12 Steps Program
12 Steps Program of AA is followed and practiced very diligently by Koshish De-addiction Centre, which is based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The 12 Steps Programs are international mutual aid programs that support recovery from substance addictions, behavioral addictions and compulsions.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), developed the first twelve-step program in the 1930s which helped its membership to overcome alcoholism.[1] As a direct result of this, dozens of other organizations have sprung up from AA’s approach to address problems as varied as drug addiction, compulsive gambling, sex, and overeating. All twelve-step programs utilize a version of AA’s suggested twelve steps. These steps were first published in the 1939 book Alcoholics Anonymous: The story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism.[2]
As American Psychological Association (APA), has summarised, the process involves the following:[1]
- admitting that one cannot control one’s alcoholism, addiction, or compulsion
- coming to believe in a Higher Power that can give strength
- examining past errors with the help of a sponsor (experienced member)
- making amends for these errors
- learning to live a new life with a new code of behavior
- helping others who suffer from the same alcoholism, addictions, or compulsions
Conclusion
Though the 12 steps programs may not always be the right solution for everyone, they do tend to help those struggling with substance abuse issues. These steps help addicts in the following ways:
- acquire new coping skills
- feel the support and acquaintance of a loving and accepting community
- transition into sobriety
- foster long-term recovery from addiction
The basic premise of this model is that people can help one another achieve and maintain abstinence from substances of abuse. But unless addicted people surrender to a higher power that healing cannot be achieved. This higher power doesn’t need to be a traditional religious God. It can be as simple as the 12 steps meetings or the universe, or even a different version of a higher power that fits your spirituality.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the longest-running mutual aid group for people with alcohol use disorders, and AA turned 86 years old in 2021. There are more than 54 different 12 steps programs. The 5th of May 1957, is nationally ackknowledged as the “Founders Day” of AA in India.
At Koshish De-addiction Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, we have made the 12 Steps Program a way of life in our recovery journey. We specialise in alcohol and drug addiction treatment as well detoxification and rehabilitation of patients.
Further Reading
12 Step Programs: 12 Steps To Recovery For Addiction