This book has been written to give a fundamental, nuts and bolts understanding of how the Twelve Steps work for men and women in recovery. The manuscript was written by both a man and woman in Twelve Step recovery offering a perspective for both genders. There is clear presentation not only of addictions, but how Twelve Step programs aid in restoring recovering addicts' lives. The book breaks out of the generalities about spirituality and gives specific and clear implementation of Twelve Step programs that anyone from the agnostic to the believer can follow. It was written in part by a recovering alcoholic and addict, who also has been a Clinician in the field of addictions over the past thirty years. We will look at how addictions grow into taking control of our lives and a simple understanding of how denial works and how it replaces self- awareness. This book examines characteristics of addictions that seem to follow three distinctive patterns, which will be reviewed in depth. This is one of the first books to describe, in detail, characteristics of the binge alcoholic/addict. It gives clear insight into the two other patterns of addiction involving the victim and the offender. We will show how addictions deteriorate the fabric of our relationships and ourselves. We break down character defects into three specific categories. We will give a clear understanding of the architecture of the Twelve Steps with insight into motive and purpose of how the Steps can be implemented. The stories of those who have had the courage to make the program part of their lives are used for illustrating how the program works. This book breaks down the Steps, offering tools in building a higher awareness of our actions to improve the quality of our relationships with others. Another precedent shows how the program aids in being in charge of our health and physical recovery. You will see the program from the inside out and how the networking of the fellowship is an integral part of working the Steps. We have also contributed to a website for downloading Step worksheets to aid the reader in their recovery at www. 12StepsUnlocked.com. The book provides an in depth understanding of how the culture of recovery works outside of the Twelve Step meetings. It offers an understanding of the resources which are a "must know" to experience what recovery/sobriety can be. The material is insightful, and sometimes offers the true joy and humor that accompanies recovery. This book introduces a refreshing perspective which may offer answers to some of the hardest questions we approach in working our sobriety/recovery in the Twelve Steps. The simplicity of how the book is written gives the newcomer an easy understanding of how addictions progress and how the Steps aid in a concrete way to create a strong foundation for sobriety/recovery. This book would be an excellent resource for those having difficulty understanding the fundamentals of Twelve Step programs. Those who have difficulty accepting the concept of a God of their understanding will be able to see how this approach can offer a tangible solution to their dilemma. Regular members of Twelve Step programs, who are continuing to grow in their recovery, will be offered a deeper understanding of the depth of what the program offers. Professionals can use this resource for educating their clients in several different ways through using this book. One aspect is in defining the characteristics of addictions presented in this book. Another is the simple and congruent theme of addictions and the application of the Twelve Steps which is outline in this book. This literature gives a fresh breath with new insights into addictions and Twelve Step implementation.