
What is a 12-step program?
The 12-Step Program created by Alcoholics Anonymous is a widely used treatment tool to help people understand the journey into, during, and after recovery. What is a 12-step program and history of 12-step programs. Learning about the 12 steps.
What are the 12 steps and how do they work?
In their original form, the 12 Steps came from a spiritual, Christian inspiration that sought help from a greater power as well as from peers suffering from the same addiction struggles. The Big Book was originally written as a guide for people who couldn’t attend AA fellowship meetings, but it soon became a model for the program in general.
Are 12-step models used in substance abuse treatment?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) in its National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services from 2013, 12-Step models are used, at least occasionally, by approximately 74 percent of treatment centers.
What is the 12-step philosophy of addiction treatment?
The 12-Step philosophy pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous is used by about 74 percent of treatment centers. The basic premise of this model is that people can help one another achieve and maintain abstinence from substances of abuse, but that healing cannot come about unless people with addictions surrender to a higher power.

How many residential treatment centers are there in the US?
28,900 facilitiesThe number of residential treatment centers in the United States is currently estimated at 28,900 facilities.
What is the success rate of the 12 steps?
The results concluded that over 70% of those who attended a 12-step program weekly for 6 months before the two-year follow-up point were abstinent from alcohol.
How many days is a 12-step program?
However, most 12-step programs, including those for people addicted to drugs, encourage new members to commit to those 90 meetings in 90 days. You need that commitment and that focus as you are fighting for your sobriety during the most challenging time of your recovery, when you are most vulnerable to relapse.
What rehab has the highest success rate?
Roughly 80 percent of patients report benefiting from improved quality of life and health after completing drug and alcohol rehab. Florida has the highest success rates of drug rehab compared to all other states.
What is the hardest of the 12 steps?
Whether you're working the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Al-Anon, or any other program, the most difficult of all the steps probably step 5. This is the one that asks us to admit "our wrongs" and to do so in front of our higher power and another person.
What is the average length of sobriety in AA?
14 percent of AA members stay sober between 10 and 20 years. 22 percent of AA members stay sober 20 or more years. The average length of AA member sobriety is nearly 10 years.
Which AA step is the hardest?
The 4th and 5th steps of Alcoholics Anonymous can be the hardest. After a higher power has been found, it's time to do some soul searching. Step 4 of the A.A. model is as follows: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Is there a 12-step program for depression?
The Emotions Anonymous 12-step recovery program is for people experiencing anxiety, grief, depression, anger, low self-esteem and other emotional difficulties. There is a 12-Step program for depression and a 12-Step program for anxiety, along with several others.
Is AA religious?
Although AA is a spirituality-based program, it works through a number pathways. As such, individuals may benefit from AA participation regardless of their spiritual leanings. For scientists: The models explaining AA's mechanisms of behavior change require further specification.
How many inpatient rehab facilities are there in the US?
Drug, alcohol and other addiction rehab in the United States is big business - $42 billion this year. There are now 14,000+ treatment facilities and growing. A total of 3.7 million persons received treatment, but many more need it and facilities are filled to capacity.
Does rehab work better than jail?
Drug rehab is a much better alternative to jail time for many people struggling with addiction. Comparing the benefits of rehab vs. jail time is crucial when looking at those in the system for drug offenses. People who struggle with substance abuse and addiction are more likely to end up with drug charges.
What is the most effective treatment for addiction?
According to American Addiction Centers, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a valuable treatment tool because it can be used for many different types of addiction including, but not limited to, food addiction, alcohol addiction, and prescription drug addiction.
What are the different types of 12-step programs?
It estimates that it has over 2 million members around the world. 4 Other 12-step groups for people struggling with drug addictions include: Narcotics Anonymous. Cocaine Anonymous.
What is a 12 step program?
The 12-step model is one of the most popular models of addiction treatment.
How do addiction rehab centers incorporate the 12 steps into their programs?
Addiction rehabilitation centers incorporate the 12 steps into their programs by introducing program participants to 12-step meetings, either by having meetings held in the treatment facility or by providing transportation to offsite meetings. This allows for program participants to meet other sober people and to begin looking for a sponsor. Attending 12-step meetings while in treatment can also encourage someone to continue going to meetings after treatment is complete.
What is the purpose of 12 step groups?
Twelve-step groups encourage members to surrender to a Higher Power, which may or may not be a religious figure . 6 Twelve-step groups suggest that members find a “God of their understanding.”. Some members may even identify the recovery group as their Higher Power.
How many days do you have to attend a 12-step meeting?
New members are often urged to attend a meeting each day for the first 30 to 90 days of sobriety. “Working the steps” is a key part of 12-step programs. In order to work the steps, members must commit to consistently attending meetings.
Who created the 12 steps?
