Learn all about the 12 steps and why they are an effective and time-tested approach to tackling drug and alcohol addiction. Episode 32 - Trauma and Addiction The 12 Steps were created by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous to establish guidelines for overcoming an alcohol addiction. The program was successful enough in its early years for other addiction support groups to adapt the steps to their specific substance or addictive behavior. There are many 12-step programs for a variety of addictions and compulsive behaviors, ranging from Cocaine Anonymous to Debtors Anonymous, all with the same 12-step methods.
Although the 12 steps are based on spiritual principles, many non-religious people have found the program immensely useful. The language emphasizes the presence of God as each participant understands God, allowing for different interpretations and religious beliefs. Because recovery is a lifelong process, there is no wrong way to approach the 12 steps, as the participant tries to figure out what works best for their individual needs. In fact, most participants find that as they grow in their recovery, they will need to review some steps or even tackle more than one step at a time.
Steps 1, 2 and 3 are considered the basis of a 12-step program and it is recommended to practice every day. The 12 Traditions speak to members of Alcoholics Anonymous as a group, unlike the 12 Steps, which focus on the individual. Traditions are defined in the Big Book, the main governing literature of Alcoholics Anonymous. Most 12-step groups have also adapted the 12 traditions for their own recovery plans.
Due to the anonymity of the program and the lack of formal research available, it is difficult to say how effective the 12-step model is. However, the importance of this type of treatment, as well as the success stories of those in recovery, suggest that it is effective. At a minimum, the 12-step model provides support, encouragement and responsibility to people who truly want to overcome their addiction. The sponsorship model, as well as regular meeting times, foster the kind of social support that has helped countless people stay clean.
Are you interested in finding a 12-step program that can help you overcome your addiction? With more than 50,000 Alcoholics Anonymous groups across the country (and thousands of other anonymous groups for various addictions), you're sure to find one that works for you. Contact a treatment provider for more information. The first 12-step program was Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Later, AA evolved to address substance abuse.
Today, that 12-step program is known as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), but there are other programs that focus on mental health conditions, such as eating disorders and maladaptive behavior patterns, such as compulsive gambling. The Twelve Steps are described in the book Alcoholics Anonymous. They can be found at the beginning of the chapter “How It Works. The essays on the steps can be read in the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
Not only does this benefit these new people who desperately need help, but it also directly helps with the ongoing recovery process, as working with others serves to remind the addict of the difficulties they have overcome and, at the same time, maintain responsibility, find a new sense of purpose and strengthen their ties with a positive recovery community. Twelve-step programs are mutual aid organizations for the purpose of recovering from substance addictions, behavioral addictions, and compulsions. According to AA, in 1946, it had been possible to draw solid conclusions about the types of attitude, practice and function that would best suit AA's purpose. In any case, the purpose of the step is for the addict to have examined his life to better understand the harmful extent of his addiction, his lack of control, and perhaps even identify the possible causes of his fall.
Its purpose is for the addict to recognize their mistakes and the people they have harmed through them so that they can begin to try to compensate for what they have done. The purpose is to recover from compulsive and out-of-control behaviors and restore manageability and order in your life. . .
