Even if you have not been a victim of a substance abuse disorder, you have probably heard of Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12-step program. It is a well-known and respected recovery plan that has been in place since its inception in 1938. The program has helped millions of people recover from their addictions to alcohol, drugs, and other compulsive behaviors through its 12-steps.
History of the 12 steps
The 12-step program for addiction was created in the late 1930s by Bill Wilson, who was a former member of Alcoholics Anonymous. The goal of this organization is to help people with alcohol addictions recover and live sober lives. This group studied medical journals, psychology books, self-help manuals, etc., and they eventually came up with their own program based on these studies, and their personal experiences.
Today, the 12-step program has many forms that have been modified to be less faith-based and work for other types of addiction. It has been adapted for Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, etc.
How it works
The 12-step program begins with admitting you have a problem and then working your way through the program’s steps, which are a series of tasks for addicts to complete. These steps have been designed so that they lead you through a process where you will eventually be able to become sober and gain control over your addiction.
The first step is admitting that there is something wrong with how you currently live life and what you do because of your addiction. The second step is coming to believe that a power greater than yourself can help you overcome your addiction. The third step is making a decision to turn your life over to this power and follow its guidance. The fourth through twelfth steps are about taking action and continuing to work on your recovery until it becomes a part of who you are.
How to practice the 12 steps
The steps are typically practiced in AA meetings with like-minded people, but they can also be worked on privately. If you are a member of AA, you go to meetings and listen to people share their stories and work through the steps. You do not have to talk about yourself at these meetings if you don’t want to, but it is encouraged so that you can get help and support from others who are going through the same thing.
Maintaining sobriety after completion of the 12 steps
Once you have worked your way through the steps, it is important to maintain sobriety. The first year after completing all of the steps can be especially difficult because you are still establishing new habits and changing old ones that were formed by doing things a certain way over many years. One of the best ways to stay sober is to continue to attend AA meetings and be open about your situation.
What if I don’t believe in God?
The 12-step program for addiction is a spiritual and faith-based recovery plan. If you do not believe in God or any higher power, then this can be difficult to deal with because it requires that you abandon your own beliefs in order to follow the steps exactly as they are laid out by AA. However, many people have found success with their addictions even though they do not believe in God as there are adjusted versions of the 12-step program that are less religious.
These programs are effective because of the encouragement, support network, and accountability that comes with working through them. However you approach these steps is up to you as long as it works for your recovery needs. Just remember that if things aren’t going well, don’t give up and reach out for help from others in your support system.
