12 Step Addiction Recovery Program

What is the 12 Steps Addiction Recovery Program?

The 12-Step program is a structured, peer-supported approach to addiction recovery, originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and now used for various addictions. It's a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsive behaviors, or other behavioral problems. The steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction (Step 1), recognizing and trusting in a higher power that can give strength (Steps 2-3), examining past errors (Steps 4-7), making amends for these errors (Steps 8-9), learning to live a new life with a new code of behavior (Steps 10-11), and helping others who suffer from the same addictions or compulsions (Step 12).

How can the 12 Steps Addiction Recovery Program help someone struggling with addiction?

The 12-Step methodology helps individuals by providing a clear, actionable path to recovery and ongoing support. It offers a framework for personal growth, self-reflection, and spiritual development. The program encourages participants to take responsibility for their actions, make positive changes in their lives, and develop coping strategies to maintain long-term sobriety. The group aspect of 12-Step programs provides a supportive community of peers who understand the challenges of addiction, offering encouragement, shared experiences, and accountability. This combination of personal work, and community support and service to others can be powerful in breaking the cycle of addiction and maintaining recovery.

How can I start or explore the 12 Steps addiction recovery program?

To start a 12-Step program, you can begin by finding a local meeting. Many organizations offer 12-Step programs for various addictions, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Gamblers Anonymous. You can search online for meetings in your area or call local addiction treatment centers for information. Many groups also offer online or phone meetings. You don't need to make an appointment or pay a fee - you can simply show up to an open meeting. If you're unsure, you can start by attending as an observer. The only requirement for attending is a desire to stop the behavior.  Remember, taking the first step to attend a meeting is a significant achievement in itself. You can also begin by reading 12-Step literature, which is widely available online and in bookstores.

The following groups primarily use the 12 Steps Recovery Program:

** This is a non-exhaustive list

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) : The original 12 Step program for alcohol addiction

    Narcotics Anonymous(NA): For those recovering from drug addiction

    Cocaine Anonymous(CA): Specifically for cocaine and crack cocaine addiction

    Crystal Meth Anonymous(CMA): For methamphetamine addiction

    Heroin Anonymous(HA): Focused on heroin addiction recovery

    Marijuana Anonymous(MA): For those struggling with marijuana dependence

    Nicotine Anonymous(NicA): For those addicted to nicotine

    Pills Anonymous(PA): For those addicted to prescription medications

  • Gamblers Anonymous(GA): For compulsive gambling

    Overeaters Anonymous(OA): For food addiction and eating disorders

    Food Addicts Anonymous (FAA): Focuses on recovery from food addiction

    Sex Addicts Anonymous(SAA): For sex addiction

    Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous(SLAA): For sex and love addiction

    Workaholics Anonymous(WA): For work addiction

    Debtors Anonymous(DA): For those with compulsive debt or spending issues

    Online Gamers Anonymous(OLGA): For video game addiction

    Underearners Anonymous(UA): For those with chronic underearning issues

    Rageaholics Anonymous(RA):  For those with compulsive rage issues

    Violence Anonymous (VA):  For those with compulsive rage issues

  • Al-Anon/Alateen: For friends and family members of alcoholics

    Nar-Anon: For friends and family members of drug addicts

    Adult Children of Alcoholics(ACA): For adults who grew up in dysfunctional homes

    Codependents Anonymous(CoDA): For those struggling with codependency

    S-Anon/S-Ateen:  For family & friends of sex addicts

  • Emotions Anonymous(EA): For emotional health and well-being

    Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA): For those with both substance abuse and mental health issues

  • Nicotine Anonymous(NicA): For those addicted to nicotine

  • Addiction Recovery Program (ARP): Focuses on general addiction recovery through spiritual means

    Celebrate Recovery (CR): Christian-centered recovery program for all types of addictions and hurts

12 Step Resources

12 Steps: Addiction Recovery

Personalized content for every 12 Step program, tailored to your mood and needs. 12 Steps offers content and tools for AA, NA, CA, SAA, SLAA, OA, Al-Anon, and more.

The Big Book

Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the “Big Book,” presents the A.A. program for recovery from alcoholism. First published in 1939, its purpose was to show other alcoholics how the first 100 people of A.A. got sober. Now translated into over 70 languages, it is still considered A.A.’s basic text.