life.
This Trigger List is designed for newcomers or anyone who has never written down those things that might trigger either drinking, drugging or acting out in a way that hurts them or others.
The Powerless List is designed for newcomers or anyone who has never written down those things that they feel powerless over but have found they have a habit of hoping or trying to change.
This Unmanageable List is designed for newcomers or anyone who has never written down those things that are overwhelming their life, creating situations whereby there is so much “stuff” that they can’t seem to handle it. This is where life feels unmanageable.
This is 4th Step Resentment Inventory is designed for newcomers or anyone who wishes to do a forth step out of the Big Book. The only exception to the Big Book’s instruction is a 5th column, whereby we identify what we can do differently in the future.
This is 4th Step Harms Inventory is designed for newcomers or anyone who wishes to do a forth step out of the Big Book. The only exception to the Big Book’s instruction is a 5th column, whereby we identify what we can do differently in the future.
This is 4th Step Fears Inventory is designed for newcomers or anyone who wishes to do a forth step out of the Big Book. The only exception to the Big Book’s instruction is a 5th column, whereby we identify what we can do differently in the future.
This is 4th Step Sex Inventory is designed for newcomers or anyone who wishes to do a forth step out of the Big Book. The only exception to the Big Book’s instruction is a 5th column, whereby we identify what we can do differently in the future.
This 6th & 7th Step Worksheet is fantastic for newcomers or anyone who wishes to do formally work these steps by spotting the character defects that are affecting us each day, and then asking for our HP to help remove them from us. If working a step-a-month program, I suggest using these sheets as your primary step work for June & July, in conjunction with reading Drop the Rock (See Spiritual Backpack link).
4th Step Character Defect Checklist
This sheet was created by Chris K as an adjunct to the 4th step in order to identify the character defects that played a part in each item from our 4th step. It’s a fantastic way to easily move into steps 6 & 7.
This 8th Step Worksheet is fantastic for newcomers or anyone who wishes to do formally work these steps by rigorously cleaning up their side of the street, thereby eliminating feelings of shame, guilt, remorse, resentment, and self-pity. Remember, this is just the list! Writing it down does not mean you’ll be making an amends, that’s to discuss with your sponsor first. This just shows your willingness. Also, for any amends involving something that could hurt you or others if it was read by someone (cheating, lying, stealing, crimes, etc), it’s HIGHLY suggested to write in code (i.e., instead of “robbed ABC bank on 12/14/89” write “took a pen from the bank”, or instead of “slept with the neighbor”, possibly “took the pen from my neighbor”). This can save lots of heartache and pain (trust me). Included in these sheets is detailed instructions, a Blank 8th Step Sheet, a Category Sheet to trigger memories, and Assets/Gratitude Sheet. If working a step-a-month program, I suggest using these sheets as your primary step work for August, in conjunction with reading You Can’t Make Me Angry (See Spiritual Backpack link).
There is no Step 9 worksheet, as this is a step that needs to be made to the person(s) we have harmed. I find that it’s VERY important to go over your Step 8 list with a sponsor or other 12 Step member that has worked all the steps – someone whom you trust for direction. I first help my sponsees determine which amends should be made, and which shouldn’t. This is determined primarily by examining the underlying motivation behind the desire (or discomfort) to make the amends. Then when we have a solid list that we both feel right about, most of the amends should be made in person, face to face. However, there will be some that cannot, or should not, be made face-to-face. Alternatives could be by phone, email, text, letter, etc. I encourage my sponsees to attempt diligently to find those that we feel an amends should be made to, using all resources available, including the internet, Facebook, friends, etc. Again, these decisions and actions should, in my opinion, only be made with the help of someone experienced in the program. I’ve attached the Step 9 from the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, something that can benefit us all before attempting to practice this step.
Step 10 is, in my opinion, a life-long step, as many of our steps are. This is where we begin to use all the experience of having worked the prior 9 steps, as a basis for daily living. I consider daily journaling an intrinsic part of working this step. It is only by examining myself on a regular basis, that I can find what is working well in my life (and grow that), and what behaviors I’m engaging in that are perhaps not so loving towards me and others (and work on reducing those). My personal method of journaling is to first write the date, then the physical location I am at, then what has been happening in my life since my last entry (or at least in the last 24 hours of my life). During the writing I make sure that I examine my actions to see if I have harmed anyone, and write about my part. If I find that I have hurt someone, even unintentionally, I stop writing and usually pick up my cell phone and make direct amends (unless I am close to them and can do it in person). I end my daily entry with my gratitude list, followed these days, by xoxo Mom, xoxo Christopher, xoxo Grandma. Those are my three angels that only live in my heart now (mom, baby brother and g-ma). I buy journals that are comfortable, with thicker lines, and not too heavy to carry in my spiritual backpack. Initially, I offer my sponsees some 10th step worksheets to get them into the habit of the step.
