From: crispops@world.std.com (Dale A Smoak)
Subject: 16 Steps
Summary: An alternative to the 12 steps
Keywords: recovery, addictions, higher power
Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1992 09:49:13 GMT

A program friend of mine gave me a copy of what follows, which I wish to
post literally and without comment:

------------------------beginning of quoted text--------------------------

16 Steps for Discovery and Empowerment
    copyright Charlotte Kasl, 1991.  Through the Voices of Many Women and Men

1) We admit/acknowledge we have the power to take charge of our lives and
stop being dependent on substances or other people for our self-esteem and
security.  
Alternative: We admit/acknowledge we were out of control with/powerless
over _____________ but have the power to take charge of our lives and stop
being dependent on substances or other people for our self-esteem and
security.

2) We come to believe that God/Goddess/Universe/Great Spirit/Higher Power
awakens the healing wisdom within us when we open ourselves to that power.

3) We make a decision to become our authentic selves and trust in the
healing power of the truth.

4) We examine our beliefs, addictions, and dependent behavior in the
context of living in a hierarchal, patriarchal culture.

5) We share with another person and the Universe all those things inside
of us for which we feel shame and guilt.

6) We become willing to let go of shame, guilt and any behavior that
prevents us from taking control of our lives and loving ourselves and others.

7) We appreciate and develop our strengths, talents, and intelligence,
striving not to hide these qualities to protect other's egos.

8) We make a list of people we have harmed and people who have harmed us,
and take steps to clear out negative energy by making amends and sharing
our grievances in a respectful way.

9) We express gratitude to people who have been kind or loving to us, and
remember to acknowledge our many blessings.

10) We learn to trust our reality and daily affirm that we see what we
see, we know what we know and we feel what we feel.  When we are right, we
promptly admit it and refuse to back down.

11) We promptly admit to mistakes and make amends when appropriate, but we
do not say we are sorry for things we have not done and we do not cover
up, analyze or take responsibility for the shortcomings of others.

12) We seek out situations, jobs, and people that affirm our intelligence,
perceptions, and self-worth and avoid situations or people who are
hurtful, harmful, or demeaning to us.

13) We take steps to heal our physical bodies, organize our lives, reduce
stress and have fun.

14) We seek to find our inward calling, and develop the will and wisdom to
follow it.

15) We accept the ups and downs of life as natural events that give us
lessons for growth.

16) We grow in awareness that we are sacred beings, interrelated with all
living things and, when ready, take an active part in helping the planet
become a better place for all life.

     **You are free to make copies of these steps as long as credit is
given to: Charlotte Kasl, copyright 1991, *Many Roads, One Journey: Moving
Beyond the 12 Steps*.  Harper Collins 1992.

     Please let us know if you are using these steps in a group so we can
keep a list.  If you wish to adapt the steps, send a copy of the
adaptation and a description of the setting where they will be used to: 
Many Roads, One Journey - PO Box 7073 - Minneapolis, MN 55407

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My first exposure to this set of steps was three days ago.  I was
interested enough to buy the author's book, and I don't usually shop in
bookstores' Recovery sections.  

--Dale                 crispops@world.std.com
Xref: sparky alt.recovery:3751 alt.support:1573