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12 Step Program Good For Nearly Any Disorder

A 12 step program for recovering from addictions is an extremely popular and very effective route for receiving treatment for many addiction-related conditions. There are hundreds of different kinds of support groups using the 12 step model today and most have chapters in every metropolitan area. The 12 step model is easy for most people to followed and those that complete it experience positive effects and recover from their addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous, known as AA, was the first to use the 12 step model an is probably the largest 12 step support group in the U.S. AA got its start in the 1930s when two alcoholics teamed up and decided to do whatever it took to get each other sober and keep each other that way. These guys were Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. Today they are often referred to as Bill and Bob. They had no idea how much impact their 12 step program would have.

In its beginning, the 12 step program that developed out of AA was focused heavily on religion. The AA's 'big book' is filled with religious references and scripture. It speaks of God the Father and other Christian subjects. The 12 step model is loosely based on the Oxford Group, a Christian fellowwhip.

The Oxford Group believed strongly in self-reflection, surrender to God, admitting one's character defects and doing restitution for bad things they've said and done to others. The idea is that this allows them to recover from behavioral issues that lead to addiction. Bill and Bob's method was largely influenced by this and the 12 step model used today closely follows the 12 step program used nearly a century ago.

Most 12 step programs promote some level of religion or spirituality. Because of this, people who are atheists, agnostics or are of some non-Christian religion get turned off from 12 step programs. But most 12 satep programs today offer meetings intended specifically for non-Christian members. Even the regular 12 step meetings have been changed to that no denomination is emphasized and no religious discussion takes place.

Today, a person struggling from any kind of addiction that you can imagine can find a 12 step program to help them. There are also programs for eating disorders, depression, anxiety and even some mental illnesses and for people who have had traumatic experiences. The 12 step program is always a good place to start if you are suffering from an addiction or emotional disorder.