One Breath, Twelve Steps

Is it necessary to hold certain religious beliefs to benefit from the traditional Twelve-Step program for addiction recovery? As Buddhist teacher Kevin Griffin says, “When we look at the underlying meaning of the program, we find a more universal path of spiritual growth from despair, to hope, to liberation. This same arc is reflected in the Buddha’s teachings of the Four Noble Truths.” With One Breath, Twelve Steps, this renowned author reveals how Buddhist wisdom and mindfulness practice clarifies and enhances the power of the Twelve-Step path to recovery. Both Buddhism and the Twelve Steps share a common understanding that suffering is caused by addiction—or attachment, in Buddhist terms—and that liberating ourselves from our cravings brings an end to suffering. In these six sessions, Kevin interprets each of the Steps through the lens of the Buddha’s wisdom, revealing an inclusive, practical approach for finding freedom from self-destructive behavior. Along the way he helps shed new light on the controversial aspects of the Twelve Steps, offering a fresh understanding of “higher power,” free will, the process of forgiveness, and more. “Addiction intensifies the causes of suffering so they can seem unendurable,” says Kevin Griffin. “But the Buddha’s antidote to suffering has the power to work for anyone, no matter what their circumstances.” One Breath, Twelve Steps offers an accessible and time-honored path for overcoming addiction—and a framework for helping us become the person we want to be.