---
title: Blog | 12 step program
description: 12 step program | The Next Step | Weekly Wisdom on Addiction, Recovery, Families, and Everything In-Between
---

[![The retreat](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/file-2373138307-png/TheRetreat-Jan2015_Theme/img/logo.png?width=271&name=logo.png "The retreat")](https://www.theretreat.org/)

 ON-LINE

[Meeting Resources](https://www.myrecovery.org/online-meetings/)

EMAIL US

[info@theretreat.org](mailto:info@theretreat.org)

CALL US

[866-928-3434](tel:8669283434)

[![ The Retreat ](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/file-2373138307-png/TheRetreat-Jan2015_Theme/img/logo.png.png?width=460&name=logo.png.png " The Retreat ")](https://www.theretreat.org/)

- [About](http://www.theretreat.org/about) 
    - [History](http://www.theretreat.org/about/history)
    - [Staff](http://www.theretreat.org/staff-and-leadership-team)
    - [Board of Directors](http://www.theretreat.org/about/board-of-directors)
    - [FAQs](http://www.theretreat.org/about/faqs)
    - [Testimonials](http://www.theretreat.org/about/testimonials)
    - [Careers](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/2025-Documents/Kitchen-Now-Hiring.png)
- [Programs](http://www.theretreat.org/programs) 
    - [Men’s Residential](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/mens-residential-program)
    - [Women’s Residential](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/womens-residential-program)
    - [Virtual Recovery Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/virtual-recovery-programs)
    - [Evening Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/evening-programs)
    - [55Plus Hybrid Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/55plus-program)
    - [Relapse Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/relapse-programs)
    - [Renewal Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/renewal-program)
    - [Family Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/family-program)
    - [Sober Housing](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/the-retreat-residences)
    - [Service Payments](http://www.theretreat.org/service-payments)
- [Retreats & Workshops](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats) 
    - [Retreats, Classes & Workshops](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/sponsored-by-the-retreat)
    - [Reserve McIver Center](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/private-group-retreats)
    - [Food Addiction Retreat (COR)](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/cor-retreats)
    - [Love First Training Institute](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/sponsored-by-the-retreat/love-first)
- [Donate](http://www.theretreat.org/donate) 
    - [Make a Gift](https://info.theretreat.org/donate-giving-form)
    - [Scholarship Support](https://info.theretreat.org/donate-support-scholarship)
    - [Donor Recognition & Tribute Opportunities](http://www.theretreat.org/our-next-step-naming-and-recognition)
- [Alumni & Friends](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends) 
    - [Calendar](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/calendar)
    - [Recovery Community Activities](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/recovery-community-activities)
    - [Alumni Association Events](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/alumni-association-events)
    - [Breakfast Club](http://www.theretreat.org/breakfast-club)
    - [Event Gallery](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/alumni-event-gallery)
    - [Kenny’s Recipes](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/kennys-recipes)
    - [Golf Extravaganza 2026](http://www.theretreat.org/golf-extravaganza)
- [Women in Recovery](http://www.theretreat.org/women-in-recovery)
- [Research](http://www.theretreat.org/research) 
    - [Abstinence-Based Recovery](http://www.theretreat.org/research-on-12-step-abstinence-based-recovery)
    - [Outcome Studies](http://www.theretreat.org/the-retreat-outcome-studies)
    - [Outcomes](http://www.theretreat.org/research/outcomes)
    - [Research On 12-Steps](http://www.theretreat.org/research-on-12-step-abstinence-based-recovery)
- [Spiritual Direction](http://www.theretreat.org/spiritual-direction)
- Media 
    - [Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org)
    - [Podcast](http://www.theretreat.org/media/podcast)
    - [Newsroom](http://www.theretreat.org/media/in-the-news)
    - [Videos](http://www.theretreat.org/media/video-resources)
- [Contact](https://info.theretreat.org/contact-us)

[NEED HELP NOW?](https://info.theretreat.org/contact-us)

