What Are 12 Step Programs?

Those struggling with addiction often feel like they are all alone in facing an unwinnable battle. They can feel like they are on an impossible journey without anyone to guide or support them.

Fortunately, they don’t have to face it alone. 12-step programs provide a structured, community-based path to recovery that has helped millions of people worldwide. If you’re wondering “what are 12 Step programs?” or “what are the 12 Steps to recovery?”, here’s everything you need to know.

A Brief History of the 12-Step Program

The 12-Step model was first introduced by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in 1938, founded by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith.[1] It was created as a way to help people recover from alcoholism, but the Steps have since been adapted for a variety of substance use and behavioral issues, including narcotics, gambling, and eating disorders. Programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA) have adopted the same foundational Steps with some modifications to suit the audiences.

While the origins of the program are rooted in spirituality, 12-step recovery is not limited to individuals with a religious background. The term “God” in the Steps is defined broadly and intended to represent a “high power” that can be personal strength, community, or a spiritual belief unique to the individual.

What Are the 12 Steps in a 12-Step Program?

While some people may be familiar with the program, fewer are aware of the exact steps. The idea behind this method is that those seeking addiction treatment may have to visit a step more than once. In fact, it is expected. The approach to the program is that it is non-linear in a sense and a constant “work in progress.” People working the steps are told that the first three steps of the program are essentially the building blocks of all the others. Some people who are working the Steps often work several of them at the same time.

The 12 Steps are as follows:[2]

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. We were entirely ready to have God remove all those defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

What Is the First Step in AA?

The first step in Alcoholics Anonymous is about admitting powerlessness over addiction. It marks the beginning of the addiction recovery journey and is considered the most critical turning point because it acknowledges that there’s a problem and cultivates an openness to change and personal growth. This is where it all begins.

How Do 12-Step Programs Work?

12-Step programs are based on mutual support and accountability. Members meet regularly to share their experiences, work through the steps, and support one another in their recovery. Whether their issue is with gambling, alcohol, narcotics, or sex, the hope is that the program can be a place where people can share their experiences and act as a support system for each other. This support is often provided through meetings where individuals share their stories and struggles with others facing the same issues.

This support system that is fostered by this practice is designed to assist members in having the strength, resolve, and mental health to continue abstaining from the substances that have harmed them.[3] A lot of research has been done that shows those individuals who give up their dependencies entirely report a much better mental state than those who still dabble.

Long-term, the hope is that the steps change the behaviors that have led the addict to dependency. In addition, by providing support and structure, this program aims to help members make healthier choices when it comes to the vice with which they struggle.

The Role of Sponsors in 12-Step Recovery

A key component of many 12-Step programs is the sponsor-sponsee relationship. A sponsor is someone who has completed the steps and serves as a mentor and guide to someone new in the program.

Often, the role of the sponsor will be to encourage their charge to participate in meetings and interact socially with other group members.[4] They are also often expected to give and discuss information about the program with the person they are sponsoring. Sponsors are also expected to be there to answer questions, share their past experiences with their dependency, and assist the person they are sponsoring in making difficult decisions.

Since many of these programs lack a hierarchical structure that governs the steps, the relationships between sponsors and those they are sponsoring are often very informal. Some sponsors and their charges speak every day, while others find that speaking once a week is perfectly fine.

Sponsors are entirely free to set their boundaries. Some sponsors make themselves available to those they sponsor at any time. In other arrangements, the sponsor sets up “office hours” when they can be contacted for questions, concerns, or support. It is essential to remember that the sponsor is also in recovery, so they must prioritize their own needs.

Are the 12 Steps Right for You?

While 12-step programs have helped countless people, they are not the only option for recovery. Some people prefer non-spiritual or evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), or holistic rehabilitation programs.

At Ascendant New York, recovery is a personal journey. Whether you choose a 12-step path or a different approach, what matters is that you’re taking the first step and asking for help. If you or a loved one is seeking substance abuse services, call our 24-hour admissions line today for a free consultation and no-obligation insurance verification. Our detox center in New York has helped many individuals overcome their substance use disorders and begin a new life of sobriety.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more