The 12-Step Call is a vital part of your program of recovery ~ it is virtually the 12th Step. It is your personal way to help an active alcoholic by sharing your experience, strength and hope. Here are a few suggestions that experience have shown to be helpful. None of these are MUSTS, but each can make for a better 12th Step call. Please remember, ours is a program of attracion rather than promotion.
- BE AVAILABLE to carry the message. CALL BACK PROMPTLY to arrange your visit. Be sure to get directions.
- NEVER, NEVER, NEVER go alone. ALWAYS get someone to go with you, preferably an AA member with more experience, if possible.
- MEN with men, WOMEN with women, however in an extreme emergency a man/woman team may call on either.
- LOOK NEAT and presentable—you are representing recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous.
- BE PATIENT, compassionate, and LISTEN. SHARE freely of your experience—especially your feelings of loneliness, hopelessness and confusion before AA.
- EXPLAIN the three-fold aspect of the disease (physical, mental and spiritual), stressing that alcoholism is a PROGRESSIVE and often FATAL ILLNESS
- DETERMINE the willingness of the person to do something about his/her condition.
- SUGGEST taking action TODAY. Suggest a time to take this newcomer to a meeting.
- DISCUSS with the family what AA has to offer, and suggest ALANON or ALATEEN. Leave literature and a meeting list.
- IF YOU ARE WILLING, leave your phone number and encourage them to call you.
- PLEASE don’t make any promises you can’t keep.
- In case of EMERGENCIES — DT’s, convulsions, suicide threats or violence — CALL 911 and follow their directions. DON’T PANIC.
Printable 12th Step Call Brochure: Brochure12-Step-Call-How-To NCMCO