Reviewed by Yehuda Roberts
April 14, 2024
What Are the 12 Steps? Shedding Light on Addiction Recovery
Explore 'what are the 12 steps?' in addiction recovery, their effectiveness, and variations for tailored support.
Understanding the 12 Steps
The 12 steps are a set of guiding principles used in addiction treatment and recovery. They represent a course of action designed to aid individuals in dealing with issues related to alcoholism, drug addiction, and behavioral compulsion. This section will shed light on the origin and purpose of the 12 steps.
Origin of the Twelve Steps
The concept of the 12 steps was pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a recovery program initiated to help individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. The roots of AA can be traced back to the Oxford Group, a Christian organization that emphasized living a spiritual life. The Oxford Group's principles of surrendering one's life to God's plan served as a foundation for the 12 steps [1].
AA was officially founded on June 10, 1935, by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, both of whom were seeking recovery from alcoholism. Wilson was introduced to the Oxford Group through Rowland Hazard, who himself had sought help for alcoholism from the psychoanalyst Carl Jung. Using the tenets of the Oxford Group as inspiration, Wilson outlined the 12 steps in a single night in 1939. These steps were then published in the book "Alcoholics Anonymous," marking their first formal introduction to the public.
Purpose of the Twelve Steps
The purpose of the 12 steps is to provide individuals with a structured pathway to recovery from addiction and compulsive behaviors. By promoting values such as honesty, humility, acceptance, courage, compassion, forgiveness, and self-discipline, the steps aim to help individuals regain control and bring order back to their lives [3].
The steps are not just applicable to alcohol addiction but are also used in recovery programs for drug addiction and behavioral compulsion. The ultimate goal is to help individuals break free from the destructive cycle of addiction and lead a healthier, more satisfying life. By following the steps, individuals learn to acknowledge their addiction, accept responsibility for their actions, make amends for past mistakes, and work towards personal growth and development.
Understanding the 12 steps is crucial for anyone embarking on a journey of recovery. These steps serve as a roadmap, guiding individuals towards a life free from the constraints of addiction. By following these steps, countless individuals across the globe have been able to overcome their addiction and lead a fulfilling, sober life.
Application of the Twelve Steps
The 12 steps, originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous, provide a structured, spiritual path towards recovery from addiction. They have been widely adapted and applied in various contexts beyond alcoholism, including drug addiction and behavioral compulsion.
Twelve Steps in Addiction Recovery
In the context of addiction recovery, the 12 steps outline a course of action for tackling issues related to alcoholism and drug addiction [3]. The steps are designed to help individuals recover from compulsive, out-of-control behaviors and restore manageability and order to their lives. They encourage practices such as honesty, humility, acceptance, courage, compassion, forgiveness, and self-discipline.
The 12 steps are considered a critical element of long-term recovery and are incorporated into treatment programs at places like Recovery Centers of America due to their effectiveness in aiding individuals in recovery from alcoholism and addiction [4]. These steps can be a part of an immersive treatment plan, combined with other addiction treatment methodologies such as behavioral therapies, psychiatric care, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) when clinically appropriate.
Twelve Steps in Behavioral Compulsion
The twelve steps have also been successfully applied to behavioral compulsions. Like with substance addiction, the steps assist individuals in breaking free from patterns of compulsive behavior and working towards a healthier lifestyle.
The underlying principles remain the same, promoting honesty, humility, acceptance, and other positive traits. These steps can help individuals regain control over their actions and make choices that support their overall well-being.
Regardless of the specific form of addiction or compulsion, the 12 steps provide a framework for personal growth and recovery. Through a process of self-reflection, acceptance, and a commitment to change, individuals can begin to heal and reclaim their lives. It is important to remember that while the twelve steps may be an effective tool for many, they are part of a comprehensive approach to recovery that should include professional treatment and support.
Key Principles of the Twelve Steps
When attempting to understand the question, "what are the 12 steps?", it's vital to grasp the key principles that underpin them. At their core, the Twelve Steps are built on spiritual foundations and the importance of self-admission.
Spiritual Foundations
The Twelve Steps were founded by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in 1935, drawing from the principles of the Oxford Group, a Christian organization. The Oxford Group emphasized surrendering one's life to God's plan, and it was this spiritual ethos that heavily influenced the creation of the Twelve Steps [1].
The Twelve Steps, as used by Alcoholics Anonymous and other recovery programs, encourage practices such as honesty, humility, acceptance, courage, compassion, forgiveness, and self-discipline. These are not merely moral standards, but spiritual principles meant to deconstruct ego and facilitate emotional well-being and spiritual growth [3].
Importance of Self-Admission
The first step in the Twelve Steps is an admission of powerlessness over one's addiction. This act of self-admission is a cornerstone of the entire program. It's a recognition of the individual's inability to control their addiction on their own and a commitment to seek help.
Self-admission is not a one-time event but a continual process throughout the recovery journey. Each step requires a level of self-reflection and acknowledgment of one's faults and areas of improvement. It's about being honest with oneself and accepting responsibility for one's actions.
The Twelve Steps provide a pathway to recovery that encourages honesty, humility, and acceptance. They offer a structured approach to overcoming addiction and compulsive behaviors, allowing individuals to regain control over their lives and embark on a journey towards spiritual and emotional well-being [3].
Success Rates and Effectiveness
When assessing the impact and value of the twelve-step programs, it's essential to consider the success rates and empirical evidence supporting these approaches.
Success Rates of Twelve-Step Programs
The reported success rates of twelve-step programs vary widely. According to the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, the program has a 50% success rate, with an additional 25% staying sober after some relapses. A 2014 study by AA revealed that 27% of the 6,000 members surveyed had been clean and sober for a year or less, 24% remained sober for up to five years, 13% for a decade, 14% for between 10 and 20 years, and 22% for more than two decades Harmony Ridge Recovery.
