Alcoholics Anonymous: 12-Step Program

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the largest and most commonly known self-help group in the world. Since the creation of AA in 1935, there have been many programs modeled after it, which are also based on the 12-Step Program. Some of these include Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Chemically Dependent Anonymous, as well as programs for specific drugs, such as Cocaine Anonymous (CA) and Crystal Meth Anonymous (NIDA, 2012). Attendance and participation for self-help groups are open for anyone to attend and free of cost for all members, with meetings typically held in locations such as churches and public buildings. “Metropolitan areas usually have specialized groups, based on such member characteristics as gender, length of time in recovery, age, sexual orientation, profession, ethnicity, and language spoken” (CSTAT, 2008). Vast majorities of drug addiction treatment programs encourage the participation of self-help group therapy during and after formal treatment because the patients benefit from the social reinforcement that comes from peer discussion, while also helping to promote, achieve, and maintain drug-free and healthy lifestyles. The 12-Step Program is a uniquely, well-rounded phase of treatment that includes maintaining a close relationship with a sponsor who is experienced with self-discipline and long-term abstinence. The meetings also incorporate skills such as helping others, taking responsibility for recovery, sharing personal experiences, and accepting the existence of a higher power. “Research has shown that when group therapy either is offered in conjunction with individualized drug counseling or is formatted to reflect the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy or contingency management, positive outcomes are achieved” (NIDA, 2012). The original 12 Step Guide was inspired and created in 1935 by pioneer AA members. A couple years later, the two founders of AA published a book based on their experiences, including both the failures and the

References: Center for Sub­stance Abuse Treatment. (2008). An Introduction to Mutual Support Groups for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved November 16, 2014, from http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA08-4336/SMA08 (2013). Stimulant abuser groups to engage in 12-Step: A multisite trial in the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network Treatment, 44(1), 103-114. Retrieved November 15, 2014, from http://www.sciencedirect.com.eres.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/science/article/pii/S0740 47212000815# Kring, A.M., Johnson, S.L., Davidson, G.C., & Neale (2014) Majer, J., Jason, L., Aase, D., Droege, J., & Ferrari, J. (2013). Categorical 12-step involvement and continuous abstinence at 2 years 51. Retrieved November 15, 2014, from http://www.sciencedirect.com.eres.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/science/article/pii/S074054 Retrieved November 15, 2014, from http://www.sciencedirect.com.eres.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/science/article/pii/S074054 Based Guide. Third Edition. (NIH Publication No. 12-4180). Retrieved November 16, 2014, from http://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/podat_1.pdf