Self Help & Personal Growth

12 Step Program - A Proven Path To Addiction Recovery

A 12 Step Program can help men and women who are struggling with addictive behavior to start recovering from their addiction ...

I have worked in the field of human services for many years.  Throughout the years I have seen many therapy trends come and go, but one that seems to linger and be truly helpful to people is the 12 step program.  I think one of the main reasons the 12 step program sustains the test of time is that most of the support groups that center themselves on the steps are run by members.  Because the basic 12 step program is based on overcoming addictions each group can agree to focus on what the members need.

The most famous or recognizable 12 step program is alcoholics anonymous.  This program has had such a large following and so many successful members that other programs for addictions have adapted the basic 12 steps to form groups.  Some other program areas that run similar programming include addiction to prescription drugs, over eater’s anonymous, sexual addictions and addictions to thrill seeking.  The common denominator for the 12 step program is admission to being in the control of what ever you are addicted to, and turning that addiction over to a higher power.  There are multiple stages in achieving this but that is where the support and education from fellow group members comes in.  Another commonality in the 12 step program is that it is spiritual in nature.  This does not mean that there is any specific religious belief that is practiced during the course of treatment or during group meeting, but there is a focus on looking towards a power that is greater than oneself.

Another reason that there is such success in the 12 step program is that there is little or no cost to members.  Some groups will take up a goodwill donation to help pay for supplies, coffee, postage or rental costs, but there is no payment to attend the support groups.  This is especially helpful for people that do not have health care coverage or who cannot afford the co-pays for therapy costs.  The 12 step program relies on its members to support each other during and in-between meetings.  This ability to reach out to others that have experienced similar issues, pains and affliction is much more effective for some people than sitting in a mental health professional’s office talking one on one.  The 12 step program also encourages people to have a sponsor, a person that you can reach out to and depend on when ever you are in need.   Having this personal connection is what helps many people overcome addictions.  The 12 step program offers many meetings throughout the world, so no matter where a person is when they need support, the support is a phone call away.

Some 12 step programs include:

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Gamblers Anonymous
• Overeaters Anonymous
• Co-Dependents Anonymous

Also:

• Al-Anon (for partners and family members of alcoholics)
• Gam-Anon (for partners and family members of compulsive gamblers)

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