For many people struggling with alcohol addiction, the journey toward healing is not just physical—it’s deeply spiritual. That’s why Alcoholics Anonymous has resonated with so many over the years. Its twelve steps are built upon a foundation of basic spiritual principles designed to guide individuals through the recovery process, foster personal growth, and ultimately lead to a spiritual awakening.
But if you’re a Christian—or someone curious about how these principles align with Scripture—you may be asking: How do the spiritual ideas in AA fit with the Bible?
Let’s take a closer look.
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Help and healing are possible through our Christian rehab programs.
If you are ready to take the next step and learn more about how a Christian rehab center can aid in your recovery, feel free to reach out to us at any time.
The 12 Spiritual Principles of Alcoholics Anonymous
Each of the twelve steps is paired with a corresponding spiritual principle—concepts like honesty, humility, service, and surrender. These principles aren’t just guidelines for AA members; they’re based on biblical values.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the 12 spiritual principles and how they reflect biblical truth:
Honesty – “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully…” (Ephesians 4:25)
Hope – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace…” (Romans 15:13)
Faith – Trust in a power greater than yourself—God. (Hebrews 11:1)
Courage – “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God goes with you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Integrity – To practice integrity means to live truthfully. (Proverbs 10:9)
Willingness – Submitting to God’s will, not your own. (James 4:7)
Humility – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10)
Brotherly Love – Making amends to those we’ve hurt. (Matthew 5:24)
Justice – Repairing relationships and living rightly. (Micah 6:8)
Perseverance – Continuing to take personal inventory and admit when we’re wrong. (Romans 5:3-4)
Spiritual Awareness – Seeking guidance daily and aligning with God’s will. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Service – Helping others in support groups and practicing community service. (Galatians 5:13)
These values offer a roadmap for self awareness, healing from past mistakes, and becoming a better person in all our affairs. However, it’s important to be reminded of the true message of the gospel
A Spiritual Awakening Through a 'Higher Power'
In AA, individuals are encouraged to rely on a higher power—something beyond themselves—to overcome addiction. The Bible tells us that this ‘higher power’ is actually Jesus Christ.
In John 14:6, Jesus Himself says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.“
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'” – John 3:3
You may have heard of the “Romans Road”–a brief series of verses from the book of Romans that explain why we must believe in Jesus Christ alone.
- “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
- “For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
- “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
- “…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart a person believes, leading to righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, leading to salvation.” – Romans 10:9-10
It is through Jesus that we are not only capable of maintaining sobriety, but also experiencing a total heart transformation.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
But this kind of spiritual awakening doesn’t happen overnight. As the apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”
Where the Bible and AA Meet
When Alcoholics Anonymous was co-founded by Bill Wilson in the 1930s, its origins were based on Christian values. Wilson often referred to the Bible as a source of inspiration. The ideas of surrender, confession, prayer, and restitution were all rooted in Scripture.
As you walk the path of addiction recovery, the spiritual principles of AA may act as stepping stones to something deeper.
Where to Turn for Faith-Based Help: The LINKS Program
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction and looking for a Christ-centered path to healing, LINKS may be the next right step.
LINKS is the faith-based addiction recovery program at Northbound Treatment, offering a holistic approach that combines the best of evidence-based care with the truth of God’s word. Located in beautiful Orange County, California, our program is rooted in biblical values and designed to help clients not just stop drinking or using, but fully surrender their lives to God.
At LINKS, clients experience:
12-step integration through a Christian lens
Spiritual counseling and Bible-based therapy
Medical detox, residential, and outpatient care
Support for co-occurring mental health conditions
Daily opportunities for prayer, worship, and spiritual growth
Whether you’re drawn to the Twelve Steps, seeking help for a drinking problem, or ready to start the recovery process, LINKS offers the guidance and grace you need to live a life free from addiction—with Christ at the center.
A Better Life Is Possible
The spiritual principles of Alcoholics Anonymous are not just concepts—they are powerful tools. Tools that, when paired with faith in God and the right support system (including a Bible-believing church), can change lives. If you’re tired of carrying the weight of alcohol misuse, guilt, or unresolved past mistakes, know this: God sees you, and He’s ready to walk beside you.
Call LINKS at (866) 434-1330 and let your spiritual awakening begin today.
Get Help Today
Help and healing are possible through our Christian rehab programs.
If you are ready to take the next step and learn more about how a Christian rehab center can aid in your recovery, feel free to reach out to us at any time.
