Step Alcohol Treatment

An overview of the 12-Step program The 12-Step Addiction Treatment program originally came into being in 1935 when it was proposed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It was developed as a guideline for recovering alcoholics but now encompasses issues of dependency and substance abuse and addiction as well. Remember that addictions come in all shapes and sizes while not always being associated with alcohol and drugs. It's not just about alcohol and drugs anymore because certain behaviors are also considered to be addictions, such as gambling, pornography, video games, and so on. It is also important to remember that one addiction is no less significant than another and there are now versions of the original 12-Step alcohol treatment that can be applied to all of them if need be. Other noteworthy organizations adopted the 12-Step Program and they have made it part of the foundation of their addiction treatment and recovery programs. These include such well-known organizations as: * Co-Dependents Anonymous * Debtors Anonymous * Gamblers Anonymous * Narcotics Anonymous * Overeaters Anonymous According to the APA (American Psychological Association), 12-Step alcohol treatment programs have been summarized and involve the following as the core of the philosophy: * Being able to recognize that gaining strength can only come from a greater power * making amends for the bad behavior and decisions that you made in the past * living a new lifestyle by learning a new behavior code * helping others who just like you, are suffering with the same addictions or compulsions that you are * examining your past bad behavior and decisions with the assistance of an experienced member (a.k.a. sponsor) * admitting that you are unable to control your addictions or compulsions The function of the 12-Step Program The 12-Step alcohol treatment program is just as the name implies. There are 12 steps involved during the treatment and recovery stages, but that is also true regardless of what type of addiction it is. Just keep in mind that this is a set of guidelines or principles which outline the right courses of action to take for recovering from: * addiction * behavioral issues * compulsive behavior In addition to the 12 steps of this addiction treatment and recovery program, there are 12 traditions that coincide with the 12-Step program. This is a set of guidelines which focus on governing oneself and controlling one's behavior. Alcoholics Anonymous developed these in conjunction with the original 12-Step Program in order to help the individual resolve their internal conflict, especially those involving finances, publicity, and religion. Today, the majority of the 12-step support fellowships out there have adopted these in order to govern their group and structure.