However, an internal survey conducted by Alcoholics Anonymous found that 33% of members claimed sobriety for more than a decade, 12% for five to ten years, 24% for one to five years, and 31% for under a year. These figures, however, do not account for the significant number of alcoholics who do not complete the 12 steps The Atlantic.
Empirical Evidence on 12-Step Approaches
Empirical evidence on the success of twelve-step programs is mixed. Peer-reviewed studies suggest that the success rate of Alcoholics Anonymous hovers between five and ten percent, with about one out of every 15 individuals becoming and staying sober through these programs The Atlantic.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) states that about 10% of individuals participating in a Christian 12-Step program achieve long-term success in their recovery. However, there is a lack of impartial data on the success rates of Alcoholics Anonymous due to the anonymity of its members and the reluctance to publish such data Harmony Ridge Recovery.
A report published in 2000 found that on average, 81% of newcomers to Alcoholics Anonymous stopped attending meetings within the first month. After 90 days, only 10% remained, and after a year the number was halved The Atlantic.
While these statistics may seem disheartening, they point to the complex nature of addiction recovery and the challenges faced by those attempting to overcome their dependencies. Despite these challenges, twelve-step programs continue to provide support, structure, and a sense of community for millions of people worldwide. It's important to note that success in recovery often depends on a variety of factors, including the individual's commitment to recovery, the severity of the addiction, and the presence of a supportive network.
Support and Structure
The success of the twelve-step program is greatly influenced by its support structure and the implementation of the sponsorship system.
Sponsorship in Twelve-Step Programs
Sponsorship is a fundamental component of twelve-step programs. In this setup, an individual who has more experience in recovery guides a less-experienced person through the program's twelve steps. The relationship between a sponsor and sponsee is non-hierarchical and emphasizes mutual learning and support. The sponsor shares their experiences, strengths, and hopes, focusing on working the twelve steps with the sponsee [5].
This one-on-one connection can significantly enhance the recovery process. By sharing their journey, sponsors can provide valuable insights and practical advice to help sponsees navigate their path to recovery. The sponsor's experience serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the program and offers tangible proof of the possibility of overcoming addiction.
Role of Meetings and Fellowship
Meetings and fellowship also play a crucial role in the twelve-step program. These gatherings provide a safe space where individuals can share their struggles and successes, gain mutual support, and learn from others' experiences.
In West Virginia, for instance, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings offer resources such as sponsorship groups where individuals recovering from alcoholism or other addictions can connect with people who have shared experiences and struggles. These meetings are instrumental in providing support and guidance to those on the path to recovery [2].
A report published by the NCBI suggests that the median length of abstinence reported by AA and NA members is greater than 5 years, with roughly one third of each of the three groups having between 1 to 5 years of abstinence. Respondents reported attending, on average, two to four meetings per week. These findings suggest that longer-term abstinence is achievable and sustainable among those with relatively regular meeting attendance.
The regularity of meetings and the sense of community they foster can greatly enhance the recovery process. These gatherings provide a platform for mutual support and encouragement, fostering a sense of belonging and helping individuals stay committed to their recovery journey.
Overall, the support and structure provided by sponsorships and meetings are integral to the success of the twelve-step program. They foster a sense of community and mutual support, providing individuals with the resources and motivation they need to overcome their addictions and maintain their sobriety.
Variations and Adaptations
Although the 12-step program originated from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), its principles and steps have been adapted and utilized by over 200 mutual aid organizations worldwide. These organizations, often known as fellowships, support individuals dealing with various forms of addiction and dependency problems.
Adaptations in Different Programs
Each of these fellowships, while maintaining the core principles of the 12-step program, have adapted the steps to best suit the specific struggles of their members. For example, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Crystal Meth Anonymous, and Marijuana Anonymous have tailored the steps to address substance abuse issues. Other fellowships such as Gamblers Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, and Debtors Anonymous have adapted the principles to behavioral compulsions and dependency problems.
The 12-step programs are based on a three-dimensional view of addiction encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. The physical dimension relates to the compulsive need to continue using substances despite harmful consequences. The mental dimension encompasses cognitive processes causing individuals to repeat compulsive behaviors even after periods of abstinence. The spiritual dimension replaces self-centeredness with moral consciousness and a willingness for self-sacrifice and unselfish constructive action [5].
Specialized 12-Step Support Groups
Specialized 12-step support groups have emerged to cater to the unique needs of different individuals. These groups tailor the 12-step principles to address specific addictions or behavioral compulsions, providing a supportive community for individuals dealing with similar struggles.
In 2006 and 2007, an annual average of five million individuals aged 12 or older in the United States attended a self-help group to deal with alcohol or drug use issues. Approximately 45% attended because of alcohol only, 22% because of illicit drug use only, and 33% because of both. Interestingly, about one-third of those who attended a self-help group in the past year also engaged in some type of formal treatment, proving the 12-step program to be a complementary resource to formal treatments [6].
In conclusion, the 12-step program has proven to be a flexible and adaptable approach to addiction recovery. The ability to tailor its principles to different kinds of addictions and compulsions has allowed it to reach a wide spectrum of individuals in need of support, contributing significantly to their journey towards recovery.
References
[1]: https://cornerstoneofrecovery.com/better-way-of-life-a-history-of-the-12-steps/
[2]: https://www.harmonyridgerecovery.com/who-started-aa-the-history-behind-the-12-steps/
[3]: https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/twelve-steps-of-alcoholics-anonymous
[4]: https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/what-is-rehab-like/recovery-the-12-steps/
