Twelve-step program

A twelve-step program (or programme) is a fellowship which aims at the recovery of its members from the consequences of an addiction, a compulsion, or another harmful influence on their lives, with the help of the Twelve Steps. Also the specific program of recovery that is applied within such a fellowship, is called a twelve-step program. The fellowship, a bond of loosely organized, autonomous groups, functions on the basis of principles, formulated in the Twelve Traditions. Synonyms are anonymous program and A-program; the original twelve-step program is Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.).

History

The first such program was Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which was begun in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, known to A.A. members as "Bill W." and "Dr. Bob." They established the tradition within the "Anonymous" twelve-step programs of using only first names. The Twelve Steps were originally written by Wilson and other early members of AA to codify the process that they felt had worked for them personally. The Twelve Steps were essentially a rewriting of the 6 steps of the Oxford Group with whom Wilson had contact. This "codex" is the book "Alcoholics Anonymous", often referred to as the "Big Book."

Related Topics:
Alcoholics Anonymous - 1935 - Bill Wilson - Dr. Bob Smith - Oxford Group

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The Twelve Steps were eventually matched with Twelve Traditions, a set of guidelines for running individual groups and a sort of constitution for the program (eg, AA) as a whole.

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Many other programs since have adapted AA's original steps to their own ends. Related programs exist to help family and friends of those with addictions. These programs also follow modified versions of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

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One organization which is often confused with an "Anonymous" twelve-step program, due to the intentional similarity of its name — but is not one — is Narconon. Narconon is a branch of the Church of Scientology, presenting Scientology doctrine and practices as a therapy for drug abusers. Narconon does not use the Twelve Steps, and is not related to Narcotics Anonymous.

Related Topics:
Narconon - Church of Scientology - Narcotics Anonymous

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