--- title: Blog | Alcoholics Anonymous (2) description: Alcoholics Anonymous | The Next Step | Weekly Wisdom on Addiction, Recovery, Families, and Everything In-Between (2) --- [![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) - 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[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/Spiritual%20Experience%20or%20Spiritual%20Awakening.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/spiritual-experience-or-spiritual-awakening) ## [Spiritual Experience or Spiritual Awakening?](https://blog.theretreat.org/spiritual-experience-or-spiritual-awakening) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Aug 8, 2025 12:54:34 PM / 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), [Recovery](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery), [12 steps of aa](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 3 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/spiritual-experience-or-spiritual-awakening#comments-listing) “The Master entered a village where he was met by ten lepers who stood at a distance. They raised their voices, saying, “Master, have mercy on us!” When the Master saw them, he said, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As they went, they were cleansed. Upon realizing that they had been made clean of their leprosy, one returned to thank the great Healer.  The Master looked upon the man and asked, “Where are the other nine?” He then said, “Go, for your faith has healed you.”” (Lk 17, 11-19).  [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/spiritual-experience-or-spiritual-awakening) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/The%20Fallacy%20of%20Harm%20Reduction.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-fallacy-of-harm-reduction) ## [The Fallacy of Harm Reduction](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-fallacy-of-harm-reduction) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Jul 9, 2025 8:15:00 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [alcohol abuse](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-abuse), [Drug Rehab](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-rehab), [Drug Addiction](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-addiction) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 13 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-fallacy-of-harm-reduction#comments-listing) In the substance use disorder field, harm reduction aims to minimize the negative consequences of using mood altering chemicals without requiring their cessation. Harm reduction has evolved as a key strategy in public health, particularly in areas like, sexual health, and environmental impact. Advocates tout it as a compassionate and rational approach to societal challenges. Critics have raised concerns about its limitations, unintended consequences, ethical dilemmas and mixed messages. This article explores harm reduction, examining its assumptions, and challenges its application for the real alcoholic.  [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-fallacy-of-harm-reduction) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/How%20is%20Our%20Spiritual%20Maintenance.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/how-is-our-spiritual-maintenance) ## [How is Our Spiritual Maintenance](https://blog.theretreat.org/how-is-our-spiritual-maintenance) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Jun 17, 2025 9:55:09 AM / by [John MacDougall](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-macdougall) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [12 Steps](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps), [12 steps of aa](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa), [AA Big Book](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 0 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/how-is-our-spiritual-maintenance#comments-listing) I have always loved to travel, but I was afraid to fly. To overcome my fear of flying, I took flying lessons at the airport, on a Beechcraft Sport single engine airplane, and got a license. Once I understood airplanes, the FAA, and the air traffic control system, I lost my fear of flying. The keys to the whole system are following directions and doing the maintenance before every single flight. Most pilots are fanatical about maintenance. I have been on airliners where the pilot refused the plane because one toilet wouldn’t work. Everything on that airplane has to be in proper shape or the pilots refuse it. Safety is number one. [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/how-is-our-spiritual-maintenance) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/WHEN%20GOD%20ASKS.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/when-god-asks) ## [When God Asks...](https://blog.theretreat.org/when-god-asks) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Jun 9, 2025 10:34:24 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), [AA meetings](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings), [Volunteering](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/volunteering) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 0 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/when-god-asks#comments-listing) Recently, a service entity was asked to take a recovery meeting into a homeless shelter. Representatives went to the homeless shelter to determine the need and request. They didn’t want to be guilty of “rushing in where angels fear to tread.”  At the following business meeting it was reported that they wouldn’t bring a recovery meeting into the shelter because of “safety concerns.” This didn’t sit well with my recovery group. We had been asked for help, and we said, “no.” This seemed contrary to the principles of the program.  [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/when-god-asks) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/Prayer.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/step-eleven-and-a-new-kind-of-prayer) ## [Step Eleven and a New Kind of Prayer](https://blog.theretreat.org/step-eleven-and-a-new-kind-of-prayer) \[fa icon="calendar'\] May 7, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by [John MacDougall](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-macdougall) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [recovery process](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process), [12 Steps](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 2 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/step-eleven-and-a-new-kind-of-prayer#comments-listing) “Step Eleven: We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. “                                                                                                                                         ---“Alcoholics Anonymous” page 59. [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/step-eleven-and-a-new-kind-of-prayer) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/Young%20People%20in%20AA.