Step 11 is so personal that I am tempted not to offer any suggestions. However, I will tell you a little about my personal quest for for a connection with a Higher Power. I didn’t grow up in a religious family. My dad essentially told me that God is love, when I asked him about a higher power. When I was in college I took a course on religious studies. As part of the course I was to immerse myself in a couple of religions, and write reports about them. I first joined a bible study group on campus, and of course was the thorn in everyone’s side – always questioning everything, pointing out discrepancies and showing how a subtle shift in the interpretations of the words resulted in an entirely new meaning. Then I lived with at the Robertson location of Hare Krsna for two nights. I worked in the kitchen with them, prayed with them, and solicited donations with them. Those experiences left me feeling that there was definitely some good things contained in various religions, but the aspect of needing someone else to define my higher power and tell me how I should connect with God was something I wanted no part of. Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of sponsees that love being part of a religious organization, and it makes their life richer because of it. But one of the greatest gifts of the 12 step programs is that it allows each of us to determine they type of faith we want in our lives. My type became a deep, personal relationship with a God of my not-understanding. And it took quite awhile. In fact, it wasn’t until around the 10th year of sobriety that I got tired of not having this thing called a Higher Power. Until that point, the program and fellowship was sort of like my Higher Power. It changed one day when, driving along the Pali in Maui, I heard a radio announcer say “Hey folks, you want to know what God is? I’ll tell you what God is. God is a make-believe friend for grownups. That’s what God is.” In the moment of hearing that I realized that I could have that. I could make-up what God is to me. When I next journaled, I wrote down “If God were real, here’s what I would want God to be like…” And that became the God I began having a friendship with. Each of us has our own path to spirituality, and I encourage you to take what I’ve said and leave the rest – it certainly won’t work for everyone. But that’s my little story of finding a Higher Power. I can tell you that, having found a Higher Power, and now having a relationship with God, has make my life both easier and more enjoyable. I talk to my HP all the time now. Here’s what the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions has to say about Step 11.
Step 12 assumes that we’ve had a Spiritual Awakening. This was tough for me because, as I’ve told you, I had trouble with the concept of God for the first 10 years of sobriety. Not only that, it took quite awhile to complete all the other 11 steps (having gone to only a few meetings and having had no sponsor during my first 7 years of abstinence). As such, I was unable to do the second part of this step (practice the principles), or the third part (carry the message). However, eventually I did find a Higher Power. And though, in retrospect, it would not be until many years that I feel I really began working the program regularly in my life, I did begin carrying this message to others at around 10 years sobriety. I did it at first by sharing and being of service at meetings, and then eventually sponsoring others (which got me to start reading the Big Book regularly). I did the 12 Step work from attachment below for many years, and periodically do it again every few years. I’ve also shared it with many sponsees, who have said they found it useful. Enjoy!
The path through recovery led me to a sponsor (who is no longer with us) that urged me to find a way to really love myself unconditionally. He suggested the standard “Look in the mirror and say ‘I love you James’ every morning, until I finally really did love myself. It took me just over a year, but I finally got it. Recently I was looking online and found some great self-love affirmation images to print and put up on my mirror to read and remind me of how much I love being me. Click on the link above and enjoy!
12 Step Work 
Dude your totally on fire!!!!
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The only way to be!!!!!
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Thank you James! Can you tell me what the 4th step “sex” inventory is? I thought that was the 13th step 😉 ILML
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Hey Ryan, the 4th step inventory asks us to look at our sex relations, do we do a searching and thorough inventory on our attitudes and behavior around sex.
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Ryan your welcome. It’s an honor and privilege to be in recovery with you. Love ya!
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Hi i happen to come across your comments. I am in recovery and have been for some time but havent been going to meetings like i should. So i am going tonight at 8:15 and will be going to one everyday. Why i havent been going there are no excuses or valid reasons and i know i need to change that😌
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I’ve been exactly where you are many times. I find it hard to get back into going to meetings when I’ve slacked off, but once I’m consistent for a bit I’m so grateful to be back in the center of the pack. It’s also the best way for me to be of service and stop trying to run the show. Congratulations for recommitting 🙂
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Sorry so late on an answer. As I understand it, the 13th step is a way to hookup with very sick alcoholics. Of course, you’ll have to do a thorough job on the prior 12 before you have the privilege of this level of misery 🙂
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Holy shit, man! Now THAT was f’n FUNNY! and yet still encouraging to setting down the bottle. Thanks for making me laugh! I’m on day 13 myself for the 1st X of my life & grabbin the Steps by the balls. GO BIG OR GO HOME! & I’ve always believed laughter truly is the best medicine, & I just happened to walk into the rooms and found a bigass, loud, boisterous & just god damned funnier than shit! Had I not…. I prob wouldn’tve stepped back a 2nd X.
