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Home » 12 Step Programs

12 Step Programs

What is a 12 Step Program?

If you are living an addictive life or even if you are just thinking about quitting your use of drugs or alcohol, you may have heard of working a 12 Step Program. Around ¾ of all addiction treatment centers in the United States use a 12 Step philosophy as a foundation for their treatment programs. With this being said, you might still be wondering – what exactly is a 12 step program?

Basis of the 12 Step Program

The basis of using a 12 step program is to help someone become abstinent from a harmful substance or behavior. They are able to do this by surrendering to their Higher Power. If you struggle with alcohol or drug abuse, you can interpret the Higher Power in any way that you wish. For some people, the Higher Power is God and for others, it is the Universe. Your Higher Power can be whatever allows you to let go of your struggles and ask for help from something bigger than yourself.

Various 12 Step Programs

There are different types of 12 Step programs for those who are struggling with substance abuse or addiction.

If you struggle with alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction, you might attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. 12 Step programs for alcoholism or alcohol abuse are designed to help people abstain from drinking and are designed to help people overcome addiction and live a sober lifestyle.

If you struggle with drug abuse or drug addiction, you might attend a Narcotics Anonymous meetings. These 12 Step programs are designed to help someone get clean from drugs and live a life free from drugs.

12 Step Program History

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935. The 12 Step model was created by Bill Wilson & Dr. Bob. They wrote down the 12 step ideas that came from his own experience with alcoholism and his vision of this disease. He wrote how positive things can happen when someone shares their story of alcoholism with other alcoholics.

Bill Wilson wrote these ideas in what turned out to the the “Big Book”. The steps that are placed into this book were created through various concepts and teachings that Wilson had personally encountered.

During the crafting of the original 12 steps, a greater or Higher Power was sought, to help people who suffered from an alcohol or drug addiction.

Since the origin of the “Big Book”, millions of people have read it and used it to help them overcome their addiction. They have used it to help them change their behaviors and attitudes toward addiction. While originally based on alcohol addiction, various other forms of 12 Step programs exist. Some of these include Gamblers Anonymous – GA, Heroin Anonymous – HA, and Narcotics Anonymous – NA.

Today, there are 12 Step programs and meetings all around the world. There are even 12 Step meetings that you can attend online, as well.

Who Created 12-Step Programs - A Brief History

Who Created 12-Step Programs? A Brief History

12 Step Programs / By / 4 minutes of reading

Summary: The 12-step program has a rich history rooted in the struggles and triumphs of its founders, Bill W. and Dr. Bob S. Their vision to help others recover from addiction led to the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous and the development of the 12-step program through a process of experimentation and guidance from the principles of the Oxford Group. Today, the 12-step approach continues to be a vital resource for individuals seeking recovery from addictive and compulsive behaviors, with its impact and success widely recognized by organizations like SAMHSA.

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The 13th Step in 12 Step Programs - 12steppers.org

The “13th Step” in AA, NA & Other 12 Step Recovery Programs

12 Step Meetings, 12 Step Programs, 12 Steps, Alcoholics Anonymous, CoSex & Love Addicts Anonymous, Heroin Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, Sexual Compulsives Anonymous, Sexual Recovery Anonymous / By / 5 minutes of reading

In 12-step programs like AA or NA, “13th stepping” describes the inappropriate behavior where an established member pursues romantic or sexual relationships with newcomers, exploiting their vulnerability and potentially jeopardizing their recovery. Learn More.

The “13th Step” in AA, NA & Other 12 Step Recovery Programs Read More »

12 Step Program Safety

Safety in 12 Step Programs

12 Step Meetings, 12 Step Programs / By / 6 minutes of reading

This article delves into the crucial aspect of safety in 12-step recovery programs. It addresses common concerns newcomers may have about trust and personal security, highlighting the challenges within recovery groups such as inappropriate behavior and disruptions. The guide offers practical advice on responding to threats, understanding group autonomy, and the importance of balancing individual rights with group welfare. Learn strategies for dealing with disruptive members, the role of law enforcement, and the necessity of contingency plans for physical emergencies. It’s a must-read for anyone involved in or considering a 12-step program, emphasizing good judgment and common sense informed by the Twelve Traditions to maintain security and facilitate recovery.

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Bill Wilson Alcoholics Anonymous Founder

What Does ‘Friends of Bill’ or ‘Friends of Bill W.’ Mean?