Bill W. and Dr. Bob, the creators of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), developed the 12 steps during the 1930s. 3 The steps initially focused on quitting alcohol. But other 12-step groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, adapted the wording to include all drugs of abuse. The AA steps are:
What is a recovery meeting?
Recovery meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are free groups open to anyone who has a desire to stop drinking or using drugs. Meetings are run by sober peers and involve sharing experiences with one another, reading the Big Book and other 12-step literature, and working through the 12 steps.
What percentage of treatment centers use 12-step models?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) in its National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services from 2013, 12-Step models are used, at least occasionally, by approximately 74 percent of treatment centers.
What is the 12-step program?
The 12-Step program, first developed and used by Alcoholics Anonymous, is a 12-step plan in order to overcome addictions and compulsions. The basic premise of this model is that people can help one another achieve and maintain abstinence from substances of abuse, but that healing cannot come about unless people with addictions surrender ...
What is residential treatment?
Residential treatment programs provide the highest level of rehab services for individuals suffering from alcohol addiction. Residential programs are offered at professional rehab facilities, providing an alcohol-free environment that eliminates any potential triggers and temptations to drink.
How effective is a 12-step program?
Most experts believe that a research-based, residential treatment program that is customized to an individual’s needs is the most effective method to achieve and maintain recovery. Whether this program includes 12-Step aspects, is based on the 12-Step concept, or is an alternative to this original model of addiction treatment, it’s important that care is customized to the individual. Working with an addiction treatment professional is a good way to find the treatment modality that is appropriate for each person, leading to the best path to recovery.
Where did the 12 step model come from?
As stated above, and as evident by the steps themselves, the 12-Step model originated from a Christian point of view. Those who are not Christian have modified the steps to refer to their specific religious or spiritual practice as a way to connect more with the structure of the 12-Step program.
Is the 12-step program good?
The 12-Step movement can be a force for good for many people, but some struggle with what they interpret as a strong religious element of the program. Many addiction treatment programs offer alternatives to 12-Step methodology for those who prefer a more secular foundation for treatment.
Who created the 12-Step Model?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) originated the idea for the 12-Step model in 1938, when founder Bill Wilson wrote out the ideas that had been developing through his experience with and vision of alcoholism. He wrote about the positive effects experienced when people struggling with alcoholism shared their stories with one another.
What is the 12 step philosophy?
Simply stated, the 12 steps are a series of moral and behavioral guidelines that are meant to reinforce what these types of organizations see as the most important values and behaviors for recovery.
How long does it take to get sober in a rehab?
With just 30 days at a rehab center, you can get clean and sober, start therapy, join a support group, and learn ways to manage your cravings. Learn More. Like many mutual aid-based programs, the meetings and online forums are free for use by anyone in need.
What is acceptance of substance use disorder?
Acceptance of having a substance use disorder, one that requires cessation of the use. Discarding negative thoughts, leaving guilt behind, and accepting new ways of viewing and solving the problems. Creating and practicing a new self-image. Using new attitudes to enforce new behaviors.
Who founded Women for Sobriety?
As the name suggests, this organization focuses on giving women the help they need in combatting substance use disorder. In 1975, Dr. Jean Kirkpatrick founded Women for Sobriety given her expertise in sociology and her history of alcohol use disorder.
Is there a 12-step support group?
Most 12-step support groups are offered nationally and internationally; however, many organizations do not offer 12-step groups to give a national or international framework.

What Are The 12 Steps?
- Bill W. and Dr. Bob, the creators of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), developed the 12 steps during the 1930s.3The steps initially focused on quitting alcohol. But other 12-step groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, adapted the wording to include all drugs of abuse. The AA steps are: 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came t…
Types of 12-Step Programs
- Alcoholics Anonymous is the most popular 12-step group. It estimates that it has over 2 million members around the world.4Other 12-step groups for people struggling with drug addictions include: 1. Narcotics Anonymous. 2. Cocaine Anonymous. 3. Heroin Anonymous. 4. Crystal Meth Anonymous. 5. Marijuana Anonymous. Twelve-step programs are also available for behavioral a…
Working The Steps
- New members are often urged to attend a meeting each day for the first 30 to 90 days of sobriety. “Working the steps” is a key part of 12-step programs. In order to work the steps, members must commit to consistently attending meetings. New members are often urged to attend a meeting each day for the first 30 to 90 days of sobriety. During meetings, members are encouraged to sh…
Use of The Steps in Addiction Treatment Centers
- Addiction rehabilitation centersincorporate the 12 steps into their programs by introducing program participants to 12-step meetings, either by having meetings held in the treatment facility or by providing transportation to offsite meetings. This allows for program participants to meet other sober people and to begin looking for a sponsor. Attendi...