The Twelve Steps

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In this inventive and profound exploration of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, an old-timer of the program reveals the recovery journey for what it truly is: a modern retelling of the classic hero's journey of transformation that frees spiritual energy trapped by addiction, pouring it back into the world, thus healing both the individual and the society. " . . . wonderfully sharp and knowing . . . unexpectedly gripping." — Kirkus Reviews 2025 Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Nonfiction The Twelve Step journey of recovery is, at its core, the modern retelling of the age-old archetype of the Hero's Journey. This powerful pattern of transformation is revealed in three stages: separation, initiation, and return. These stages perfectly describe the journey of recovery as well, and when further broken down into their individual steps—such as answering the call, getting a mentor, and, most important of all, having