THANK THE UNIVERSE FOR SERENDIPITY WHEN IT’S NEEDED MOST!
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You’re welcome! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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Holy shit, man! Now THAT was f’n FUNNY! and yet still encouraging to setting down the bottle. Thanks for making me laugh! I’m on day 13 myself for the 1st X of my life & grabbin the Steps by the balls. GO BIG OR GO HOME! & I’ve always believed laughter truly is the best medicine, & I just happened to walk into the rooms and found a bigass, loud, boisterous & just god damned funnier than shit group of peeps that accepted me with open arms, hand shakes, hugs & ear to ear smiles! Had I not…. I prob wouldn’tve stepped back a 2nd X.
THANK THE UNIVERSE FOR SERENDIPITY WHEN IT’S NEEDED MOST!
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I found this searching the internet. Many Thanks to the creator of this!!!
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Thanks for your response and sorry for the late reply. I had forgotten that I put this blog up (probably all the pot I smoked when I was younger) while enjoying the fullness of living an amazing life that I love. However, now that I have rediscovered it, I’ll keep a closer eye on it and post more often!
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Hello all this looks awesome! I am looking for stuff for my sponcees. Is all of this AA approved? thanks
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Aloha… no this is definitely NOT all AA or AlAnon approved. This is the way I work the steps in my life and with my sponsees. As with everything in our program, please take what you like and leave the rest. Than you for looking and I apologize for the late response.
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It is strange to find out just how many drefeifnt websites there are on this subject. I don’t know if I’m ever going to need to be back here, but it’s awesome to know I stumbled upon the one that offers a little valuable stuff if this comes up for me again
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Thanks for the compliment. Best wishes, James!
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Hello all of this looks awesome! Is it AA approved? Im looking for paperwork for my sponcees thanks
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thank you so much! this is wonderful and so well thought out. am i missing something? where are the steps 9 thru 12?…jim…balto.
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Jim, yes in fact you were missing something. When I created this blog I had only posted the work sheets up until Step 8, as I was going through them with several sponsees. In the course of living the amazing life, and getting caught up with all the things I was so grateful for, I got away from the blog. I recently was reminded of it and have been catching up today – responding to comments and updating. Thank you so much for pointing out that I had failed to post the step work for these steps. I spent the last couple of hours adding them. Also, I apologize for the tardy reply – thanks again… James.
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Great worksheets, Thank you for doing these. This displays service work at it’s best ;)……Mikey
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Thank you and your welcome. Helping others (the opposite of what my life was all about before sobriety) helps make my life wonderful 🙂
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i am working on 15 months march 4th. I’ve been in and out of the program for a decade. I have a sponsor now and this is the most honest and rewarding time its paid off. I’ve found many sites and this by far has been the most helpful.
-thank you for your time
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Oh wow thank you and congratulations. I just hit 32 years in January and I really have learned how to love life in sobriety – that’s my secret for staying sober, same and happy. Best wishes in your recovery. James
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Thank you. My biggest leap was learning the difference between my sobriety and recovery. My sobriety is my clean count and my recovery is me being in sink with everything and enjoying life. I detached myself with the angry feeling of not being able to drink to the its okay feeling of accepting i chose not to drink. Night and day difference how I see things now. Hope to run into you in the rooms sometime. Congrats on 32yrs…
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Your experience is perfectly in sync with mine. So grateful to know the difference, and even more so, to put the recovery into action. As a result I’m kinder, and more loving, to both myself and others. What a wonderful way to live life!
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Very cool. Well thought out, well laid out and a huge help. I’ve been sober for some time and doing the steps again. This will be a huge help. Thanks for putting it together. You Rock!!!
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Mike, thanks so much for the kudos. I’m grateful to be of service and part of the solution. It’s like the 11th step prayer “make me a channel..”. When I share my experience, strength and hope with you and others, it makes me feel good about who I am today. I’m not a religious guy per se, but I certainly understand the concept of being “born again”. The program gave me a second chance to recreate myself as a kind, loving, giving guy – the opposite of who I was in my drinking and using days. Enjoy the site and may your life continue to be one more wonderful each and every day – James 🙂
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Do you happen to have free copies of this materials that you could send me. I have trouble navigate the internet on My phone. I have to get serious with my recovery as I am homebound after a life threatening illness. Thank-you. Please send to Cindy Squires. 113 1/2 N church St Hudson MI 49247.
