AA Step 2: Came to Believe That a Power Greater Than Ourselves Could Restore Us to Sanity

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship where people find spiritual growth and support each other in overcoming alcohol addiction.¹ Alcoholics Anonymous Steps offer essential tools to build a successful recovery foundation.¹ This article covers Step 2 of AA, including what it entails and how to find 12-Step programs near you.

What is Step 2 of AA?

Step 2 of AA states, “Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”² This step encourages belief in a higher power, helping you overcome your addiction by trusting in someone or something higher than yourself.³ By acknowledging the limitations of personal willpower, this step fosters a sense of hope and connection. It emphasizes the importance of humility and openness in the recovery process.

What is the Purpose of Step 2 of AA?

The purpose of Step 2 of AA is to relinquish control over your addiction and look to your higher power for guidance.³ By giving up control, you accept that you need help in your recovery journey.³ Finding something outside of yourself to motivate you to remain sober can create hope, support, and strength.

Many who don’t believe in a higher power can find this step challenging.³ However, AA doesn’t require religious affiliations, so the higher power is your choice.⁴

How to Complete Step 2 of AA

Completing Step 2 requires an open mind and a willingness to get better.³ Despite your spiritual or religious beliefs, having faith in a higher power can positively affect every aspect of your life. You can reach your decision in many ways. Here are some guidelines on how to complete Step 2 of AA:

• Connect with other AA members. You can talk with other members about how they chose their higher power, what it means to them, and how placing faith in a higher power has benefited them.
• Talk to your sponsor. Your sponsor can also provide insight into their experiences and explain how choosing a higher power and letting go of control can benefit recovery.
• Attend AA meetings. Participating in meetings can also clarify the significance of a higher power in 12-Step philosophy.
• Think of what you value. A higher power can be spiritual, religious, or anything you believe in. The higher power you choose should reflect something you admire, whether God, science, nature, a role model, or your moral principles.

How Step 2 of AA Fits into Your Recovery

Step 2 of AA sets the foundation for other steps and reaching long-term sobriety.³ Each step leads you closer to overcoming addiction and the burdens you may hold.¹ This step is at the starting point of the 12 Steps because it creates an essential connection you’ll lean on many times throughout your recovery. Understanding that something or someone outside of yourself is always offering support and guidance can help you through challenging times and build your drive to remain sober.

AA literature considers Step 2, “the rallying point” for those looking to stop their alcohol use since letting go of power in the early stages opens your mind to accepting help. It sets the premise for success in the following AA steps and allows you to achieve long-term recovery.¹

How to Find a 12-Step AA Program

Many start AA programs in group sessions as a part of a treatment program, such as inpatient or outpatient rehab. Still, you can attend AA meetings without completing formal rehab. AA meetings are available nationwide and are free for everyone.¹ You can find AA meetings near you using the meeting locator or meeting guide app on the AA website. You can also search local AA district websites to locate meetings near you.

Start Your Recovery

Professional treatment can also be beneficial if you’re interested in 12-Step programs or are already a member. Attending rehab gives you access to individualized care and trained addiction specialists who can help you address the underlying causes of addiction and develop relapse-prevention skills.⁵ Many alcohol addiction treatment programs incorporate the 12-Steps to foster relationships with peers and aid in your recovery journey.⁵

Multiple levels of care are available to meet you where you are in recovery, including:⁵

• Medical detox, which helps people withdraw from certain substances as comfortably and safely as possible.
• Inpatient addiction treatment, which offers structured treatment while patients live onsite at a rehab facility. Here patients participate in various types of behavioral counseling and therapy and support groups.
• Outpatient addiction treatment programs, which offer treatment during the day but allow patients to live at home. These programs vary in intensity, providing similar therapeutic interventions as inpatient care.

If you or a loved one is ready to start your recovery journey, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help. Contact AAC at or complete the form below to learn more about addiction, health insurance coverage for rehab, and other ways to pay for treatment.