12 Step Program

The original 12 Step program is for overcoming alcohol addiction by adopting 12 steps and the program is known as Alcohol Anonymous (AA). The program is initially devised in 1930s and since then it has become very popular. There are some other programs on similar lines devised for overcome of addiction for drug anonymous, over eater anonymous, sexual anonymous or thrill seeking anonymous. You can find a number of volunteers serving man and mankind through various programs and 12 Step program is one of such program useful for overcoming addictions. Throughout the year many programs claiming helpful to people stay for very less time, but the one known as 12 step program is staying for years and really helpful for the members seeking overcoming of addictions of one type or other.

The main reason behind the 12 Step program's sustainability comes through the active participation of the members in day-to-day running of the program. The support members design and focus the actual need of the addicted members and the training methodology for overcoming such addictions. There may be various types of addictions such as cigarette smoking, alcoholism, drugs addiction, etc. and you may find different support group for different type of addictions.

The original and most successful Alcohol Anonymous (AA) program of 12 Step Program has larger number of followers and all the members of voluntarily adopt the 12 basic steps. These are not the instructions to follow, but these are the commitments made by the members to overcome the addiction and the first is admitting that you are an alcohol addict. The other steps include self-belief, making decision to turn your will, morality and belief in god.

There are various stages for achieving the goal and you will get support and education from the fellow members. As the focus of achieving your target depends on your belief in god and being spiritual in nature you will be asked to focus yourself in such a power that is greater than yourself. Although the step is spiritual in nature but it does not specify to follow a specific religious belief.

One of the major benefits of the 12 Step program is that it's cost to the members is almost negligible. There are some group members who take up the task of collecting donation to help pay for supplies, rental cost etc., however members are hardly asked to pay for attending support groups. This is especially beneficial to lot of those members who do not have health care coverage or who could not afford the high therapy costs.

There are some critics who states that 12 Step groups are religious in nature, however the group clearly make distinctions and focus on spirituality. Every meeting of 12 Step groups begins with the prayer called as Serenity Prayer and the book focus on the main object of the program not to disallow you from drinking, but it enables you to find a greater power than yourself which will solve all your problems.