Witnessed Use (WUA)

Witnessed Use (WUA)

12 steps

1. We admitted we were powerless over the actions of others and that witnessing use makes our peace unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves can restore our peace and clarity in those moments.

3. Made a decision to turn our reactions and judgments over to the care of that Power.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of the fears, judgments, and triggers that arise when we witness use.

5. Admitted to ourselves, to our Higher Power, and to another person the exact nature of our triggers and struggles.

6. Were entirely ready to let go of the need to control, judge, or fix others when we see them using.

7. Humbly asked our Higher Power to remove our fears, resentments, and sense of helplessness when witnessing use.

8. Made a list of all persons we had judged or resented for their use and became willing to see them with compassion.

9. Made direct amends where possible, by carrying compassion, not judgment — except when to do so would harm ourselves or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and, when feelings of judgment or temptation arose, promptly surrendered them.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with our Higher Power, seeking only peace and compassion for ourselves and others.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others struggling with witnessing use and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

13th Step Safeguard

We remain aware that being around active users or environments of use can jeopardize our recovery. We do not engage, rescue, or enable those still using. We carry the message only when we stand firmly upon our own foundation of recovery.

12 Traditions

1. Our common welfare comes first; personal peace depends on WUA unity.

2. For our group purpose, there is but one ultimate authority—a loving Higher Power.

3. The only requirement for WUA membership is a desire to stay strong in recovery when witnessing use.

4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or WUA as a whole.

5. Each group has but one primary purpose—to help those who struggle when witnessing use.

6. A WUA group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the WUA name to outside enterprises.

7. Every WUA group ought to be fully self-supporting.

8. WUA should remain forever non-professional, but our service centers may employ workers.

9. WUA as such ought never be organized, but we may create service boards or committees.

10. WUA has no opinion on outside issues; hence the WUA name ought never be drawn into controversy.

11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion.

12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions.

12 Promises

1. We will walk away in peace when we see others use.

2. Compassion will replace judgment.

3. Temptation will lose its grip.

4. We will feel safe in our own recovery.

5. We will know serenity, even in chaotic environments.

6. Our message will carry itself by our example.

7. We will forgive those still caught in use.

8. We will be grateful for our strength.

9. Our Higher Power will guide our reactions.

10. Our foundation will grow stronger with each trial.

11. We will no longer feel helpless.

12. We will find freedom and peace of mind.

Slogans

1. "See it. Feel it. Walk away."

2. "Their use, my peace."

3. "Compassion over judgment."

4. "Keep my side of the street clean."

5. "The message walks, not talks."

Acronyms

1. WUA - Witnessed Use Anonymous

2. P.E.A.C.E. - Pause, Evaluate, Accept, Compassion, Exit

3. S.O.S. - Serenity Over Struggle

4. C.A.M.P. - Carry A Message Preparedly

5. F.I.R.M. - Foundation In Recovery Maintained

Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to witness use without losing my peace,

The courage to walk away when needed,

And the wisdom to carry the message only when I stand firm upon my foundation.

step Prayers

1. Higher Power, help me accept I cannot control others.

2. Restore my peace and clarity when I feel triggered.

3. I turn my reactions over to You.

4. Show me the fears and judgments within me.

5. I admit my struggles and ask for guidance.

6. Make me ready to let go of control.

7. Remove my fears and helplessness.

8. Grant me compassion for those I judged.

9. Let my amends be carried through kindness.

10. Keep me honest in my self-inventory.

11. Deepen my conscious contact with You.

12. Strengthen me to carry this message by example.

What Needs to Be Talked About:

• How acceptance is everything when witnessing use.

• The importance of forgiving ourselves for being triggered.

• How we carry a message only when grounded, not when shaken.

• Remembering that others' use does not make us unsafe when we have boundaries.

• The danger of becoming the "invisible cheetah" we are running from—meaning: reacting in fear or resentment only fuels the cycle.

• How basic needs like food, rest, and support can reset our emotional state—sometimes it's not as big of a deal as it feels.

• The reminder that witnessing use is an inconvenience, not an immediate danger—we can choose peace over panic.

• The benefit of seeing others with compassion rather than judgment—it's not about approval, but understanding.

• How recovery is leadership—leading ourselves first, so others may follow our example if they wish.

• Staying mindful that carrying a message means showing strength, not pointing out weakness.

How This Program Can Help:

• Provides tools to walk away peacefully when witnessing use.

• Builds compassion instead of resentment.

• Strengthens recovery foundation through self-awareness.

• Encourages boundaries and safe practices.

• Teaches that carrying the message starts with living the message.

• Reduces the risk of relapse from exposure.

• Offers spiritual growth even in triggering environments.

Categorized

• Primary Category: Relapse Prevention & Emotional Resilience

• Secondary Category: Spiritual Development & Boundaries

• Also Fits: Support for Family Members, Sober Living Readiness, Recovery Maintenance

  • Why: Because this program strengthens both inner and outer responses to high-risk situations, promotes peace, and fosters compassion.

step work

Step 1: Powerlessness & Unmanageability

• Write about a time you witnessed someone using and how it affected your peace of mind.

• How did trying to control the situation make things worse?

• What does accepting your powerlessness over others' actions mean to you?

Step 2: Hope & Restoration

• How has a Power greater than yourself helped restore your peace before?

• What does peace and clarity look like for you when witnessing use?

Step 3: Surrender & Decision

• Describe how you currently react when you witness use.

• What would turning those reactions over to your Higher Power look like?

Step 4: Moral Inventory of Triggers

• List your fears, judgments, and emotional triggers related to seeing others use.

• How do these reactions impact your recovery?

Step 5: Admission & Honesty

• Share your biggest struggle with witnessing use with someone you trust.

• How does speaking it aloud help release its power over you?

Step 6: Readiness to Let Go

• Are you ready to release control, judgment, or resentment towards those still using? Why or why not?

• What fears might be holding you back?

Step 7: Asking for Help

• Write a prayer or statement asking your Higher Power to remove your fears and helplessness in these situations.

• How will you know your Higher Power is working in your life?

Step 8: List of Those We Judged

• Make a list of people you've judged, resented, or been triggered by because of their use.

• Are you willing to see them with compassion? Why or why not?

Step 9: Making Amends through Compassion

• How can you carry compassion, not judgment, when interacting with those on your list?

• Where do you need to set boundaries to protect your recovery?

Step 10: Ongoing Inventory

• Describe a recent moment when judgment or temptation arose.

• How did you handle it? What could you do differently next time?

Step 11: Prayer, Meditation, & Connection

• What daily practice helps you maintain peace and compassion?

• How can you deepen your conscious contact with your Higher Power?

Step 12: Carrying the Message

• How has working these steps changed your response to witnessing use?

• In what ways can you carry this message by your example today?