“I Came, I Came To, I Came To Believe”

This self-assessment explores the three fundamental stages of recovery encapsulated in the AA saying "I came, I came to, I came to believe." These stages represent the progressive journey from initial participation through awakening awareness to developing faith in recovery. Each stage builds upon the previous one, creating a foundation for sustained recovery and personal transformation.

The progression from "coming" to "coming to" to "coming to believe" reflects the natural evolution of recovery consciousness. What begins as simple physical presence often driven by external pressure gradually transforms into genuine awareness of one's condition and ultimately develops into faith in the possibility of recovery and the power of community support.

This assessment helps you understand where you currently stand in this journey, identify areas for growth, and develop strategies for progressing through each stage more fully. There are no right or wrong answers—the goal is honest self-reflection and identification of opportunities for deeper recovery engagement.

Stage 1: "I Came" - The Power of Presence

The first stage involves simply showing up, often driven by external pressure, desperation, or curiosity. This stage is characterized by:

  • Physical attendance despite internal resistance

  • Exposure to recovery concepts and community

  • Routine establishment around recovery activities

  • Initial observation of recovery in action

  • Persistence despite skepticism or discomfort

Many people underestimate the power of simply showing up. This stage creates the foundation for everything that follows by establishing patterns of engagement and exposing you to recovery principles and community.

Stage 2: "I Came To" - Awakening to Reality

The second stage involves developing genuine awareness of your condition and need for recovery. This awakening includes:

  • Recognition of powerlessness over addiction

  • Awareness of consequences and damage caused

  • Understanding personal patterns and triggers

  • Emotional awakening to the reality of your situation

  • Mental clarity about your need for change

  • Hope recognition that recovery might be possible

This stage often involves painful but necessary recognition of how addiction has affected your life and the lives of others.

Stage 3: "I Came to Believe" - Faith in Recovery

The third stage involves developing faith in recovery principles, community, and your own ability to change. This faith encompasses:

  • Belief in recovery effectiveness for your situation

  • Connection to Higher Power or spiritual principles

  • Trust in recovery community wisdom and support

  • Faith in personal transformation possibilities

  • Confidence in sustained recovery potential

  • Belief in purpose and service as recovery foundation

This stage transforms recovery from obligation to opportunity, from burden to blessing.