![RetreatBlogBannerImage.jpg](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Retreat_Blog_Banner_Image_Final.jpg?width=5688&name=Retreat_Blog_Banner_Image_Final.jpg "RetreatBlogBannerImage.jpg")

[![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/Dispelling%20Myths%20in%20Recovery.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/dispelling-myths-in-recovery)

## [Dispelling Myths in Recovery](https://blog.theretreat.org/dispelling-myths-in-recovery)

 \[fa icon="calendar'\] Oct 3, 2024 8:00:00 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [12 Steps](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps), [12 step program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program), [AA meetings](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings)

[\[fa icon="comment"\] 2 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/dispelling-myths-in-recovery#comments-listing)

There are several myths that circulate in recovery meetings about our common recovery program.  This article attempts to dispel some of those.    

[Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/dispelling-myths-in-recovery)

[![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/SURRENDER.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/surrender)

## [Surrender](https://blog.theretreat.org/surrender)

 \[fa icon="calendar'\] Sep 4, 2024 8:00:00 AM / by [Rich Murphy](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/rich-murphy) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [12 Steps](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps), [12 step program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program), [AA meetings](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings)

[\[fa icon="comment"\] 2 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/surrender#comments-listing)

“Surrender, Surrender, but don’t give yourself away, hey, hey”

When I was introduced to recovery and the 12 steps, I only knew that surrender was the name of my favorite Cheap Trick song. I had been hustling and grinding through life for forty years with no clue how to admit that I was struggling or how to ask for help. There was no way I would willingly surrender to anything, or so I thought. 

[Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/surrender)

[![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/effectiveness%20of%2012%20step%20programs.webp)](https://blog.theretreat.org/benefits-of-12-step-programs)

## [Key Benefits of 12 Step Programs for Sober Living](https://blog.theretreat.org/benefits-of-12-step-programs)

 \[fa icon="calendar'\] Jan 13, 2024 12:17:15 AM / by [Staff Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/staff-blog) posted in [12 Steps](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps), [12 step program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program), [12 Traditions Of AA](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-traditions-of-aa)

[\[fa icon="comment"\] 0 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/benefits-of-12-step-programs#comments-listing)

Think about a journey that promises support, guidance, and a chance at a better life. That's exactly what the 12 Step program offers to those who are seeking recovery from alcohol addiction and substance abuse.

[Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/benefits-of-12-step-programs)

[![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/what%20happens%20in%20rehab.webp)](https://blog.theretreat.org/what-happens-in-rehab)

## [What Happens in Rehab: Everything About Recovery Center](https://blog.theretreat.org/what-happens-in-rehab)

 \[fa icon="calendar'\] Aug 15, 2023 8:24:00 AM / by [Staff Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/staff-blog) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [12 Steps](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps), [12 step program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program), [Drug Rehab](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-rehab), [Drug Addiction](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-addiction)

[\[fa icon="comment"\] 1 Comment](https://blog.theretreat.org/what-happens-in-rehab#comments-listing)

Facing drug or alcohol addiction (or both!) can be overwhelming, and millions around the world experience that. But seeking rehab is a vital step towards reclaiming your life. It's an acknowledgment that you want to break free from the cycle of substance abuse and embark on a path to recovery. During this journey, you may ask yourself, 'What happens in rehab?' Let me shed some light on this for you.

[Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/what-happens-in-rehab)

[![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/Cinderella%20(1).png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/what-is-cinderella-syndrome)

## [What is Cinderella Syndrome?](https://blog.theretreat.org/what-is-cinderella-syndrome)

 \[fa icon="calendar'\] Feb 15, 2023 8:00:00 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [alcohol addiction](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-addiction), [12 step program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program), [alcohol abuse](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-abuse), [Cinderella Syndrome](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/cinderella-syndrome)

[\[fa icon="comment"\] 1 Comment](https://blog.theretreat.org/what-is-cinderella-syndrome#comments-listing)

Cinderella Syndrome goes by many names.  Some call it wishful thinking.  Some refer to it as wish fulfillment.  Still others refer to it as fantastical or magical thinking. The late, great psychologist Dr. Albert Ellis described it as an irrational thought characterized by the idea that “One must be quite dependent on others and need them...”   

[Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/what-is-cinderella-syndrome)

[![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/The%20Retreat%20announces%20the%20Curtis%20Carlson%20Nelson%20Research%20Institute.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-retreat-announces-the-curtis-carlson-nelson-research-institute)

## [The Retreat announces the Curtis Carlson Nelson Research Institute to focus on research, advocacy for addiction and recovery](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-retreat-announces-the-curtis-carlson-nelson-research-institute)

 \[fa icon="calendar'\] Feb 2, 2023 9:00:00 AM / by [Staff Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/staff-blog) posted in [12 Steps](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps), [12 step program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program), [AA meetings](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings), [Alcohol & Health](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-health)

[\[fa icon="comment"\] 0 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-retreat-announces-the-curtis-carlson-nelson-research-institute#comments-listing)

[Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-retreat-announces-the-curtis-carlson-nelson-research-institute)

[![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/Having%20Had%20a%20Spiritual%20Awakening.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/having-had-a-spiritual-awakening)

## [“Having Had a Spiritual Awakening”](https://blog.theretreat.org/having-had-a-spiritual-awakening)

 \[fa icon="calendar'\] Jan 4, 2023 8:00:00 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [12 Steps](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps), [alcoholism](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism), [12 step program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program), [AA Big Book](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book)

[\[fa icon="comment"\] 2 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/having-had-a-spiritual-awakening#comments-listing)

The 12th Step of Alcoholics Anonymous says, “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps…” So, what is this “spiritual awakening” and why is it so crucial to long-term recovery?

[Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/having-had-a-spiritual-awakening)

[![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/November%20is%20National%20Gratitude%20Month.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/is-national-gratitude-month)

## [November is National Gratitude Month](https://blog.theretreat.org/is-national-gratitude-month)

 \[fa icon="calendar'\] Nov 9, 2022 8:00:00 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [12 step program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program), [Recovery Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program), [Alcohol & Health](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-health), [Treatment Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/treatment-program)

[\[fa icon="comment"\] 1 Comment](https://blog.theretreat.org/is-national-gratitude-month#comments-listing)

Did you know that November is National Gratitude Month? We often hear within the rooms of recovery that it’s important to have an attitude of gratitude, but why all this emphasis on gratitude? Why is it so important to our mental, physical, and spiritual health?

[Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/is-national-gratitude-month)

[![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/%E2%80%9CWe%20tried%20to%20carry%20this%20message.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/we-tried-to-carry-this-message)

## [“We tried to carry this message…”](https://blog.theretreat.org/we-tried-to-carry-this-message)

 \[fa icon="calendar'\] Feb 9, 2022 8:00:00 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [alcohol addiction](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-addiction), [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [recovery process](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process), [12 step program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program), [Alcoholism Treatment Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism-treatment-program)

[\[fa icon="comment"\] 1 Comment](https://blog.theretreat.org/we-tried-to-carry-this-message#comments-listing)

 

Bill Wilson, the co-founder of the program Alcoholics Anonymous, achieved sobriety in December of 1934. One day in the spring of 1935 he came home in the middle of the afternoon. Utterly dejected, he turned to his wife Lois and said, “I’ve worked with drunks for the last six months and not a one of them is sober.”

[Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/we-tried-to-carry-this-message)

[![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/The%20Twelve%20Steps%20of%20Sober%20Living.jpg)](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-twelve-steps-of-sober-living-we-shall-see)

## [The Twelve Steps of Sober Living??? We Shall See](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-twelve-steps-of-sober-living-we-shall-see)

 \[fa icon="calendar'\] May 19, 2021 9:15:00 AM / by [Lisa G.](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-g) posted in [12 step program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program), [AA meetings](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings), [AA Big Book](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book), [Women's Sober Residential](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/womens-sober-residential), [Support Group](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/support-group)

[\[fa icon="comment"\] 1 Comment](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-twelve-steps-of-sober-living-we-shall-see#comments-listing)

While I was still in treatment sober living was “strongly suggested” as the next step in my recovery. I was told that it would put into practice the twelve-step approach to living in a somewhat controlled environment that would benefit my sobriety and my overall spiritual well-being. Believe me I was more than a little bit skeptical that this would in any way, shape, or form benefit me at all. This blog delves into whether they were right or not. We shall see.

[Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-twelve-steps-of-sober-living-we-shall-see)

[All posts](https://blog.theretreat.org/all) [Next \[fa icon="angle-double-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program/page/2)

### Subscribe to Email Updates

[![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/478538/839b1295-222c-440a-a31f-5be26d9a5570.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/478538/839b1295-222c-440a-a31f-5be26d9a5570)

- Recent
- Popular
- Categories

### Lists by Topic

- [Alcoholics Anonymous (181)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous)
- [Recovery Program (138)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program)
- [AA meetings (102)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings)
- [alcoholism (86)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism)
- [12 steps of aa (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa)
- [AA Big Book (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book)
- [Recovery (77)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery)
- [Drugs Adiction (51)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drugs-adiction)
- [family recovery (49)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-recovery)
- [Family Sober Support (48)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-sober-support)
- [Chemical Dependency (41)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/chemical-dependency)
- [Drug Rehab (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-rehab)
- [recovery process (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process)
- [12 Traditions Of AA (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-traditions-of-aa)
- [12 step program (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program)
- [Sober Housing (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/sober-housing)
- [Support Group (33)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/support-group)
- [12 Steps (26)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps)
- [Women's Sober Residential (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/womens-sober-residential)
- [alcohol addiction (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-addiction)
- [Alcoholism Treatment Program (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism-treatment-program)
- [alcohol abuse (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-abuse)
- [Alcohol & Health (20)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-health)
- [substance abuse (19)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/substance-abuse)
- [Men's Sober Residential (18)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/mens-sober-residential)
- [Older Adult Recovery Programs (14)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/older-adult-recovery-programs)
- [help group (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/help-group)
- [women in recovery (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/women-in-recovery)
- [Treatment Program (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/treatment-program)
- [Drug Addiction (9)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-addiction)
- [celebration (5)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/celebration)
- [COVID-19 (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/covid-19)
- [Gratitude (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/gratitude)
- [families (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/families)
- [Volunteering (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/volunteering)
- [higher power (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/higher-power)
- [Cinderella Syndrome (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/cinderella-syndrome)
- [birthday (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/birthday)
- [podcast (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/podcast)

see all

### Posts by Topic

- [Alcoholics Anonymous (181)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous)
- [Recovery Program (138)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program)
- [AA meetings (102)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings)
- [alcoholism (86)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism)
- [12 steps of aa (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa)
- [AA Big Book (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book)
- [Recovery (77)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery)
- [Drugs Adiction (51)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drugs-adiction)
- [family recovery (49)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-recovery)
- [Family Sober Support (48)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-sober-support)
- [Chemical Dependency (41)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/chemical-dependency)
- [Drug Rehab (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-rehab)
- [recovery process (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process)
- [12 Traditions Of AA (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-traditions-of-aa)
- [12 step program (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program)
- [Sober Housing (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/sober-housing)
- [Support Group (33)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/support-group)
- [12 Steps (26)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps)
- [Women's Sober Residential (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/womens-sober-residential)
- [alcohol addiction (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-addiction)
- [Alcoholism Treatment Program (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism-treatment-program)
- [alcohol abuse (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-abuse)
- [Alcohol & Health (20)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-health)
- [substance abuse (19)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/substance-abuse)
- [Men's Sober Residential (18)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/mens-sober-residential)
- [Older Adult Recovery Programs (14)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/older-adult-recovery-programs)
- [help group (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/help-group)
- [women in recovery (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/women-in-recovery)
- [Treatment Program (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/treatment-program)
- [Drug Addiction (9)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-addiction)
- [celebration (5)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/celebration)
- [COVID-19 (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/covid-19)
- [Gratitude (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/gratitude)
- [families (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/families)
- [Volunteering (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/volunteering)
- [higher power (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/higher-power)
- [Cinderella Syndrome (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/cinderella-syndrome)
- [birthday (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/birthday)
- [podcast (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/podcast)