12 Step Programs, Alcoholics Anonymous / By / 7 minutes of reading

What does ‘Friends of Bill’ mean?
“Friends of Bill” or “Friends of Bill W.” is a discreet term commonly used to refer to members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or individuals who are in recovery from alcohol addiction. The phrase is an allusion to William Griffith Wilson, often known as Bill W., who co-founded AA alongside Dr. Bob Smith. The term underscores the importance of anonymity within the AA community.
Beyond its use in AA meetings, the term has found its way into various contexts such as cruise ships, biker gatherings, and other public events as a subtle call for mutual support or a sign of shared sobriety. Whether during a “Friends of Bill W. gathering” on a Royal Caribbean cruise or through a biker sporting an “I’m a Friend of Bill W.” patch, the phrase symbolizes solidarity, understanding, and the continuous journey toward recovery.

What Does ‘Friends of Bill’ or ‘Friends of Bill W.’ Mean? Read More »

Divorce - Cut Marriage Certificate

Do 12 Step Programs Cause Divorce?

12 Step Programs / By / 5 minutes of reading

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.

Do 12 Step Programs Cause Divorce? Read More »

How AA Works Happy Joyous Free

How Alcoholics Anonymous Works

12 Step Meetings, 12 Steps, Alcoholics Anonymous / By / 5 minutes of reading

Despite being around for over 80 years, there is still a certain aura of mystery surrounding Alcoholics Anonymous. Some people say it is a miracle program that saved their lives, while others call it a cult.

The truth is, it is neither. Alcoholics Anonymous is a structured program that aims to facilitate recovery by providing a solid structure for a fulfilling spiritual life, to help addicts overcome their alcoholism.

How does it work? Members regularly attend meetings and find a sponsor. The support of these individuals is crucial to a successful recovery. They then work the 12-steps outline in AA literature carefully and methodically. If members genuinely want to quit drinking and follow the steps, they usually able to stay dry and establish a more fulfilling life in the long run.

How Alcoholics Anonymous Works Read More »

Helping Interlocking Hands

How to Take a Sponsee Through the 12 Steps – A Guide

12 Steps / By / 5 minutes of reading

Being a sponsor is one of the most significant responsibilities for any recovering addict or alcoholic. However, it is worth remembering that aside from providing a service to others, acting as a sponsor is also part of your recovery. As the 12th Step tells us: “we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” There is no better way to put this into practice than sponsoring an ailing addict and aiding their recovery.

By definition, the heart of a twelve-step program is the steps in question. The twelve steps are an incredibly difficult challenge to overcome, and they require the guidance and support of a sponsor. Therefore, the responsibility of a sponsor to help their sponsee through the steps is the most critical and challenging part of the sponsorship role.

How to Take a Sponsee Through the 12 Steps – A Guide Read More »

The AA Principles

The 12 Spiritual Principles (Virtues) of AA & What They Mean

12 Steps, Alcoholics Anonymous / By / 7 minutes of reading

The 12-steps are the cornerstone of a popular approach to treating addiction, first popularized decades ago by Alcoholics Anonymous. The steps and the 12-step process more generally have a spiritual component.

However, the spiritual components of each step are not always apparent. In addition, the wording behind the steps often stresses practical concerns over spiritual ones.

Bill W., one of the two founders of AA, stressed the spiritual side of the program and wished to make that element more explicit. The 12 step program ultimately aims to replace destructive tendencies and addiction with a healthier and more sustainable way of life. Therefore, he envisioned a spiritual program that would be incorporated into all facets of day-to-day life.

The 12 Spiritual Principles (Virtues) of AA & What They Mean Read More »

12 Step Sponsorship Helping Hand

A Sponsor’s Role in 12 Step Programs

12 Step Programs / By / 5 minutes of reading

To work through any 12-step program, you will need a sponsor. It’s common for beginners to start with a temporary sponsor. That person or another individual will later become your permanent sponsor. They will become an essential part in walking you through the recovery process.

The AA literature defines the sponsor as: “An alcoholic who has made some progress in the recovery program shares that experience on a continuous, individual basis with another alcoholic who is attempting to attain or maintain sobriety through A.A.” The principle is very similar in the other 12-step programs, as they all adopted this role from the mother program.

While the sponsor does not have to be to an individual who has completed all 12-steps, they should be significantly ahead of the sponsee so that they possess the wisdom of experience to help traverse the earlier stages of recovery.

A Sponsor’s Role in 12 Step Programs Read More »

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