The 12 Steps are the foundation of A.A.'s program of recovery, and five of those steps are based on God. Since A.A. describes itself as a spiritual Fellowship, many new to A.A. are confused as to why a Christian God lies at the center of the 12 Steps, and may mistakenly assume that believing in God is required to participate in A.A. and recover from alcoholism.

In Design For Living—Daily Meditations on the 12 Steps of A.A. for Atheists & Agnostics, life-long atheist Alex M. shares how anyone, regardless of their beliefs, can achieve sobriety through the 12 Steps of A.A. His approach compliments his companion book Daily Reprieve—A.A. for Atheists & Agnostics, in which he discusses how atheists, agnostics, freethinkers, humanists and non-Christians can use the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous as an effective recovery guide.

Design For Living is divided into three parts. The Preface provides some background on the author and his experience, along with information about the content of the book. The Daily Meditation section consists of the author's experience working through each of the 12 Steps. The last section contains a sample copy of an eight-week Step Study Guide.