What is step 3 of recovery?

What is step 3 of recovery depends on which recovery program you refer to, but most famously in 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, step 3 is about surrender and decision to seek help. Step 3 states made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him, which means deciding to trust a higher power, group, or recovery process to guide recovery rather than relying solely on self-will which previously failed. In practical terms, step 3 involves making a conscious decision to commit to recovery, trust support system, and be willing to follow guidance. In SMART Recovery 4-point program, step 3 corresponds to managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors underlying addiction using cognitive behavioral tools. In general stages of change model, step 3 is preparation where person gets ready to take action. In trauma recovery 3-stage model, step 3 is reconnection where survivor rebuilds identity and relationships. So step 3 generally represents decision and commitment phase after acknowledging problem and believing change is possible, moving from contemplation to active engagement in recovery actions and willingness to accept help and make changes.