Dr. Bob’s Original Six Steps vs. Today’s Twelve

📜 Dr. Bob’s Original Six Steps vs. Today’s Twelve

Original Six Steps (1930s–40s)

Modern Twelve Steps

1. Complete deflation (admit defeat)

Step 1: Admit powerlessness over alcohol

2. Dependence and guidance from a Higher Power

Step 2 & 3: Believe in and turn life over to a Higher Power

3. Moral inventory

Step 4: Fearless moral inventory

4. Confession of shortcomings

Step 5: Admit wrongs to God, self, and another

5. Restitution

Steps 8 & 9: Make amends to those harmed

6. Continued work with other alcoholics

Step 12: Carry the message to others

🔍 Source: Recovery Sandbox and AA Book Club

⚡ Why Dr. Bob Did It All in One Session

• Urgency: In early AA, people were often on the brink—there was no time to wait.

• Simplicity: The program was more streamlined, focused on immediate spiritual surrender.

• Spiritual Catalyst: The goal was to trigger a rapid spiritual awakening, not a slow therapeutic process.

• Action over analysis: They believed transformation came from doing, not just talking.

In He Sold Himself Short, Earl T. describes how Dr. Bob walked him through all six steps in a few hours, ending with both men kneeling in prayer. That was his “white light” moment—and he stayed sober.

🔄 Modern Fast-Track Revivals

Some groups today are bringing back this approach:

• Back to Basics AA: A movement that guides newcomers through all 12 steps in four sessions (or even one weekend).

• Step Workshops: Some retreats or intensive programs walk people through the steps in a day or two.

• Psychedelics in Recovery: Some use intentional psychedelic experiences to catalyze the kind of ego-deflation and spiritual awakening the early steps aimed for.

These aren’t shortcuts—they’re accelerators. The idea is to get people spiritually grounded fast, then deepen the work over time.