Step 2 of AA — Came to Believe and What It Really Means

Step 2 of Alcoholics Anonymous states: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Two things in this Step trip people up: the idea of a Power greater than themselves, and the word 'sanity' — which implies they were insane.

What Does 'Restore to Sanity' Mean?

In Step 2, sanity doesn't mean you were locked in an asylum. It refers specifically to the insanity of the alcoholic's thinking around drinking — the belief, despite all evidence, that this time will be different. The Big Book defines this clearly: doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is one form of insanity. Step 2 asks you to believe that something could restore rational thinking about alcohol.

The 'Came to Believe' Process

Notice the Step doesn't say 'believed' — it says 'came to believe.' It's a process, not an event. The 12 & 12 describes this as happening over time through open-mindedness, willingness, and exposure to the experience of others in the fellowship. You don't have to arrive at Step 2 with belief. You just have to be willing to consider the possibility.

Read Step 2 in full context in AABlueBook — Big Book and 12 & 12 in one app, with a 1930s dictionary. Free year on iOS: bit.ly/aabfree.