The 12 Steps of Recovery – Naturalist Edition

Step 1: We admitted that our behavior was being driven by causes we could not fully control or understand, and that unexamined influences had made our lives unmanageable.

Step 2: We came to understand that only through insight into the natural causes of our behavior could we begin to recover a sense of clarity and direction.

Step 3: We made a decision to align our lives with reality as it is, not as we wish it to be, and to work with the truths of nature rather than against them.

Step 4: We made a searching and scientific inventory of the factors—biological, psychological, and environmental—that shaped who we became.

Step 5: We shared this inventory with another person, acknowledging the impersonal but powerful forces that shaped our harmful patterns.

Step 6: We became willing to examine and change the conditions and influences that gave rise to our destructive behaviors.

Step 7: We worked to adjust these underlying causes using reason, compassion, and evidence-based strategies, instead of relying on guilt, shame, or supernatural appeals.

Step 8: We identified those we had harmed, recognizing that harm emerges from causes—and so does healing.

Step 9: We made amends wherever possible, not out of penance, but to repair the social and emotional conditions that sustain well-being.

Step 10: We continued to observe our behavior and its causes, and when we found ourselves repeating harmful patterns, we worked to change the conditions, not just the outcomes.

Step 11: We sought to deepen our understanding of the natural systems that shape us, cultivating mindfulness, humility, and curiosity rather than appeals to metaphysical forces.

Step 12: Having awakened to the causal nature of human behavior, we committed to helping others understand this truth, and to building a world that replaces blame with understanding, punishment with prevention, and shame with compassion.

As I see it, either free will is ALL there is, or nothing is free at all.

There is always choice. Even the choice not to choose (to "live by default") is still a choice.

All we have to do to take back our power is realize that we never really lost it.

Even if we feel powerless over our addiction(s), we still have the power to seek help.

There are always choices. Otherwise, it's "all just sound and fury, signifying nothing."

Freedom is here and now, in every moment. Do something for your recovery today!

Tomorrow I will have an important milestone, but I'm focused on the fact that I'm sober here and now, today.

Lately I've been having strange and often disturbing dreams. This morning I wrote one of them up and submitted it for a dream analysis. I was surprised to find that although the dream was chaotic and dark in many ways, the analyst interpreted it as a positive sign that long-repressed trauma is being processed and healed.

This was a pleasant discovery, helping me reframe my nights from "being tortured by nightmares" to "doing healing work while sleeping." I'm still expecting some more crazy dreams, but it's good to know they are happening for a positive and recovery-related reason.

I remain homeless, a problem which in my area of the country tends to take far too long to resolve. Still, there is hope, and things are at least appearing to be moving in the right direction. I haven't had to do a night in the street yet, but only because I've been resourceful about using available resources, and I do have one friend left who is extending me some temporary help.

I continue to struggle with anxiety, a symptom of my CPTSD from parental and educational abuse. Most days, however, I find that using one or more of the many tools this program offers helps keep it manageable.

I beat a bad craving today with the SAVE technique. Got halfway to the store for something I shouldn't be getting (not alcohol, but an unhealthy substitute) and turned around in my tracks. Third time it's happened this month. It really does work! 

There's a lot of turmoil in my life, I'm again facing serious legal issues resulting from my last relapse, and I'm struggling hard at times - but I AM SOBER. You can be too.

Please note that this ad helps support the costs of hosting and developing the SoberLogic Program.

This is a product I use myself and it has done wonders for my horrible credit score, which had been severely damaged during my active addiction.

What they do is loan you an amount of money which they place in a secure account for you, then you make a small payment on the loan each month. Each payment you make on time improves your credit score. When the loan is paid off, you get all the money in the account, plus all the benefits to your credit score. 

This way, you save money at the same time you rebuild credit. And don't worry - if you miss payments, they will simply close the account without any damage to your score. 

Applying doesn't require a credit check and is quick and easy. 

My own score went from the upper 400's (yuck) to a very much improved 600+ using this awesome tool that lets you build savings and credit at the same time, with no risk.

Check it out: https://www.self.inc/refer/15711464

Attached Files

Thumbnail(s)
   

SoberLogic for Atheists and Agnostics: A Rational, Self-Empowered Path to Recovery

Not everyone who struggles with addiction finds solace in spirituality or belief in a higher power. In fact, many individuals recovering from substance use disorders identify as atheists or agnostics—people who either don’t believe in God or remain uncertain and unaffiliated with any religious or spiritual worldview.

The good news? SoberLogic was designed with you in mind.

A Program That Honors Reason, Evidence, and Integrity

Unlike traditional 12-step programs that center around surrendering to “God as we understood Him,” SoberLogic takes a flexible and inclusive approach to recovery. It embraces science-based principles, psychological tools, and practical ethics. If your worldview is rooted in rationality, self-determination, and personal accountability, SoberLogic provides a structure that aligns with those values.

What You Won’t Find Here:

• No need to believe in a deity, supernatural force, or mystical presence.
  
• No pressure to pray, join a religious group, or adopt a spiritual label.
  
• No reliance on fate or divine intervention.
  

• A focus on self-awareness, emotional regulation, and behavioral insight.
  
• Evidence-based methods drawn from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy).
  
• A rational framework for understanding addiction as a neurological, psychological, and behavioral issue, not a moral failing or spiritual disease.
  
• A powerful cognitive tool: SAVE (Stopping Addictive Voice Enticements), which helps you identify, label, and reject the internal dialogue that fuels relapse.
  

• Practicing kindness to reduce stress and build healthier relationships
  
• Being patient with yourself through emotional ups and downs
  
• Remaining humble by acknowledging your limitations and learning from mistakes
  
• Persisting through difficulty without falling into old patterns
  
• Maintaining sobriety as a clear-headed choice, one day at a time
  

• No gods.
  
• No prayers.
  
• No spiritual rituals.
  
• Just you, choosing wellness over addiction—every day.
  

Quote:“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin

Quote:“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Will Durant (attributed to Aristotle)

Quote:“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” – Dalai Lama

Quote:“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.” – Jean-Paul Sartre

The Role of “God” in a Modern Recovery Framework: A Personal and Optional Path

In many traditional 12-step recovery programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the concept of “God” is central to the healing process. While the SoberLogic program offers a broader, more flexible approach that does not require belief in any specific deity or religious system, it fully acknowledges that for some individuals, a connection to “God” or a Higher Power remains an essential and meaningful part of their recovery journey.

Understanding the Traditional Concept of God

In AA, “God as we understood Him” provides a deeply personal and interpretive foundation. This phrasing was intentionally designed to be inclusive, allowing individuals from various religious and spiritual traditions—or none at all—to find their own sense of Higher Power. The emphasis is not on dogma but on the transformative potential of surrender, trust, and spiritual connection.

Why the Concept of God Still Matters for Some

For many people, the idea of “God” represents:

• A Source of Strength – When internal willpower feels depleted, turning to an external source of strength can feel supportive and empowering.
  
• Unconditional Love and Forgiveness – Belief in a loving God can facilitate self-forgiveness and reduce shame, especially when grappling with past mistakes.
  
• A Moral Compass – Faith traditions often provide values and ethical frameworks that guide choices, making sobriety feel more purposeful and spiritually grounded.
  
• Hope and Meaning – Belief in a higher purpose can offer meaning beyond recovery itself, inspiring continued growth and service to others.
  

• Step 2: The phrase “inspirational Source(s) of our own understanding” welcomes the inclusion of God, Jesus, the Divine, Spirit, or any other sacred presence.
  
• Step 3: Actively engaging in recovery can include prayer, meditation, scripture reading, or attending faith-based support groups.
  
• SAVE Technique: When identifying and disputing the Addictive Voice, some may find strength in prayer or invoking divine protection.
  
• The Five Vows: Kindness, patience, humility, and tenacity are all virtues praised in spiritual teachings. A believer may see them as divine qualities to embody through grace.
  

Quote:“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…” – The Serenity Prayer

Quote:“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Quote:“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” – Rumi

Quote:“You do not have to seek God – just turn away from the things that hide Him.” – Thomas Merton

SoberLogic Program - FAQ

1. What is the SoberLogic program?
SoberLogic is an integrative recovery program designed to support long-term sobriety by combining modernized 12-step principles, the SAVE technique, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches like CBT and DBT. It emphasizes mindfulness, self-awareness, and holistic well-being.

2. How does SoberLogic differ from traditional recovery programs?
SoberLogic updates traditional recovery methods by incorporating contemporary psychological tools and mindfulness practices. It emphasizes personal empowerment, evidence-based strategies, and a flexible approach that adapts to individual needs.

3. What are the core components of the SoberLogic program?
The program includes:

• A revised 12-Step framework tailored to modern recovery.
  
• The SAVE technique for identifying and disputing the addictive voice.
  
• Integration of CBT and DBT techniques for managing thoughts and emotions.
  
• Mindfulness and meditation practices for daily self-regulation.
  
• A focus on building community support and personal accountability.
  

The Five Vows: A Synergistic Path to Serenity and Moral Redemption

Kindness, Patience, Humility, and Tenacity as keys to the BIG VOW of Sobriety – one day at a time. A path to serenity and moral redemption.

• Practical Examples:
   
  •    
    
  • Offer a smile or a word of encouragement to someone in need.
       
    
  • Practice self-kindness by forgiving yourself for setbacks.
       
    
  • Volunteer or help someone without expecting anything in return.
     
    
• Inspirational Quote:
   
  

  Quote:“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama

• Practical Examples:
   
  •    
    
  • Take a few deep breaths when feeling overwhelmed.
       
    
  • Allow yourself the time to learn new coping skills, even if progress seems slow.
       
    
  • Practice mindfulness meditation to develop a calm and steady mind.
     
    
• Inspirational Quote:
   
  

  Quote:“Patience is a key element of success.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

• Practical Examples:
   
  •    
    
  • Acknowledge your limits and ask for support when needed.
       
    
  • Reflect on your actions daily and identify areas for personal growth.
       
    
  • Accept feedback graciously and see it as an opportunity to improve.
     
    
• Inspirational Quote:
   
  

  Quote:“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis

• Practical Examples:
   
  •    
    
  • Set small, achievable goals every day to build momentum.
       
    
  • Celebrate your progress, no matter how minor it may seem.
       
    
  • Keep a recovery journal to track your challenges and successes.
     
    
• Inspirational Quote:
   
  

  Quote:“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

• Practical Examples:
   
  •    
    
  • Establish daily rituals such as morning reflections or mindfulness meditations.
       
    
  • Avoid triggers by creating a supportive environment that reinforces your goals.
       
    
  • Attend recovery meetings and connect with a community that shares your commitment.
     
    
• Inspirational Quote:
   
  

  Quote:“No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.” – Buddha

• Kindness lays the groundwork for a nurturing environment, both inward and outward, making it easier to practice patience and humility.
  
• Patience allows you to appreciate that progress takes time and prevents discouragement when challenges arise.
  
• Humility opens your heart to learning and growth, inviting support and encouraging honest self-reflection.
  
• Tenacity gives you the strength to persist through difficulties, ensuring that your commitment to sobriety is unwavering.
  
• Sobriety is the central promise that holds these qualities together, serving as the daily reminder that recovery is a continuous, values-driven process.
  

• Morning Routine:
   
  •    
    
  • Begin your day with a short meditation that focuses on kindness—remind yourself of your worth and extend compassion to yourself and others.
       
    
  • Set an intention to practice patience, even when things do not go as planned.
     
    
• Midday Check-In:
   
  •    
    
  • Review your actions—did you practice humility by accepting help or admitting a mistake?
       
    
  • Reflect on moments when tenacity kept you moving forward.
     
    
• Evening Reflection:
   
  •    
    
  • Journal about how the vows influenced your day.
       
    
  • Celebrate your sobriety by noting the progress and reaffirming your commitment to a healthier, more balanced life.
     
    

Quote:“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” – Rumi

Top 36 Mindfulness & Meditation Videos for Addiction Recovery on YouTube

A curated selection of popular videos to support your mindfulness and meditation practice in addiction recovery.

1. Guided Meditation for Addiction Recovery (Overcome Addiction)
Mindfulness Coach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfhMlfxaIvw

2. Guided Meditation for Addiction Recovery
Dr. KJ Foster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpsE9xgy8Ew

3. Mindfulness Meditation for Addiction Recovery!
Breaking Free
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grwyVyNgpLw

4. 10 Minute Meditation for Addiction Recovery
Sobriety Engine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibF9NyV5f8Q

5. Guided Meditation for Addiction Recovery / Overcome Addiction
Guided Meditation 101
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB3O2FMRVNE

6. Great Meditation for Supporting Addiction Recovery from A to Z
Great Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXLLqHR4abg

7. Guided Meditation for Cravings and Addiction (20 Minutes) No Music
The Honest Guys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAnxajjd-Nk

8. Mindfulness: Pathway for Addiction Recovery
Mindful Recovery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoKXevVWmPI

9. Mindfulness and Meditation in Addiction Recovery
Recovery Today
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N1Zddmqds4

10. Mindful Craving Management: 20-Minute Guided Meditation for Addiction Recovery
Mindful Healing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok2ZzC-YPZU

11. Incorporating Mindfulness Practices into Addiction Recovery
Recovery Mindset
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8FP7ewoHts

12. Addiction and Mindfulness - Healing and Recovery Meditation
Healing Journey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ90vc_vjec

13. Guided Meditation for Addiction Recovery — A Mindful Recovering Path
Mindworks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FK-DpLEJuI

14. Meditation for Addiction Recovery / Relapse Prevention / Breaking the Habit
InevitableBliss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZx1t_WG7iw

15. Mindfulness Meditation for Stress Relief and Addiction Recovery
Calm Mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig6p5nBQnbs

16. Addiction Recovery | Guided Meditation to Prevent Relapse
Pocket Rehab
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HIHY0o0KaI

17. Loving Kindness Meditation for Addiction Recovery
Compassionate Recovery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDNjTi3SoAw

18. Mindfulness Meditation for Addiction Recovery
Inner Peace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6HpyDHEQbk

19. 5 Minute Mindfulness Meditation
Goodful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBxq-xIWNLQ

20. 10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation - Be Present
The Mindful Movement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk0MmTo6M9U

21. 10 Minute Guided Meditation for Beginners
Great Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inpok4MKVLM

22. 10 Minute Guided Meditation for Anxiety
Great Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-6f5wQXSu8

23. 5 Minute Meditation You Can Do Anywhere
Goodful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inpok4MKVLM

24. 10 Minute Meditation for Sleep
Great Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU

25. 10 Minute Meditation for Stress
Great Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS0kcSNlULw

26. 20 Minute Guided Meditation for Mindfulness
The Mindful Movement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2zdUXve6fQ

27. Mindfulness Meditation - Guided 10 Minutes
Calm Mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU

28. Daily Calm | 10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation | Be Present
Calm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP-Z7YzI2t0

29. 10 Minute Meditation for Anxiety
Headspace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU

30. 10 Minute Meditation for Sleep
Headspace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP-Z7YzI2t0

31. 10 Minute Meditation for Stress
Headspace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS0kcSNlULw

32. 10 Minute Meditation for Sleep
Great Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU

33. 10 Minute Meditation for Anxiety
Great Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-6f5wQXSu8

34. 10 Minute Meditation for Stress
Great Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS0kcSNlULw

35. 10 Minute Meditation for Sleep
Great Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU

36. 10 Minute Meditation for Anxiety
Great Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-6f5wQXSu8

Integrating CBT and DBT with the Revised 12 Steps and SAVE

Introduction
The revised 12 Steps and the SAVE technique provide a modern, flexible, and psychologically grounded path to recovery. By adding powerful, proven techniques from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), you can further empower yourself with practical tools to manage cravings, emotional turbulence, and relapse triggers.

This guide explains how specific CBT and DBT tools can be used alongside each step and the SAVE process.