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David Boland

You get 10.5 hours of video content,  plus quizzes.

If you want to just sit back and watch the videos – that's OK.

Or, you can purchase the 72 page Big Book Basic Training workbook at Rellennium for $99.95. These videos walk you through the workbook lessons/Steps.

By watching the videos you will gain knowledge on subjects ranging from alcoholism and the nature of addiction. By completing the workbook exercises you will work the 12 Steps straight from the AA Big Book.

I recommend everyone working in the substance abuse treatment industry go through this entire course.

Read more

You get 10.5 hours of video content,  plus quizzes.

If you want to just sit back and watch the videos – that's OK.

Or, you can purchase the 72 page Big Book Basic Training workbook at Rellennium for $99.95. These videos walk you through the workbook lessons/Steps.

By watching the videos you will gain knowledge on subjects ranging from alcoholism and the nature of addiction. By completing the workbook exercises you will work the 12 Steps straight from the AA Big Book.

I recommend everyone working in the substance abuse treatment industry go through this entire course.

The 12 Steps are deep-dive therapy into the psychology of the ego/mind. The Steps are basically psychological Judo, whereby the user learns to undo the chokehold the ego has on the user.

Learn/master/fully-understand ego dynamics.

“If you accept your function in the world of time as one of healing, you will emphasize only the aspect of time in which healing can occur. Healing cannot be accomplished in the past. It must be accomplished in the present to release the future.” ACIM

To work the 12 Steps simply watch all the videos in order, answer the quiz questions, and complete the workbook assignments as directed. The whole process should take about 15-20 hours.

You do not need a sponsor to complete the course, but you can always go to a 12 Step meeting and get a sponsor if you would like, or work with your psychologist, therapist etc.

I strongly recommend you go through this entire course before trying to use this course to sponsor others. You need to fully understand this material before trying to teach it.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Work the 12 steps as they are presented in the aa big book
  • Purchase the fill-in-the-blanks workbook at rellennium. the videos walk you through the workbook.
  • For alcoholics, addicts, and their family members
  • Take this course if you are interested in learning exactly what those who work the 12 steps need to do to work the 12 steps.

Syllabus

"More About Alcoholism" - Does it Always Take Years? Second, Third Experiments
A few items before we get started reading the book
Introductory Lecture
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a structured approach to understanding and working the 12 Steps, which can be a valuable tool for those in recovery and their loved ones
Offers guidance on ego dynamics, which may provide insights into the psychological underpinnings of addiction and recovery
Recommends going through the course before sponsoring others, emphasizing the importance of personal understanding before guiding others
Requires the purchase of a workbook, which may pose a financial barrier for some learners seeking to engage fully with the course material
Draws heavily from the AA Big Book, which may not align with everyone's beliefs or preferred recovery approaches
Presents the 12 Steps as 'psychological Judo,' which may not resonate with individuals seeking a more traditional or spiritual approach to recovery

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Reviews summary

Deep dive into 12 steps via aa big book

According to learners, this course is a largely positive and invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand and work the 12 Steps as presented in the AA Big Book. Students consistently praise the instructor for being knowledgeable, passionate, and clear, providing profound insights and a deep understanding. Many found it a game changer for their personal recovery journey, offering a clear, structured roadmap and helping them gain a new perspective. It is also frequently recommended as an excellent tool for sponsors and professionals in the addiction treatment field seeking to enhance their skills or guide others.
Course structure is clear and logical
"The course is very well structured and easy to follow."
"It provides the structure and understanding I needed to work through the 12 Steps effectively."
"It provides a clear and practical approach to working the 12 Steps directly from the Big Book."
"It provides a clear roadmap and deep understanding of the Big Book."
"It provides a clear, structured way to understand and work the 12 Steps as written in the Big Book."
Effective for personal steps and sponsorship
"This is not a replacement for a sponsor or attending meetings, but it is a wonderful tool..."
"It is an essential tool for anyone who wants to understand the true meaning and method of the 12 steps."
"I started working with a sponsor after going over the material and am getting a better understanding of the 12 steps."
"Great resource for sponsors!"
"Highly recommended for anyone in recovery."
Knowledgeable and passionate instructor
"The instructor is passionate, engaging and knowledgeable. I have completed the course twice..."
"The content is thorough, the instructor is excellent..."
"The instructor explains the concepts clearly and provides helpful insights."
"The instructor's passion and knowledge shine through."
"The instructor is clear, concise, and really knows his stuff. I feel like I finally 'get it'."
Provides profound Big Book understanding
"This course offers a unique approach to the 12 steps directly from the Big Book..."
"This course is brilliant in its clarity and depth of understanding of the Big Book."
"My understanding and appreciation for the steps has deepened enormously."
"It has helped me deepen my understanding of the Big Book and how to apply it to my life."
"This course provides a fantastic, in-depth exploration of the AA Big Book and the 12 steps."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Master 12 Step Recovery, for alcoholics, addicts and family with these activities:
Review Concepts of Addiction
Strengthen foundational knowledge of addiction to better understand the context of the 12 steps.
Browse courses on Addiction
Show steps
  • Research the definition of addiction.
  • Explore the biological, psychological, and social factors.
  • Summarize the key concepts in your own words.
Find a Sponsor
Find a sponsor to help guide you through the 12 steps.
Show steps
  • Attend 12-step meetings and listen to people's stories.
  • Identify someone whose recovery you admire.
  • Ask them if they would be willing to be your sponsor.
Review 'Alcoholics Anonymous' (The Big Book)
Deepen understanding of the core text by thoroughly reviewing 'Alcoholics Anonymous'.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Alcoholics Anonymous'.
  • Read the book carefully, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how the principles apply to your own life or the lives of others.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in a 12-Step Meeting
Enhance understanding and gain support by attending a local 12-step meeting.
Show steps
  • Find a local AA or NA meeting.
  • Attend the meeting and listen to others' stories.
  • Share your own experiences if you feel comfortable.
Review 'Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions'
Expand knowledge of the 12 steps by reading 'Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions'.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions'.
  • Read the book carefully, focusing on the explanations of each step.
  • Reflect on how the traditions support the program's effectiveness.
Create a Personal Recovery Journal
Solidify learning by documenting your personal reflections and progress through the 12 steps.
Show steps
  • Obtain a notebook or create a digital document.
  • Write daily about your experiences, thoughts, and feelings related to recovery.
  • Reflect on how the 12 steps are influencing your journey.
Write a Reflection Paper on Step 4
Deepen understanding of Step 4 (making a moral inventory) by writing a detailed reflection paper.
Show steps
  • Review the principles of Step 4.
  • Reflect on your own past actions and behaviors.
  • Write a paper analyzing your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Master 12 Step Recovery, for alcoholics, addicts and family will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Substance Abuse Counselor
A substance abuse counselor helps individuals struggling with addiction develop coping mechanisms and achieve recovery. This course, focused on the 12 Steps as presented in the AA Big Book, is directly applicable to the work of a substance abuse counselor. By working through the detailed video lessons and workbook exercises, anyone can gain in-depth knowledge about the psychology of the ego and the process of recovery. This course provides a framework that counselors can use to guide clients through the steps, and understand the specific challenges and breakthroughs they will experience. Aspiring counselors should take this course to build a solid foundation of working knowledge of the most common path to recovery.
Addiction Recovery Coach
An addiction recovery coach provides support to those seeking to overcome substance abuse. This course focusing on the 12 Steps of recovery is very beneficial to an addiction recovery coach whose job it is to guide individuals through the processes of their own recovery. The course provides hands-on experience with the dynamics of the ego, which is often cited as a major challenge in recovery. The course also goes through the precise steps of the 12-Step program, which is often used as a model in recovery. By undertaking the exercises, a recovery coach can develop a greater understanding of the material, and be more effective in helping their clients. Those who desire to become a coach should take this course.
Family Therapist
Family therapists work with families to address issues that affect their well-being, especially around substance abuse. This course, designed for alcoholics, addicts, and their families, can be beneficial. The 12-Step methodology which involves a deep dive into psychology may help a family therapist. By undertaking the exercises in this course, family therapists may develop an understanding of the challenges faced by people in recovery. They also may become more effective at guiding families affected by addiction. Those who wish to specialize in family therapy relating to addiction may find this course particularly useful, as it discusses the nature of addiction, and specific methods useful for recovery.
Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counselors support clients by helping them address a wide array of emotional and psychological challenges. While not exclusively focused on addiction, this course explores the psychology of the ego and its role in destructive behaviors. The skills and knowledge gained through this course about the dynamics of thought and behavior may be useful within a mental health counseling practice. The course offers a deep dive into the emotional and psychological processes involved in recovery. For those seeking a holistic approach to therapy, this may be a helpful course. Specifically, the course provides an understanding of the self and the way in which limiting beliefs take hold.
Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation counselors help individuals with disabilities and other challenges overcome barriers to independent living and employment. The course focuses on the 12-Step program, which has applications beyond addiction, because it is a process of mental and emotional self-discovery. The course's comprehensive look at ego dynamics can help a rehabilitation counselor gain insights into their client's limiting beliefs and self-defeating behaviors. As this course teaches a means of recovery and working to improve, the knowledge gained can be used to guide clients through their programs. Those seeking a career in rehabilitation might find this course may enrich their perspective.
Social Worker
Social workers provide a range of services to support individuals and families facing challenges. This course on the 12 Steps and recovery may be helpful for social workers. The course's exploration of the dynamics of ego and addiction gives an in-depth view of the challenges that many clients face. This course gives a social worker experience with a specific intervention strategy that they may find useful in their practice. The focus on the steps of recovery may enhance a social worker's ability to understand the process that a client is undergoing. By taking this course, a social worker may improve their ability to serve their clients.
Case Manager
Case managers coordinate services for clients with complex needs, often involving substance abuse. This course, which explores the 12-Steps of recovery, may be of value to a case manager. The course provides a detailed walk-through of a major recovery tool. By taking this course, a case manager can develop a deep understanding of what is required for recovery, and may find ways to better serve their clients. This course includes an exploration of the psychology of the ego and how it drives addictive behavior giving a case manager tools to help their clients navigate challenges. Those who wish to better understand the challenges of recovery may find this course to be helpful.
Employee Assistance Program Specialist
An employee assistance program specialist provides counseling and support to employees facing personal or work-related issues, including substance abuse. This course, which is focused on the 12-Steps, may give an employee assistance program specialist useful tools. The course gives an in-depth look at the psychology of addiction and recovery, which may help a specialist be more effective when working with their clients. By taking the course themselves, and going through the exercises, they better understand the challenges their clients are facing. Those who wish to further develop their skills may find this course to be helpful.
Life Coach
Life coaches assist clients in defining their goals and developing strategies to achieve them. While this course focuses on the 12 steps of addiction recovery, life coaches may draw inspiration from its method. The course encourages self-reflection and identifies patterns that may be holding someone back. By taking this course, life coaches may learn more about working with the ego and its limitations. Individuals seeking a structured method for transformation may find this course useful in their own practice. This course and its exercises may appeal to those who wish to lead clients down the path to self-discovery.
Psychiatric Technician
Psychiatric technicians work under the direction of psychiatrists, assisting with patient care. The course's focus on the psychology of the ego and the recovery process may be useful to a psychiatric technician. The course provides an understanding of the 12-Step model. By working through the course, a psychiatric technician can better understand the challenges their patients face, and therefore support them more effectively. Those who are looking to gain a more in-depth understanding of recovery may find this course helpful.
Pastoral Counselor
Pastoral counselors provide spiritual and emotional guidance, often integrating faith-based approaches with counseling techniques. This course, which is focused around the 12-Steps of recovery, may be useful to a pastoral counselor who serves people with addiction issues. The course provides insight into the emotional and psychological aspects of the recovery journey. The course is thorough, and focuses on the nature of addiction, as well as methods for recovery. Pastoral counselors may find that, by taking this course, they deepen their understanding of human nature, and be more effective at guiding people through their recovery journey.
Health Educator
Health educators develop and implement programs to promote health and wellness, including substance abuse prevention. This course on the 12 Steps, which presents a detailed framework for understanding and overcoming addiction, may be valuable to a health educator. The course presents a deep dive into the psychological and emotional dynamics of addiction and recovery. By taking this course, a health educator may improve their ability to create effective educational programs. those who seek to develop expertise in addiction should take this course.
Reentry Specialist
A reentry specialist works with individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society. This course focusing on the 12 Steps of recovery may be useful since many of those leaving incarceration struggle with addiction. The course takes a deep dive into the psychology of the ego, and why addiction is so difficult to overcome. By doing the exercises in this course, a reentry specialist will develop a greater understanding of what it takes for a person to heal. Those who are looking to further their education in this field may find this course to be useful.
Outreach Worker
Outreach workers connect individuals with needed services, including substance abuse treatment. The course focused on the AA Big Book and the 12 Steps of recovery may be informative to an outreach worker, giving them insight into the process. Through this course, they may understand more about the challenges their clients face with addiction. The course explores the psychology of addiction, which is useful to outreach workers. Those who desire to better serve this population may find this course informative.
Human Resources Generalist
A human resources generalist manages various aspects of employee relations, including benefits and wellness programs. This course, focused on the 12 Steps and the psychology of addiction, may be useful. Because they often refer employees with substance use problems to resources, the course may give the human resources professional a greater understanding of what their employees are experiencing. The course is a deep dive into the emotional and psychological components of addiction, which may help the human resources generalist recognize early signs of substance use. Those who wish to better understand their employees may find this course to be informative.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Master 12 Step Recovery, for alcoholics, addicts and family.
Is the foundational text for Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12-step program. It provides the core principles, stories, and guidance for recovery from alcoholism. Thoroughly reviewing this book will provide a deeper understanding of the program's philosophy and practical application. It is essential reading for anyone working through or sponsoring others in the 12 steps.
Provides a more in-depth explanation of each of the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It offers valuable insights into the principles behind the program and how they can be applied in daily life. Reading this book will enhance your understanding of the program's philosophy and practical application. It useful reference for both personal recovery and sponsoring others.

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