The Twelve Steps of Gamblers Anonymous

The Recovery Program

Here are the steps which are a program of recovery.

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Illustration of the Twelve Steps A staircase of twelve numbered steps rises toward a soft sun, with a person climbing near the top and a heart glowing above, representing the Twelve Step program of recovery taken one step at a time. 123456789101112
The Twelve Steps

Here are the steps which are a program of recovery.

  1. Step 1

    We admitted that we were powerless over gambling – that our lives had become unmanageable. (opens the Step 1 working guide in a new tab)

    Working guide for Step 1 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Step 2

    Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to a normal way of thinking and living. (opens the Step 2 working guide in a new tab)

    Working guide for Step 2 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Step 3

    Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Power of our own understanding. (opens the Step 3 working guide in a new tab)

    Working guide for Step 3 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Step 4

    Made a searching and fearless moral and financial inventory of ourselves. (opens the Step 4 working guide in a new tab)

    Working guide for Step 4 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Step 5

    Admitted to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. (opens the Step 5 working guide in a new tab)

    Working guide for Step 5 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Step 6

    Were entirely ready to have these defects of character removed. (opens the Step 6 working guide in a new tab)

    Working guide for Step 6 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Step 7

    Humbly ask God (of our understanding) to remove our shortcomings. (opens the Step 7 working guide in a new tab)

    Working guide for Step 7 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Step 8

    Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. (opens the Step 8 working guide in a new tab)

    Working guide for Step 8 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Step 9

    Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. (opens the Step 9 working guide in a new tab)

    Working guide for Step 9 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Step 10

    Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. (opens the Step 10 working guide in a new tab)

    Working guide for Step 10 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Step 11

    Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. (opens the Step 11 working guide in a new tab)

    Working guide for Step 11 (opens in a new tab)
  12. Step 12

    Having made an effort to practice these principles in all our affairs, we tried to carry this message to other compulsive gamblers. (opens the Step 12 working guide in a new tab)

    Working guide for Step 12 (opens in a new tab)

Note: Click the STEP to open the working guide in a new tab.

Start with Step 1
Your first steps

Beginning your journey to recovery

Beginning your journey to recovery is a big and brave step. The first moves you make are really important. They set the stage for a better, healthier future.

Taking the first steps towards recovery needs courage, self-awareness, and a promise to change. Realizing that you need a transformation, seeking help from fellows, and setting practical goals are key to starting a successful recovery program. Remember, you’re not alone – there are people, groups, and experts ready to support you at every turn. Embrace this new beginning with determination and hope, knowing that you’re on the road to a brighter future.

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One step at a time

Work the Steps with others who understand

Meetings are where members share how they work the Steps, one day at a time.

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The Unity Program A Day at a Time Twenty Questions