The 12 Steps in 12 Step Programs

Summary: The 12-step programA 12 step program includes 12 steps of recovery to help those struggling with substance addictions or behavioral addictions. The 12 steps are also used in programs dedicated to helping loved ones of addicts. 12 step programs include 12 step meetings where members go to share their experience strengt... More has a rich history rooted in the struggles and triumphs of its founders, Bill W.Bill W., formally known as William Griffith Wilson, is a name that resonates deeply within the realms of addiction recovery and self-help. As one of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Bill W.'s life journey and struggles with alcoholism are meticulously detailed in the Big Book of AA, a f... More and Dr. Bob S. Their vision to help others recover from addiction led to the creation of Alcoholics AnonymousThe original 12-step fellowship, formed in 1935, to help alcoholics, regain control over their lives. It remains the largest 12-step organization and has contributed to the sobriety of millions worldwide. Read more about Alcoholics Anonymous More and the development of the 12-step programThis refers to any official course of treatment for addiction. This could be anything from in-patient facilities, to 12-step programs to harm-reduction programs. More through a process of experimentation and guidance from the principles of the Oxford GroupA Christian movement of self-improvement, highly popular in the 1930s Its founder Frank Buchman believed all human problems derive from selfishness. The founders of AA were members and used many of the tenets of the movement for the 12-steps. More. Today, the 12-step approach continues to be a vital resource for individuals seeking recovery from addictive and compulsive behaviorsThese are behaviors in engaging in due to a strong urge to do so. Compulsion may be difficult to control but is mostly manageable. If compulsion turns into addiction, the problem becomes more severe. More, with its impact and success widely recognized by organizations like SAMHSA.

No two marriages are the same. Therefore, it is hard to predict how addiction and recovery are likely to affect a specific union.

However, some general rules of the thumb do apply. Addiction does not benefit healthy human relationships, romantic or otherwise. It brings out the more manipulative and self-centered sides in most people’s personalities. Therefore, all things being equal, recovery from addiction should benefit most romantic relationships.