Buddhism and the 12 Steps
Buddhism and the 12 Steps: Healing Mind, Body, and Spirit with Purpose Healing.
Looking at Anonymous Programs Through the Lens of Buddhism
Examples of 12-step programs include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These are the two most widely known types of 12-step programs. Members participate in meetings (daily meetings are encouraged) and use literature, such as the Big Book, for guidance.
Buddhism emphasizes the Four Noble Truths (which focus on suffering, its origins, and liberation), self-examination, and rebirth. If you are Buddhist or are exploring Buddhism, these concepts can help to support your recovery journey.
But what about Buddhism and the 12 Steps? Are they compatible or more like oil and water?
At Purpose Healing Center, we feel that even though the two aren’t the same, they share some similarities and can support one another. So, what should you know about combining the two?
Purpose provides personalized addiction treatment. Everyone takes their own path to overcoming addiction. We’re here to help you find yours and learn more about the Twelve Steps and Buddhism as part of a mindful recovery movement gaining ground across the country.
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The Basics on Buddhism and the 12 Steps
Many people find that combining Buddhism and the 12 steps helps them break through thought patterns that keep them stuck in addiction. For example, spiritual traps like instant gratification may feed substance abuse.
You might learn different things from Buddhism vs. the twelve steps. Together, what you gather can provide a spectrum of tools and techniques that help you achieve lasting recovery from addiction.
It’s not uncommon to follow a Buddhist path and attend AA or NA meetings. In fact, there are many personal accounts of individuals doing so.
Similarities and Differences
There are similarities and differences between Buddhism vs. 12-step programs.
Similarities:
- Liberation from suffering. Both AA and Buddhism acknowledge suffering as a part of human existence. They also provide guidance to cope with life’s challenges and difficult emotions.
- Emphasizes the importance of self-examination. Both AA and Buddhism encourage self-examination and self-awareness. Buddhism encourages you to remove judgment, which can aid this process by reducing shame.
- Mindfulness and meditation. AA suggests that members meditate. Some AA meetings involve guided meditation. In Buddhism, meditation is used to cultivate insight, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
- Making amends. In AA and NA, a recovering addict seeks to make amends as part of the healing process. Buddhism and the twelve-step community alike highlight acknowledgement, action, and positive intentions for future behavior.
- Both twelve-step programs and Buddhism can help to facilitate spiritual awakening.
Differences:
- Buddhism is a comprehensive system of philosophy and religion. The twelve steps are designed specifically for addiction recovery.
- Buddhism does not require the belief in a higher power. In AA, a higher power is often referred to. That said, a higher power can be anything in AA. For example, a Buddhist may identify concepts like the Three Jewels as their “higher power” in AA.
A twelve-step program can most certainly complement Buddhist practice. Some people resonate with the twelve steps. Others find that alternatives to a 12-step program are a better fit.
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Alternatives to 12-Step Programs for Buddhists in Recovery
If you would like to practice Buddhism in addiction recovery, you may benefit from the following 12-step alternatives.
Refuge Recovery Meetings and Framework
Refuge Recovery is described as a “practice, process, set of tools, treatment, and path to healing” from addiction and the suffering caused by addiction. The Refuge Recovery program has adjusted the core teachings of Buddha as a treatment for substance abuse.
Rather than use a 12-step approach, Refuge Recovery utilizes Buddhist concepts such as the Four Noble Truths, the eightfold path, and Buddhist meditation.
Meetings are free. They are held both in person and online. On the Refuge Recovery website, you can also find meditations, retreats, events, and resources.
Dharma Recovery Meetings and Framework
Buddhist teachings are often referred to as the Dharma. Recovery Dharma, or Dharma Recovery, uses Buddhist practices and principles to guide you through addiction recovery. The program is peer-led, trauma-informed, and non-theistic.
Like 12-step and recovery groups, Dharma Recovery meetings are free to attend. In-person and online Dharma Recovery meetings are available. They can be found through the Recovery Dharma website.
Buddhist Recovery Network
The Buddhist Recovery Network is a resource for the Buddhist Recovery community. You’ll find a wide variety of resources, including a variety of recovery meetings, books, and podcasts, through the Buddhist Recovery Network website.
What are Top Books on Buddhism and Addiction Recovery?
If you are interested in learning more about how Buddhism can support recovery, there are many books by Buddhist practitioners and others you might be interested in.
