12th Step Guidelines

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. Often, a phone call is all that is necessary. For an initial call, we recommend you mask your number by dialing (dialing?) *67. If you decide to arrange a 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.
• GENDER APPROPRIATE, however in an extreme emergency a mixed team may call on anyone.
• LOOK NEAT and presentable—you represent 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 their 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.
• DO NOT make promises you can’t keep or commit to anything you are uncomfortable with.
• IF A SITUATION STARTS TO MAKE YOU UNEASY, trust your gut and exit. It’s nice, but not necessary, to do it gracefully.
• 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