Addictions are more easily overcome in small steps.
The first 12-step program was proposed by Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939. This program went on to inspire 12-step programs for drug abusers, overeaters, debtors and other addictive behaviors. To design an original and complete 12-step program, your program must meet minimum requirements outlined by the American Psychological Association.
Instructions
1. Write out the defining characteristics of a 12-step program, each at the top of a separate piece of paper. These characteristics include: admitting that you cannot control your addiction, recognizing a greater power can help you overcome the addiction, examining errors made in the past with a sponsor, making reasonable amends for these errors, defining a new code of behavior and striving to live by it and helping other addicts overcome their struggle.
2. Find Bible stories that correlate to each of these requirements. For example, you may choose the Good Samaritan parable to address the last requirement, helping other addicts with their struggle. You may use Jesus' crucifixion as an example of making amends for errors, since the Bible says that Jesus died for the sin of man.
3. Write down the chapter and verse of each of the Bible parables, quotes and stories you find. If a story correlates with a step, write the chapter and verse underneath the step for organization.
4. List examples of these characteristics from day-to-day life. Write these examples below the biblical references you've collected. This will help students relate to the parables, quotes and stories on a personal level.
5. Create exercises to reinforce each step. Prayer, meditation, confession and forgiveness exercises are a few of the many available options. These exercises can be between partners in the group, between an addict and his sponsor, or a private session of prayer between the addict and God as she knows God.
6. Write out a reasonable timeline for completing each step. Calculate the time it will take to read, comprehend and ask questions about the Bible stories. Calculate discussion time. Leave time for people to make mistakes and resist change. Be flexible with the schedule, as each student will have his own pace.
