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, or AA started in the early 1930s before the twelve steps had been gathered in any form. Its goal was to help alcoholics who were trying to maintain sobriety. At the time it was formed, there was little in the way of treatment for individuals with substance abuse problems. A few hospitals operated "drunk tanks" where alcoholics went to dry out. AA has helped many to find success in abstinence.
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.
Wilson claimed it took only 20-30 minutes to write these steps that have continued to be useful for over 7 decades. Once he completed his writing he counted the steps and found he had written a set of twelve. Upon completion of the list, Wilson says there was little need for editing in order to complete the set.
Although the original set of steps used God in several places, Wilson edited the list to reduce the usage to a minimum so the help could be used by all faiths. Later the addition of "as we understood Him" was included after each mention of the deity. Today, "higher power" often replaces "God" in the listings.
Many of these steps can be traced to the Oxford Group. This Christian organization was an offshoot of the Lutheran Church and active in the early 1900s. According to Wilson they were responsible for the spiritual principles, but some of their attitudes were incompatible with AA and were thus discarded.
With very few changes, twelve step program continues to be used today, but have recently come under fire. Some research suggests meeting with a counselor and significant other can bring the same results as the program. Others claim similar results in stopping the use of alcohol without any program at all. Some criticize the steps due to their religious background. Christian groups may also criticize the steps as being to liberal in their interpretation of a Higher Power.
For three-quarters of a century, individuals struggling with alcohol abuse have turned to AA for help. The 12 steps that form the basis for this support group have also been adopted by many other organizations to provide help for all types of substance abuse, emotional disorders and other situations. In general, each group makes a few slight changes to the wording of one or more of the steps to make them more appropriate for the substance being abused or the affliction that affects the members
Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA started in the early 1930s before the twelve steps had been gathered in any form. Its goal was to help alcoholics who were trying to maintain sobriety. At the time it was formed, there was little in the way of treatment for individuals with substance abuse problems. A few hospitals operated "drunk tanks" where alcoholics went to dry out. AA has helped many to find success in abstinence.
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.
Wilson claimed it took only 20-30 minutes to write these steps that have continued to be useful for over 7 decades. Once he completed his writing he counted the steps and found he had written a set of twelve. Upon completion of the list, Wilson says there was little need for editing in order to complete the set.
Although the original set of steps used God in several places, Wilson edited the list to reduce the usage to a minimum so the help could be used by all faiths. Later the addition of "as we understood Him" was included after each mention of the deity. Today, "higher power" often replaces "God" in the listings.
Many of these steps can be traced to the Oxford Group. This Christian organization was an offshoot of the Lutheran Church and active in the early 1900s. According to Wilson they were responsible for the spiritual principles, but some of their attitudes were incompatible with AA and were thus discarded.
With very few changes, twelve step program continues to be used today, but have recently come under fire. Some research suggests meeting with a counselor and significant other can bring the same results as the program. Others claim similar results in stopping the use of alcohol without any program at all. Some criticize the steps due to their religious background. Christian groups may also criticize the steps as being to liberal in their interpretation of a Higher Power.
For three-quarters of a century, individuals struggling with alcohol abuse have turned to AA for help. The 12 steps that form the basis for this support group have also been adopted by many other organizations to provide help for all types of substance abuse, emotional disorders and other situations. In general, each group makes a few slight changes to the wording of one or more of the steps to make them more appropriate for the substance being abused or the affliction that affects the members
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