12 Step Programs

Millions of people with addictions have benefitted from 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.  The original 12-step program, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), was formed in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith.  Together with other recovering alcoholics, Wilson and Smith created twelve steps for personal growth, which they published in 1939 in their first book, Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism, which is also referred to as “The Big Book.”  Since then, many other self-help groups have adopted the original 12 steps, including groups that specialize in substance addictions like Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, and Pills Anonymous, and other groups that focus on compulsive behaviors like Gamblers Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and Sexual Compulsives Anonymous; but the most common 12-step groups throughout the world are Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.   

Many recovering alcoholics and drug addicts come to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous after completing an alcohol or drug rehab program.  Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are self-help programs that can offer invaluable support for people who are trying to stay sober, but they do not suit everyone because the 12 steps have a strong spiritual component.  Alternative self-help groups that help recovering addicts stay clean include SMART, Women for Sobriety, and Moderation Management.  12-step programs do not treat the biological aspects of addiction; rather, they offer emotional and spiritual support and guidance.

What are the 12 steps?              

The fundamental elements of a 12 step program are admitting that you are helpless to conquer your addiction on your own, seeking help from a higher power, examining the errors you have made in your life with the help of a more experienced member, asking for forgiveness and making amends to the people you have harmed, and helping others with the same addictions.   Alcoholics Anonymous presents the 12 steps for recovery in the online “Big Book” here. In general, Narcotics Anonymous and other 12-step programs tend to alter these 12 steps only slightly to reflect the specific addictions and behaviors targeted by the group.

How do Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous help members to carry out these steps?

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are open to anyone who wants to stop drinking or recognizes that they have a major problem with drugs.  Membership is free, and groups typically meet once or twice a week to hear a speaker or discuss their experiences.  While open meetings can be attended by anyone who is interested, closed meetings are exclusively for alcoholics or drug addicts.  An important aspect of the 12-step method is for older, more experienced members to help others with addictions.  New members are often paired with an older member, or sponsor, who can share their experiences and help them understand the 12 steps.

How effective are 12-step programs?   

It is difficult to measure the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous in particular because many people who try out the programs decide not to stick with them, but recent surveys published by the groups state that current members of Alcoholics Anonymous have been sober for an average of 8 years and current members of Narcotics Anonymous have been drug-free for an average of 9 years. Some studies have found correlations between frequency of attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and likelihood of relapse.