Excerpt
What are 12-Step Programs?

Twelve-step programs are non-profit organizations that are made up of peer groups of people who provide emotional and spiritual support for one another. These programs are for people who are living unhealthy lifestyles and want to make a change for the better. Whether the unhealthy lifestyle is a result of addictions, past traumas, divorce, physical or mental problems, 12-Step Programs have helped millions of people turn their lives around.

Alcoholics Anonymous was the first 12-step program. The 12-Step Programs that have since emerged, must secure permission from Alcoholics Anonymous to reprint and adapt the “twelve steps” and the “twelve traditions” to their particular focus. The steps and traditions are listed at the end of this chapter.

12-Step programs are referred to as "fellowships" because each program is comprised of a community of people with a common problem, as well as a shared interest in recovering from that problem. The primary goal of 12-Step Programs is to find solutions to common problems and help others find recovery.This goal is accomplished through members sharing their stories, experiences, strengths, and hopes with one another. There is a therapeutic value in someone who has "been there” helping someone who is presently “there.”

Together, they seem to do what one individual cannot do alone-recover!Twelve-Step Programs seek to provide an environment in which recovery is possible. This environment is created and safe-guarded by the twelve traditions; especially the principle of “anonymity.” Each of the program titles includes the word, “anonymous” and members identify themselves by their first names only because: Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions ever reminding us to place principles before personalities. (12th Tradition)

The “tools of recovery,” common to all of the 12-Step Programs, include:


Meetings (usually 60 - 90 minutes)
Sponsorship
Twelve steps
Twelve traditions
Service work

These tools are believed to be necessary to affect the personality change needed to nurture and sustain the recovery process; they also help to enhance the quality of life of the recovering person, as well as the people whose lives they touch.

Twelve-step Programs are not to be confused with therapeutic counseling groups; or should they be utilized as a substitute for professional help. Twelve-step Programs can, however, provide the long-range peer support necessary to sustain recovery. Given the necessary information, the helping professional is well-placed to recommend the appropriate program to meet the client's need.


©1999, Stanice Anderson, Excerpt from 12-Step Programs: A Resource Guide for Helping Professionals, Learning Publications, Inc. stanice@stanice.com