FAQs
12-step programs are rooted in spiritual principles and often rely on a belief in a higher power. This can be a barrier for individuals who do not subscribe to a specific faith or religious belief and may feel uncomfortable attending meetings or working the steps.
What is the success rate of the 12-step program? ›
Alcoholics Anonymous' Big Book touts about a 50% success rate, stating that another 25% remain sober after some relapses.
Which of these is a limitation of 12-step programs? ›
The most obvious limitation of these groups is the emphasis on spiritual principles. For those who are not religious or believe in a faith-based system, 12-step programs can be met with tremendous hesitancy.
What are the negatives of AA? ›
The way people go about their desire to stop drinking might not be to hear horror stories about others. This could cause feelings of anxiety and depression and eventually lead to substance abuse. In fact, it is reported that 40% of people drop out of AA meetings after the first meeting because it's just too depressing.
Why doesn't AA work for everyone? ›
AA is a spiritual program that emphasizes the importance of surrendering to a higher power as part of the rehab process. While this approach may be very appealing to some, it also can be off-putting to those who don't believe in a higher power or who has different spiritual beliefs.
What religion is the 12-step program? ›
Are 12-step programs religious? No. While the 12 Steps were inspired by spiritual ideals, a 12-step program itself is not religious at all.
Is there a 12-step program that isn't religious? ›
The 12 steps of AA can be reinterpreted for atheists and agnostics who may be uncomfortable with the religious language. AA without God is based on the same principles and steps.
Is 12 Steps good? ›
The short answer to whether or not the twelve steps are really effective is that they can be very helpful in aiding people on the road to recovery. The twelve step program not only helps people get sober in the first place, but also work as a great source of support for the long term.
What are the benefits of the step program? ›
Why join STEP?
- Get real time updates about health, weather, safety, and security in the country.
- Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy.
- Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there's an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.
Step 12 of AA involves carrying the message of recovery from alcohol addiction to others and practicing the principles of AA in your daily life.
Alcoholics Anonymous is the largest of all of the twelve-step programs (from which all other twelve-step programs are derived), followed by Narcotics Anonymous; the majority of twelve-step members are recovering from addiction to alcohol or other drugs.
What is the principle of step 12? ›
In Al-Anon, the 12th step reads, "try to carry the message to others," and in Alcoholics Anonymous, it says "to alcoholics." But the principle is the same. In order to work all 12 of the steps, we must try to help others.
What are the three parts of Step 12? ›
A blend of spiritual awakening, carrying the message, and daily practice
- First comes the concept of "spiritual awakening."
- The second part of Step Twelve is about carrying the message of recovery to other people.
- This leads naturally to the third part of Step Twelve—practicing the principles "in all our affairs."
Twelve-Step Programs for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) AA is the largest 12-step fellowship for alcohol problems,[3] with estimated over 2 million members worldwide.[19] ...
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) NA is the largest 12-step fellowship primarily focused on drug[3] ...
- Other programs:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
AA defines powerlessness as “a feeling of being unable to control one's life because of alcohol abuse. It includes feelings of hopelessness, guilt, shame, worthlessness, and fear.” This definition is similar to the way many therapists talk about this issue.
