Twelve-step programs are used by approximately 74 percent of treatment centers. Alcoholics Anonymous originated the idea for the model in 1938 when founder Bill Wilson noticed the positive effects people experienced when they shared their stories about the struggles of alcoholism with one another.
Alcoholics Anonymous is still one of the most well-known support groups. It has religion at the heart of its philosophy, as Bill Wilson believed that addiction was not only a mental and physical sickness but a spiritual one. The 12-step program places a higher power at the center of its tenets. Other groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous and Heroin Anonymous, have followed this model. Cocaine Anonymous is another faith-based support program, though it stresses that it is not aligned with any denomination or political view, leaving members to define spirituality as they see fit. Their 12 steps include the message that “Coming to believe in a Higher Power’s ability to restore us to sanity does not require that we believe in God. All we need is an open mind and a willingness to believe that there is a Power greater than ourselves.”
While it is an important factor in recovery for some, one of the criticisms of these programs is the focus on a higher power. Some have even gone so far as to liken A.A. to a cult because of its focus on God. People who are atheists or follow a less-recognized religion might feel unwelcome or like the program can’t help them. For those who don’t want to include religion in their recovery, Secular A.A. is an organization that neither rejects nor accepts any religion or lack thereof. Their preamble outlines a desire to allow alcoholics to achieve sobriety without being forced to believe another faith or deny their one.
The first program you try might not necessarily be the right one for you. In order to speak openly and honestly about your addiction, you need to be comfortable with the facilitator and other group members. It’s important to not only attend regularly but to participate and build relationships.
The basic premise of all 12-step programs is that people can help one another achieve and maintain abstinence from drugs or alcohol by sharing their experiences with one another, as well as the ways they’ve learned to cope, and providing a support network. Most programs also employ the use of sponsors or more experienced people in recovery who can guide newcomers in following the steps.
It can be difficult to tell exactly how effective 12-step programs are because of the anonymity involved, but they seem to be quite successful based on their long history and anecdotal evidence of recovery. What studies have been done were controversial and typically of poor quality.
If you or a loved one need help to quit drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949-438-4504).
