The 12-Step Program helps individuals recovering from addictions. The program began with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which was started in 1935. The program was considered anonymous because an attendee did not have to reveal his full name. The founders soon wrote up steps and traditions, which would be the cornerstone by which millions of people have had the opportunity to change their lives.
History of
Alcoholics Anonymous was so successful that a book by the same name was published in 1939. Dr. Bob Smith (Dr. Bob) and Bill Wilson (Bill W.) were the co-founders of the original group based in Akron, Ohio. Word quickly spread about the miraculous recovery of alcoholics thought to be incurable. Groups formed in New York and other parts of the United States. After the book was published, word spread even farther. By 1953, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) was formed. Permission was granted for NA to use AA's steps and traditions.
Evolution
With NA's successful take off, other 12-Step Programs sprouted up and used the steps and traditions for their purposes. Over-eaters Anonymous (OA) was formed in 1960 by two women to help people with eating disorders. Gamblers Anonymous (GA), formed in 1957, is instrumental in helping gamblers. These are only two examples, however. Currently there are over 50 different 12-Step Programs around the world, serving millions of women, men and juveniles from all walks of life. Some 12-Step Programs address psychological needs instead of addiction. Lois Wilson, Bill W.'s wife, began Al-Anon for family members and other loved ones involved with addicts.
As various groups formed, outreach to the average person was significant. With the advent of treatment programs, people with money and insurance flocked to these centers for help. But for those with little money or no insurance coverage, the local 12-Step chapter was their ticket to sobriety and peace of mind. As more and more 12-Step groups formed, an AA meeting was now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and open to anyone who walked through the door. All members needed was the desire to stay sober.
The Facts
Relying upon 12 guiding steps and traditions, members admit that they have a problem and are powerless. They hand their lives over to a power greater than themselves. These are the first steps in 12-Step recovery, and the building blocks of a member's program. The remainder of the steps involve taking personal stock, or inventory, of ones life and then admitting any wrong doings. Once amends are made, members are ready to release this emotional baggage. They can now begin to help others. The rational is that as one addict helps another both are able to recover safely.
Significance
The 12-Step Programs have changed people's lives around the world. There has never been such a cohesive and intense, yet loosely structured, group that effectively helped addicts. This is profound because there are no medical advisors, therapists or other health care professionals that members see or receive treatment from. Members go to meetings of their own free will. By admitting their humanity and reaching out to others in need, a high percentage recover.
Benefits
In 12-Step Programs, a holistic approach is used. Members' emotional, physical and spiritual growth are continually assessed. The 12-Steps are continuously referred to and used for guidance. New members are paired up with a sponsor, a 12-Step veteran with successful time in the program. Because of this total makeover, members are able to rebuild their lives and have support should they falter. As members reach milestones, they are given "chips," or tokens, to mark their progress. After a certain time, members are encouraged to sponsor their own newcomers. The action of helping another person, who shares the same affliction, is powerful. By giving people another chance, while reprogramming their emotional, physical and spiritual needs, a new person is reborn. There is no way that Dr. Bob and Bill W. could have known how applicable the 12-Steps would be in modern times when they outlined the original steps.
