One does not have to read far into the literature concerning substance abuse recovery before discovering mention of a 12 step program. These programs have endured almost 80 years. While originally designed to help alcoholics in their battle for sobriety, today, there are twelve step programs and support groups for all types of addiction.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) began in the early 1930s to provide support for those who were struggling with sobriety. At the time there were not a lot of choices for treatment, although a few hospitals offered drying out facilities, the precursor of today's detox center. While the steps did not exist at the founding of AA, they were developed within the next few years and have been the key to many becoming abstinent.
These steps were first published in Bill Wilson's Big Book. The original publication date of the book was 1938. While many of the steps were already being passed by word of mouth, Wilson was the first to codify them. His work brought together principles that has been used for many years to bring individuals to sobriety.
According to Wilson, it took between 20 and 30 minutes to write these steps that have had a major impact on substance abuse treatment for 75 years. Wilson claimed to have begun writing and once complete counted the steps that had been listed to find they added to twelve. Once complete there was little editing to complete the code.
While the original list included the use of God in several places, it was later edited to reduce this usage to a minimum. Later, the group added the phrase "as we understood Him" after each mention of this name. Today, it is common for "God" to be replaced with the phrase a "higher power".
Many of these principles can be traced directly to the Oxford Group. This group was organized by a Lutheran minister and active in the 1900s before WWII. While Wilson credits the group for the spiritual principles, he also says certain attitude incompatible with AA were discarded.
Although many rehab centers continue to base their work on the twelve step program, it has come under fire by psychology today. Some claim that an alcoholic and his or her spouse meeting with a counselor can provide the same results as attending weekly AA meetings. In addition, there are some who continue to disagree with the principles due to their dependence on god or a higher power. Even Christian groups sometimes attack the steps believing the first step eliminates moral depravity of man.
For 75 years, individuals trapped by alcoholism have found help through AA. The group's 12 step program has formed the basis of many different support groups, some for fighting alcoholism while others facing other types of substance abuse problems. The steps may be adapted for emotional disorders and other situations as well. Each group tends to modify the steps slightly with changes in wording to make them more appropriate for the group. Often the group will ask for permission from AA before making the changes.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) began in the early 1930s to provide support for those who were struggling with sobriety. At the time there were not a lot of choices for treatment, although a few hospitals offered drying out facilities, the precursor of today's detox center. While the steps did not exist at the founding of AA, they were developed within the next few years and have been the key to many becoming abstinent.
These steps were first published in Bill Wilson's Big Book. The original publication date of the book was 1938. While many of the steps were already being passed by word of mouth, Wilson was the first to codify them. His work brought together principles that has been used for many years to bring individuals to sobriety.
According to Wilson, it took between 20 and 30 minutes to write these steps that have had a major impact on substance abuse treatment for 75 years. Wilson claimed to have begun writing and once complete counted the steps that had been listed to find they added to twelve. Once complete there was little editing to complete the code.
While the original list included the use of God in several places, it was later edited to reduce this usage to a minimum. Later, the group added the phrase "as we understood Him" after each mention of this name. Today, it is common for "God" to be replaced with the phrase a "higher power".
Many of these principles can be traced directly to the Oxford Group. This group was organized by a Lutheran minister and active in the 1900s before WWII. While Wilson credits the group for the spiritual principles, he also says certain attitude incompatible with AA were discarded.
Although many rehab centers continue to base their work on the twelve step program, it has come under fire by psychology today. Some claim that an alcoholic and his or her spouse meeting with a counselor can provide the same results as attending weekly AA meetings. In addition, there are some who continue to disagree with the principles due to their dependence on god or a higher power. Even Christian groups sometimes attack the steps believing the first step eliminates moral depravity of man.
For 75 years, individuals trapped by alcoholism have found help through AA. The group's 12 step program has formed the basis of many different support groups, some for fighting alcoholism while others facing other types of substance abuse problems. The steps may be adapted for emotional disorders and other situations as well. Each group tends to modify the steps slightly with changes in wording to make them more appropriate for the group. Often the group will ask for permission from AA before making the changes.
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