Alcoholics Anonymous - 12 Step Program

12 Step Program

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935 by two men searching for a way to handle their addiction to alcohol. The men sought to establish a program where people could overcome their addiction through emotional support from local self-help groups led by recovering alcoholics themselves (Britannica 2009). The program was focused around 12 steps that provided 'spiritual principles' outlining the exact course of action one must take to overcome their illness and eventually live their lives. Today the 12-step program has become a worldwide tool used by not only alcoholics, but also those addicted to a wide range of substances and behaviors (Britannica 2009). Though the program is known for its overwhelming success rate, after attending an Alcoholics Anonymous group for myself I personally believe that the 12-step program has a few flaws that should be considered.

One of the main reasons Alcoholics Anonymous has become so popular is because of its accessibility to everyone. The program is offered locally at no cost and does not turn anybody away. There is no referral needed and all you have to do to join the group is literally show up (Britannica 2009). Though the purpose of this system is to provide a safe and welcoming environment, the demographic of the group can sometimes be more detrimental than helpful. For example in the AA group I attended, the group was very large and mostly made up of middle-aged African American men. Some participates had already overcome their addiction and were focused solely on maintaining a healthy lifestyle while others in the group were just starting the process of recovery, one man even showed up smelling of alcohol. There is such a large achievement gap between members that the stories told by the newer members can sometimes hinder others advancement, often causing them to relapse. Participants also need to be careful about forming outside relationships with other members of the group. Unhealthy friendships can lead to unhealthy actions or thoughts that may eventually cause them to relapse. However there are many positive effects the members of an AA group can have on each other. Often a more advanced member of the group often 'sponsors' a new member guiding them through the process.

Apart from the member-based leadership and support, the 12-step program has attributed most of its success to the principles its members commit to. "Its 12 steps to recovery include acknowledgment of the problem, faith in a 'higher power' as understood by each individual, self-examination, and a desire to change for the better and to help others recover" (Britannica 2009). While the 12 steps are supposed to be focused on taking responsibility for your actions I felt that the group I attended spent most of the time focusing only on the religious aspect. Alcoholics Anonymous is supposed to be based on the concept that