1. Honesty (After many years of denial, recovery can begin with one simple admis­

sion of being powerless over alcohol) and Surrender. (Capitulation to hopeless­ ness.) [Rod L. Tape 1951 stated honesty and acceptance.]

2. Hope (Step 2 is the mirror image or opposite of Step 1. In Step 1 we admit that

alcohol is our higher power, and that our lives are unmanageable. In Step 2, we find a different Higher Power who we hope will bring about a return to sanity in the management of our lives) and Faith. (It seems to be a spiritual truth that before a higher power can begin to operate; you must first believe that it can.) [Rod L. Tape 1951 stated hope.]

3. Surrender, (A lifetime of self-will run riot can come to a screeching halt, and

change forever, by making a simple decision to turn it all over to a higher power) Faith and Commitment (The key word in Step 3 is decision). [Rod L. Tape 1951

4. Courage, (Firmness of mind in the face of extreme difficulty; mental or moral

strength to withstand fear) Honesty (An inventory of self ) and Soul Searching. (There is a saying in the 12-step program that recovery is a process, not an event. The same can be said for this step—more will surely be revealed.) [Rod L. Tape 1951 stated courage]

5. Truth (Candid confession to God and another human being.) and Integrity (The quality or state of being, complete or undivided; soundness). [Rod L. Tape 1951 stated integrity.]

6. Willingness (Choosing to abandon defects of character) and Acceptance. (The key to Step 6 is acceptance – accepting character defects exactly as they are

and becoming entirely willing to let them go.) [Rod L. Tape 1951 stated willing­ ness.]