see all

### Posts by Authors

- [Maj Donovan (95)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan)
- [John MacDougall (72)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-macdougall)
- [Staff Blog (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/staff-blog)
- [Sherry Gaugler-Stewart (27)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/sherry-gaugler-stewart)
- [Dick Rice (12)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/dick-rice)
- [Kara F (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/kara-f)
- [John Curtiss (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-curtiss)
- [Mark Korman (6)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/mark-korman)
- [DeAnna L. (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/deanna)
- [Dede Armstrong (3)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/dede-armstrong)
- [Jake Lewis (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jake-lewis)
- [Chris Nehotte (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/chris-nehotte)
- [Alex Curtiss, M.A. (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/alex-curtiss)
- [Jenna L. (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jenna-l)
- [Pam Broz (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/pam-broz)
- [Nancy Kaley (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/nancy-kaley)
- [Ellie Hyatt (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/ellie-hyatt)
- [Rich Murphy (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/rich-murphy)
- [Phil F. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/philip-farzanegan)
- [Lisa D. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-d)
- [Stephen Crane (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/stephen-crane)
- [Paddy O (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/paddy-o)
- [Connie Lawrence (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/connie-lawrence)
- [Bob Bernu (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/bob-bernu)
- [Lisa Speedling (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-speedling)
- [Kevin J (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/kevin-j)
- [Jake L (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jake-l)
- [Women in Recovery (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/women-in-recovery)
- [Judge Shaun Floerke (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/judge-shaun-floerke)
- [Peter H (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/peter-h)
- [Deb Wuebker (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/deb-wuebker)
- [Jay R. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jay-r)
- [Cecil B (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/cecil-b)
- [Lisa G. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-g)

see all

### Recent Posts

### OUR MISSION

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities affected by alcohol and drug dependency by providing affordable, effective educational services grounded in the Twelve Step principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.

[Learn More →](https://www.theretreat.org/about)

 

*\*The Retreat is a supportive, educational recovery program and is not a substitute for psychotherapy, medical, or clinical treatment.*

### CONTACT US

Phone: 866-928-3434  
Phone: 952-476-0566  
Fax: 952-404-7208

Email: [info@theretreat.org](mailto:info@theretreat.org)

Address:  [1221 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata MN 55391](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1221+Wayzata+Blvd+E,+Wayzata,+MN+55391/@44.972252,-93.4978219,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x52b34b6393eefe71:0xa29dd4f038137ea6)

 

**[Our Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org)**  |  [Online Meeting Resources](https://myrecovery.org/online-meetings/) 

 

<https://www.facebook.com/theRetreatonline> <https://twitter.com/the_retreat> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retreat---wayzata-minnesota/> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-y2eCNjhvtQs7rN22l92kg> <https://www.instagram.com/theretreatmn/>

----------------------------  
"[The Retreat Daily](https://paper.li/e-1496866645)" Daily posts on recovery, sobriety, mental health, and everything in-between.

### NEED HELP NOW?

© 2025 The Retreat. All Rights Reserved. | [Privacy Policy](https://www.theretreat.org/privacy-policy)

Powered By [BSPKN](https://www.bspkn.co/)