Step 13

There is no Step 13, it is just a joke you hear around 12-Step recovery programs, but there is nothing funny about it. 13th Stepping involves an experienced member of the program pursuing a romantic relationship with a newcomer. This can be viewed as exploitive, as the experienced members are in a position of power by way of their successful sobriety taking advantage of someone who is vulnerable and seeking help and acceptance. Sadly, this happens all too often and should be discouraged. Those with experience in the program tend to protect the newcomers from such predators the best they can and hopefully guide them to finding a sponsor to help further guide them in their recovery.