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/young-people-in-aa) ## [Young People in AA](https://blog.theretreat.org/young-people-in-aa) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Apr 30, 2025 10:23:00 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [recovery process](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process), [AA meetings](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings), [Recovery Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 8 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/young-people-in-aa#comments-listing) One of the oldest continuously running Young People's AA groups in the state of Minnesota, is the Thursday Night Young Peoples' AA Group, affectionately known as TNYPAA (pronounced Tin E Pa). This article describes how the group has survived for nearly a half-century.  [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/young-people-in-aa) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/Transformational%20Moments%20in%20Alcoholics%20Anonymous.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/transformational-moments-in-alcoholics-anonymous) ## [Transformational Moments in Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/transformational-moments-in-alcoholics-anonymous) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Mar 27, 2025 9:22:51 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [recovery process](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process), [AA meetings](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings), [Recovery Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 4 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/transformational-moments-in-alcoholics-anonymous#comments-listing) When I think about the history of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) I am reminded of three significant transformational moments. The first moment occurred in late November 1934, when Bill Wilson’s old drinking buddy Ebby Thacher dropped in on Bill for a visit. Bill was looking forward to tying one on with his old friend, but Ebby refused Bill’s offer to have a drink. Ebby told Bill he had found religion and didn’t need “the drink” anymore.  Bill wasn’t impressed and surmised that his gin would outlast his friend’s preaching (Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 9). Ebby pressed Bill encouraging him to develop a relationship with God.   [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/transformational-moments-in-alcoholics-anonymous) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/Will%20Artificial%20Intelligence%20be%20a%20good%20substitute%20for%20AA%20or%20NA%20.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/will-artificial-intelligence-be-a-good-substitute-for-aa-or-na) ## [Will Artificial Intelligence be a good substitute for AA or NA?](https://blog.theretreat.org/will-artificial-intelligence-be-a-good-substitute-for-aa-or-na) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Mar 4, 2025 8:51:00 AM / by [John MacDougall](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-macdougall) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [recovery process](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process), [AA meetings](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings), [Recovery Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program), [Treatment Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/treatment-program) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 1 Comment](https://blog.theretreat.org/will-artificial-intelligence-be-a-good-substitute-for-aa-or-na#comments-listing) I read in the Wall Street Journal about Artificial Intelligence software programs now doing therapy for mental illness. With a bit of exploration, I found that A.I is also treating addiction. I am skeptical that A.I. will be a successful approach to treating a disease that we know to be “cunning, baffling, and powerful”. [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/will-artificial-intelligence-be-a-good-substitute-for-aa-or-na) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/Serenity%20Sit-Down%20A%20Space%20of%20Hope%20and%20Recovery.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/serenity-sit-down-a-space-of-hope-and-recovery) ## [Serenity Sit-Down: A Space of Hope and Recovery](https://blog.theretreat.org/serenity-sit-down-a-space-of-hope-and-recovery) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Feb 12, 2025 10:06:51 AM / by [Staff Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/staff-blog) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [recovery process](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process), [alcoholism](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism), [Recovery Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 0 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/serenity-sit-down-a-space-of-hope-and-recovery#comments-listing) Recovery is a journey, one that requires support, community, and guidance. At The Retreat in Wayzata, Minnesota, people struggling with substance use disorders find a path to healing rooted in the principles of the 12 Steps. In a recent episode of Serenity Sit-Down, Father Jim sat down with Rich Murphy, Director of Admissions and Marketing at The Retreat, to discuss his personal experience, the unique approach of The Retreat, and the power of community in recovery.   [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/serenity-sit-down-a-space-of-hope-and-recovery) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/The%20Master%20Chess%20Player.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-master-chess-player) ## [The Master Chess Player](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-master-chess-player) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Feb 7, 2025 9:22:08 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [recovery process](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process), [alcoholism](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism), [Recovery Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 0 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-master-chess-player#comments-listing) Chess masters know exactly how to move each piece on the board to bring about the desired result. Master chess players employ certain strategies like the Blackburne Shilling Gambit, which can bring about a victory in just seven moves. However, if one of the pieces in the master’s strategy is unexpectedly removed from the board by the opponent, it can result in a prolonged game or loss of the match entirely.   [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-master-chess-player) [\[fa icon="angle-double-left"\] Prev](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous/page/1) [All posts](https://blog.theretreat.org/all) [Next \[fa icon="angle-double-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous/page/3) ### 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) - 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(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. 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