The 12 steps programs such as AI-Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) have been a lifeline for many people. What does the program entail? What is its purpose?

Read on and learn more about the 12 steps program for addiction recovery:

What Is the 12 Steps Program?

The 12-step program is a routine designed to help people overcome compulsive behavior. This can be behavioral addiction, substance use disorder, or a co-occurring mental health condition.

The program aims to equip substance abuse victims with new coping skills, giving them a sense of acceptance and support from a loving community. That way, it fosters long-term recovery and an effective transition to sobriety.

The 12 Essential Steps of AA

1. Declaring your powerlessness over alcohol, that your life has become implausible 
2.  Believing that a power greater than you is capable of restoring you to sanity
3. Choosing to surrender your will and life to God's care—or a higher power. This could be anything if it gives you strength, courage, and something to hold on to.
4. Step four (over to step seven) focuses on self-assessment. These steps aim to help you recognize and honor character defects. Afterward, you can find anchorage from a higher power to correct them.
5. Steps eight and nine instruct you to recognize those you've hurt because of alcoholism and make amends (if possible). That means reworking and cleaning up a messy past and learning healthy ways to live in the present society.
6. Steps ten through twelve direct you to be strictly honest in your daily life. This confines you to keep building a spiritual foundation for ongoing recovery. It also helps you inspire other alcoholics.

The History of the 12-Step AA Program

The alcoholic anonymous (AA) program was founded by Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson in 1935 in Akron, Ohio. It is a pioneering self-help group that aims to help alcoholics acquire and maintain sobriety.

Later, in 1951, Lois W (wife of Bill Wilson) and Anne B developed a second 12-step program called AI-Anon. They were targeting a similar purpose: to help families of alcoholics—those affected by a loved one’s drinking issue.

Since then, inventors have designed more 12-step programs, including:

• Gamblers Anonymous
• Overeaters Anonymous
• Codependents Anonymous

You'll find some of these services at facilities like America’s Rehab Campuses Tucson. This has been in the wake of helping people rectify unhealthy, compulsive behaviors, and enable loved ones to recover from addiction.

Essential Tips for Your First Meeting

The 12-step addiction recovery meetings last about an hour. It usually opens with a brief reading from AA literature and the serenity prayer.

The Language style of the 12-step program is majorly archaic (because it was written about 80 years ago). However, its steps are profound and in line with good mental health.

Note that the 12-step program is spiritual, but not religious. The founders aimed for the program to cover every belief and religion, including agnostics and atheists. Participants share a single trait, “a desire to stop drinking.”

In program proceedings, members can only share their experiences. They are not allowed to give advice. For example, they shouldn’t impose their spiritual beliefs or try converting others to a religion or higher power.

It involves a variety of meetings, including a discussion meeting, step meeting, and special population meeting.

Above that, there are open meetings and closed meetings. An open appointment allows anyone to attend, whereas a closed meeting is for a member only. Cross-talks (talking back and forth) are discouraged during these meetings.

Consider the 12 Steps Program Today

The 12 steps program has helped millions in their journey to freedom. Its effectiveness is seen in the success stories it has helped create. Consider enrolling yourself or your loved one today.