AA Step 11: Use Prayer and Meditation for Conscious Contact with a Higher Power
Step 11 of Alcoholics Anonymous provides a lasting framework for sobriety, providing you with tools that you can come back to time and again. By learning how to connect with your Higher Power, you’re giving yourself ongoing support that’s not dependent on external factors. Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Step 11 of AA.
What Is Step 11 of AA?
Step 11 of AA states, “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.”1
Many people in AA are experiencing life without alcohol for the first time and find that the unique challenges that come with a new lifestyle can be profoundly eased by turning to a higher power.1 Leaning on a religious community, your sponsor, or others sharing your belief system can help you work through Step 11.
What Is the Purpose of Step 11 of AA?
The purpose of AA Step 11 is to provide the support that you need to uphold your sobriety by providing an internal sense of peace while deepening your connection with your spirituality.
Prayer and meditation can help you feel centered and inspired and can provide you with guidance from your Higher Power to keep you focused as you continue your journey of recovery.
How to Complete Step 11 of AA?
It’s important to understand that the term Higher Power is not associated with any one religion or concept. Understand what the term Higher Power means to you before you begin Step 11. If you’re unsure of where to begin, your sponsor will be able to help.
If you’re new to prayer and meditation, you may want to start small. Spending a few minutes in quiet peace each day can be a great start to a meditation practice.
When it comes to prayer, you can simply talk to your Higher Power as if they’re in the room with you. Talk to them about the struggles that you’re having with your sobriety, express gratitude for parts of your recovery that are going well, and ask for continued support in walking your new path.
How Step 11 Fits into Your Recovery Journey
Step 11 follows the personal inventory required in Step 10. Taking a personal inventory can be challenging and, at times, disheartening. Learning to turn to a Higher Power can give you motivation, inspiration, and comfort as you continue through recovery. Step 12 asks that AA members continue their spiritual awakening by carrying the message to other alcoholics and to continue to practice the principles of AA in all settings.
Many people find that having the foundation provided by Step 11 gives them the safety net that they need when life gets difficult and they’re tempted to drink. If you feel so inclined, joining a religious or spiritual community can help to bolster your faith in your Higher Power.
How to Find a 12-Step AA Program
You may begin attending 12-Step programs as part of the rehabilitative process. Many people get started with AA while attending drug and alcohol detox, then continue with AA meetings through their inpatient or outpatient treatment, as well as throughout their aftercare.
If you’re currently in treatment, you may want to ask your therapist if 12-Step programming could be a good fit for you as you make the transition back to day-to-day life. Use this list of resources to get contact information for AA in your area so that you can find a meeting at the right location and time for you.
Start Your Recovery
If you’re interested in attending AA meetings, you may also benefit from inpatient addiction treatment or outpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs. At American Addiction Centers, our team is here to help. Contact one of our admissions navigators at to learn more about our programs, verify your benefits, and discover which of our treatment options may be the right fit for your needs. No matter what your insurance plan is, help is available. Reach out today to get started.