Both approaches have merit and are important resources, potentially being appropriate and effective with different subgroups of individuals. In such cases, approaches that focus more on 12-Step practices and tenets and less on meeting attendance may be needed (Caldwell & Cutter, 1998). Table 3 provides an overview of the focus and key features of the four 12-Step facilitation reviewed below. However, the Workgroup indicated that this belief is not supported by research. There are few “pure” 12-Step treatment programs or practitioners.

Beginning June of 1935, during the great depression, Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12-steps got their start. The organization was founded by Bill Wilson, while detoxing in a drug recovery center in Manhattan. Through his detoxification experience and “spiritual awakening”, Bill had discovered his Higher Power, he connected with like-minded people and vowed to help others. This is the foundation which resulted in the formulation of the 12 steps and 12 traditions, the heart of AA. The 12-steps were created by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to establish guidelines to overcome alcoholism. AA’s 12-Step approach is to follow a set of guidelines or “steps” toward maintaining recovery.

Different types of 12-step groups in addiction treatment

Sociologist Jean Kirkpatrick created Women for Sobriety (WFS) in 1976 for women with addictive behaviors. The alternative to AA and NA views drug and alcohol abuse in women as a symptom of common problems experienced in this population. This may include low self-esteem, trauma, depression, shame, guilt, and gender inequality. Alcohol and drug abuse becomes a way to cope with these situations. WFS groups encourage participants to work on the underlying reasons and faulty thinking that feed their drug or alcohol use disorder. Participants learn how to take care of their core needs and become aware and self-fulfilled.

• The 12 Steps of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program are available on the official AA website.
• Sponsors are typically assigned by a group or chosen by the individual seeking support.
• At English Mountain Recovery, located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the 12-Step program is an essential part of the recovery process.
• The biggest danger for him is the 12-step programme’s insistence that relapse is down to the individual failing to take responsibility.
• There are no health care professionals leading or overseeing the group.

First developed in 1935 by Bill Wilson & Dr. Bob during the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the 12 Steps is a program of recovery designed to help individuals suffering from alcoholism and addiction attain long-lasting, contented sobriety. Though the original Twelve Steps of AA have been adapted over time, the premise of each step remains the same for all recovery programs that use a 12-step model. The 12 Steps were created by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous to establish guidelines to overcome an addiction to alcohol. The program gained enough success in its early years for other addiction support groups to adapt the steps to their specific substance or addictive behavior. Twelve-step programs are found widely throughout both the US and the world.

#2 Refuge Recovery

Helping a person recovering from an addiction can come down to helping them connect to treatment—if they’re not already doing so—and encouraging support groups like AA. The people this person meets in these meetings are much better positioned to encourage their sobriety than family members are. As you can see, there are many https://stylevanity.com/2023/07/top-5-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-sober-house.htmls each aimed to support individuals in recovery from various addictions as well as help family members and loved ones. This list of 10 discusses the most popular 12 Step programs however, there are many more. AA is a support group meeting for individuals struggling with alcoholism. These meetings, some closed and some open, are for anyone with the desire to stop drinking.

The volunteer in turn would talk to the person about the meeting, offer to provide a ride to the meeting, and later call to remind the person about the meeting and encourage attendance (Sisson & Mallams, 1981). Subsequently, an individually administered three-session intensive referral procedure has been developed which more fully standardizes this process (Timko et al., 2006). The initial session, which lasts between 45 to 60 minutes, provides information about 12-Step approaches, explores concerns and expectancies the person may have, and facilitates the linkage between client and community volunteer. There are many different paths to substance use recovery, and 12-step programs are just one resource that people may find helpful.