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Sure. I’ll print some up and put them in the mail. Glad to see you’re on the road to recovery (physically and emotionally) and grateful to be able to help a little. James.
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Thanks so much I’m. Still not. Used to the whole. Online but I am glad to find you.
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hi everyone….jennifer here., alcoholic
sobriety date march 12, 2014. back from a relapse
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Jennifer the longest any of us has is 24 hours at a time. Congratulations for coming back!
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Way to go Jennifer!! You are back…I had one of those as well…it takes what it takes…thank God you and I came back…Much love and support….thanks James Q for these fantastic resources…Thank you for your service to others.
Paige
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Totally agree with you Paige, I too am grateful she came back. The record time for sobriety is one day – at a time. Thanks for your support!
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thanks you guys. i received my 60 day chip tonight!!!
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Yahoo!!! Jennifer that’s so awesome congratulations!!!👍👍👍
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I am so glad to have met you here in Beantown, MA. I REALLY NEEDED A BOOST IN MY PROGRAM, etc… And my HP brought you here for me:-). I understand there were other reasons you were here, but am I ever glad to have met you and been put in touch with you.
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Great to meet you too Christopher!
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Thank you so much for posting this. I am in AA and NA and plan to use these tools for both!
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Awesome. You’re welcome. Enjoy!
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Just found this site today, have spent the last few hours enjoying every bit of it!!! Must say I have found the readings/writings inspiring, and think the WorkSheets are wonderful!!!
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I’m so glad you enjoy it!
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Was wanting na worksheet
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I’m sorry Renee, though I’ve read some of the NA books and been to several NA meetings and definitely consider myself a drug addict & alcoholic in recovery my primary experience in recovery is AA and AlAnon. For those reasons I don’t have NA sheets. However, if you would like to work with me and provide suggested changes on the AA sheets to bring them more in line with the NA program, I would be happy to reformat them. Let me know. James 😉
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I can’t seem to get the worksheets to download. Can you offer any suggestions?
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I’m not sure what platform you’re on – mac or pc – or what the exact problem is. Can you email me at jamesquine at aol dot com?
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I just started working with a very confused Sponsee who questions everything and needs guidelines. The information and worksheets you have provided on this site are the BEST I’ve ever seen. They are inspiring me to re-work the Steps! Wow!
Thank you for sharing your experience, strength and hope!
God Bless!
Hermene
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Awesome. Glad it all helps. If you need anything else please feel free to ask. James 🙂
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Looked at several worksheets online and yours were by far my favorite. Printing up a folder now. Thanks for your service to your fellows, and helping us all stay sober one day at a time.
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Glad I could share them with you and everyone else. Enjoy!
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I have no way to print any of these. I Need ALL of them. Of anyone could do a HUGE Favor & Send me these worksheets. PLEASE PLEASE email me at (email blocked) for my address. Please help me SAVE MY LIFE!!!!
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Got the message. Sent them to your email. Best wishes for sobriety, recovery and happiness!
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🙂☺😘
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I want to use the Powerless Tool Worksheet in a book I’m creating for a 12 step group do I have your permission to use it as is in the book? I’m afraid this maybe a copyright infringement.
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Sure but it needs a bit of updating. Hit me up at jamesquine@aol.com and I’ll send you an updated version then post it on this site. I can also give you a written permission letter. James!
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Merry Christmas. Thank you for this wonderful sight. I am fresh out of rehab and was having some difficulties. Having a very hard time finding womens groups in my area and needed more for myself to learn the steps until I have a home group and sponsor..
Again thank you so very much
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Congratulations Allison! You never have to drink or use again. I’m glad some of the tools here are helping. I do want to encourage you to find a sponsor, even if you’re in a remote area. You can always get a temporary phone sponsor too. If you need I can give you some references. May you have a safe and sober holiday season!
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I love your worksheets! Do I have your permission to repost them on my blog? Thank you so much for your service!
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Absolutely! Spread the message and love 🙂
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Awesome! Thank you!!
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You’re welcome! 🙂
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🤩
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Thank you
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You’re welcome!!!
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The are Amazing worksheets and so helpful. I’ve been looking for something that will put the step work in a clear focused manner. I think these will be perfect! Thank you so much for your generous time and loving hearts!
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Awesome! So happy you like them! 🙂
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