Twelve-Step Programs

An Overview of Twelve-Step Programs

Twelve-step programs are behavioral transformation programs that, as described by the American Psychological Association, involve the following phases:

• Individual self-admission of his/her addiction and/or compulsion
• Recognition of a greater power that can give strength
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• Reflection and examination of past errors with the help of a sponsor (sponsor is a more experienced member of the group who assists, supports, and guides the newcomer in his recovery)
• Making amends and correcting past errors
• Accepting, identifying, and learning to live with the new code of behavior of the 12-step group encouraging abstinence
• Serving as a sponsor and helping others who suffer the same addiction or compulsion

Twelve-step programs aim to deal with addiction or compulsion and its problems as manifested in physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Dealing with withdrawal symptoms and other bodily reactions, which generate the compulsion to continue abusing addictive agents, are examples of problems in the physical dimension, while cognitive processes that cause the individual's repetition of compulsive behavior represent the mental problems and obsessions that need to be addressed. To challenge these cognitive processes, the First Step of the program emphasizes and requires the individual member's recognition of the person's inability to deal with his/her problem on his/her own.

All 12-step programs involve a spiritual dimension, as they aim to treat the individual's “spiritual malady.” This is not a scientific process or claim by 12-step groups but rather a useful instrumental perspective. Twelve-step programs sustain their members' involvement, leading them to attend to the views of the group rather than dismissing them. The group's potent influence engages its members in an alternative worldview and reframes addiction as an illness, a visitation that must be expunged. This ultimately leads the individual member to experience a quasi-religious conversion, which provides relief and gives the suffering person respite from guilt.

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