The twelve-step program was originally proposed by Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson who founded Alcoholic’s Anonymous in 1935. These programs use a series of guiding principles that outline a course of action for the recovery from alcohol addiction and other behavioral problems. Today, 12-step programs are found in most treatment centers and have been evolved to provide support and guidance for those who suffer from alcohol addiction, gambling addiction, compulsive disorders and various other problems.
Twelve step programs involve admitting a lack of control over addiction, realizing a higher power that can provide strength, examining past errors and situations with the guidance and help of a sponsor and making amends for the errors. The addict will then learn how to live life under a new behavioral code helping others who suffer from the same addictions as them.
Today, there are more than 200 different self-help organizations that are also known as fellowships that utilize twelve-step principles for recovery. For alcohol addiction, the most common 12-step recovery program is Alcoholics Anonymous but there are also groups known as auxiliary groups such as Al-Anon which provide support for the friends and family members of those who are addicted to alcohol.
The original Twelve Steps as published by Alcoholics Anonymous are: