Understanding the Twelve Steps, textbook written by Terry Gorski, presents the principles that underlie the single most effective program for treatment of chemical addictions. That program, of course, is Alcoholics Anonymous, better known as AA. This home study offers explanation to the steps that millions of people use to transform their lives. Why? Because, if used intelligently, it works.  Gorski describes his personal interpretation of the Twelve Steps and the principles that underlie its success in a way helpful to both recovering people and therapists.

The primary purpose of A.A. is to help alcoholics stop drinking.  It was never intended to be all things to all people; however, A.A. recognized that the Twelve Steps can help people with other problems; therefore, it allows organizations such as Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Marijuana anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and other organizations to use its Steps and Principles.  These related fellowships have developed as separate organizations so the A.A. can keep its primary focus on helping alcoholics to stop drinking.

Knowledge of the Twelve Steps is of critical importance to all recovering people for two reasons:  1) The Steps work if you work them, and (2) Twelve Step programs are inexpensive and readily available in most communities.  As a result, they are the most widely used lifeline for people recovery from chemical dependency and other addictive disorders..