- “One Breath at a Time: Buddhism & the 12 Steps” by Kevin Griffin.
- “Buddhism & the Twelve Steps Daily Reflections: Thoughts on Dharma and Recovery” by Kevin Griffin
- “Buddhism & the Twelve Steps: A Recovery Workbook for Individuals and Groups” by Kevin Griffin.
- “A Burning Desire: Dharma God & the Path of Recovery” by Kevin Griffin.
- “Refuge Recovery: The Buddhist Path to Recovering from Addiction” by Noah Levine.
- “The 12-Step Buddhist: Enhance Recovery from Any Addiction” by Darren Littlejohn.
- “Mindful Solutions for Addiction and Relapse Prevention” by Elisha Goldstein, PhD, and Stefanie Goldstein, PhD.
- “Eight Step Recovery” by Paramabandhu Groves and Valerie Mason-John.
- “First Aid Kit for the Mind” by Valerie Mason-John.
Additionally, works such as “Pay Attention, for Goodness’ Sake: The Buddhist Path of Kindness” by Sylvia Boorstein offer guided meditations and insight. While it is not addiction-specific, many find that it is a valuable book.
Combining Twelve Step and Buddhist Principles to Enhance Recovery
Those combining twelve steps and Buddhist principles to enhance their recovery may find that it aids in:
Developing Self-Awareness
Although you cannot change the past, self-awareness helps you make choices you are proud of as you move forward. In Buddhism, mindfulness (paying attention to the present moment without judgment) is a core practice.
When you are self-aware, you gain a better understanding of yourself. This can also help you make the changes you want to.
Working With Difficult Emotions
Distress tolerance is an important skill. Various tools and concepts, including those taught in Buddhism and in the twelve steps, can help you tolerate and work through difficult emotions without using substances.
For example, when working with a Buddhist meditation teacher, you might focus on concepts like mindfulness and letting go.
Building Community in Addiction Recovery
Twelve-step meetings encourage members to share their experiences. You will also get to hear other people’s stories. Many people in AA or NA seek sponsors. Any type of support group meeting can help to facilitate a sense of community.
Call Purpose for Personalized Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment
Purpose Healing Center takes a personalized, integrated approach to drug and alcohol abuse treatment. Many addicts find that combining different approaches, coping skills, and strategies is essential to their recovery.
We use a range of evidence-based and complementary approaches, which can include 12-step, meditation, behavioral therapies, and other practices.
Please call Purpose Healing Center to learn more about our programs today. With a full continuum of care, our experts are here to support you from the first stage of addiction recovery to aftercare and beyond.
FAQs About Buddhism and the 12 Steps
Is Dharma recovery 12 steps?
No. However, Recovery Dharma is a popular alternative to traditional 12-step programs.
What are the four noble truths?
In Buddhism, the four noble truths are the truth of suffering, the truth of the origin of suffering, the truth of cessation of suffering, and the truth of the path of cessation of suffering.
What are the 12 Nidanas in Buddhism?
The 12 links of dependent origin (or Nidanas) are a Buddhist teaching outlining the cycle of birth, death, rebirth, and how suffering arises within the cycle. They explain a chain of cause-and-effect that perpetuates suffering.
What are the 12 Steps, and what do they mean?
In programs like AA, the twelve steps are a set of spiritual principles and guidelines. They aren’t necessarily linear steps you’ll take to stop drinking or overcome addictive impulses. Instead, they are more of a dynamic process.
What are the 12 Steps of recovery in order?
In AA, the twelve steps are:
- Admitting helplessness.
- Believing in a higher power.
- Turning one’s will and life over to God.
- Admitting wrongs.
- Readiness to change.
- Seeking guidance.
- Making a list of amends.
- Making amends.
- Continuing self-inventory.
- Seeking guidance and connection
- Sharing the message.
AA and NA welcome people of all backgrounds. You can adapt the 12 steps to make them fit your beliefs, spirituality, and needs.
References
- Jim’s story. Buddhism and the Big Book. (n.d.).
- About. Refuge Recovery World Services. (n.d.).
- Home • recovery dharma. Recovery Dharma. (2025, July 20).
- Home Page. (2025, August 8). Buddhist Recovery Network.
- Dependent origination. Spirit Rock Meditation Center. (n.d.).
- The twelve steps. Alcoholics Anonymous. (n.d.-b).
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