Understanding the 12 Steps: An Interpretation and Guide For Recovering People

6 CE Hours
187 members have taken this course
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About the Course

Millions of people have transformed their lives by working the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Their success has come from their ability to truly understand these principles and to apply them in their daily lives. Yet for many embarking on the road to recovery, the Steps can seem vague, even confusing. This practical, no-nonsense guide takes the mystery out of the Twelve Steps, presenting a straightforward explanation of what each step means, as well as examples of how it translates to real life. Understanding the Twelve Steps features a clear, easy-to-understand interpretation of the Twelve Steps--the vital building blocks to recovery, checklists that summarize the tasks and objectives of each step and the Twelve promises--and discusses the positive changes you can expect in your life if you follow the Twelve Steps.

This course is based on the book, Understanding the 12 Steps: An Interpretation and Guide For Recovering People created by Terence T. Gorski

Publication Details

Journal/Publisher: Hazelden
Publication Date: 1989 First Edition

Course Material Author

Terence T. Gorski

Terence T. Gorski, M.A.,C.A.C., is the president of the CENAPS Corporation, a training, consultation, and research firm specializing in chemical dependency treatment and relapse prevention therapy.

Terence T. Gorski authored the material only, and was not involved in creating this CE course. They are identified here for your own evaluation of the relevancy of the material this course is based on.

Course Creator

Maximillian Schwanekamp

Target Audience

This course is recommended for health care professionals, especially addiction counselors, clients in recovery, psychologists, counselors, social workers, and nurses who seek knowledge about the Twelve Step process. It is appropriate for an introductory to intermediate level of participants' knowledge.

Learning Objectives

After taking this activity, you should be able to:

  1. 1 Describe a Twelve Step program.
  2. 2 Explain the "Twelve Step Plus" approach.
  3. 3 Identify what happens at Twelve Step meetings.

Disclosure to Learners

CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity – including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).

The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and the reviewer:

Planners and Reviewers

The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

Material Authors

There are no known relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Course Creator

Maximillian Schwanekamp – There are no known relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial support

There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.

Use our CE Approvals tool to look up your state requirements and how can help you meet them, or log in to your member account to show approvals relevant to your licensure.

NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)

6 CE credit hours
Eligible until Sep 29th, 2026
This course has been approved by CE Learning Systems, service provider of Impact CE, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #192243, CE Learning Systems is responsible for all aspects of their programming.
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NAADAC Approved Education Provider

Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling (FL CSW, MFT, MHC)

6 CE credit hours
Eligible until Mar 27th, 2027
Impact CE, a service of CE Learning Systems, is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling (Provider # 50-315).
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Florida Certification Board (FCB)

6 CE credit hours
Eligible until Dec 30th, 2027
Impact CE, a service of CE learning Systems, is approved by the Florida Certification Board (FCB) to offer continuing education programs (Provider # 5069A).
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Florida Board of Psychology

6 CE credit hours
Eligible until Mar 31st, 2031
Impact CE, a service of CE Learning Systems, is approved by the Florida Board of Psychology (Provider # 50-315).
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Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB)

6 CE credit hours
Eligible until Dec 30th, 2026
AddictionCounselorCE is an approved provider of the Missouri Substance Abuse Professional Credentialing Board (Provider #101). AddictionCounselorCE maintains responsibility for this course and its contents.
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New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)

6 CE credit hours

CASAC

Renewal: Yes

CPS, CPP

Section: Section 1
Renewal: Yes
Initial: Yes
Eligible until Feb 27th, 2028
More Info

Virginia Certification Board (VCB)

6 CE credit hours
Eligible until Jul 31st, 2026
Virginia Certification Board educational provider # 106
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