They also address questions related to financing the group and managing public relations. First, they will pass around a collection basket where people may donate money to help pay for the rent, group materials, fees, and miscellaneous items like coffee or breakfast. Secondly, they will ask if anyone has a “burning desire” to share. Lastly, the group will collectively bow their heads and have a moment of silence for the alcoholic or addict that is suffering most and say the serenity prayer together. And Dr. Bob hadn’t shared their faith, passion, and practices with the world, addiction and recovery would look very different today.

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The camaraderie built within these groups often becomes a lifeline, as members find sponsors, take on sponsees and share in each other’s struggles and triumphs. While it’s true that the 12 Steps were originally based on the principles of a spiritual organization, the world isn’t the same as it was in 1935 when AA and the 12 Step program were founded. The word “God” was eventually replaced with “Higher Power” to be more accessible to everyone, regardless of faith traditions or beliefs.

If you or someone you know has had a problem with substance abuse like alcohol or drugs, you have likely heard of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It has been around since 1935 and was started by Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Smith (known as Bill W. and Dr. Bob). Since its creation in Akron Ohio, AA has amassed over 2 million members worldwide and consists of different types of 12 step meetings. Other organizations have been created using similar principles and programs to not only help alcoholics and addicts but also the people who love and support them. During the time when AA was created, alcoholism was mainly viewed as the individual’s problem alone, a moral failing and not a disease.

Step 3 – Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

1. Step 2 is about finding faith in some higher power, and the accompanying principle of hope means that you should never give up that faith, even when you suffer a setback.
2. That offers guidance and community for those seeking to conquer their alcoholAn organic compound used in many products, most notably intoxicating drinks.
3. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
4. Often people never stop working the steps but they just become ingrained in their everyday life.

Navigating life’s trials without the crutch of alcohol seems scary at first, but with the support found in the AA program, it becomes a collective journey rather than a solitary battle. The 12 step programA 12 step program includes 12 steps of recovery to help those struggling with substance addictions or behavioral addictions. The 12 steps are also used in programs dedicated to helping loved ones of addicts.

Support Groups

A Higher Power doesn’t have to be God; it could be how many steps are in aa nature, the universe, fate, karma, your support system, the recovery group itself, medical professionals or whatever you feel is outside of and greater than yourself/your ego. What you believe to be a Higher Power is a very personal thing. He attributed his success to working with other alcoholics.

Such programs can also be helpful for long-term support and care. Twelve-Step meetings are considered the “fellowship” part of the AA mutual support groups, where people come together and share their experiences. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been going for over 80 years and their 12-step program has become synonymous with addiction recovery the world over. Step 7 requires deep humility and surrendering all demands of a negative behavior or character flaw.

It’s one thing to take personal inventory and admit our wrongs one time. It takes discipline to continue to do this over an entire lifetime. The Big Book also outlines the Twelve AA principles, which are single words encompassing the virtues needed to pass each step. On the other hand, millions have acknowledged their belief that AA and its principles saved their life. By studying the program, how it works, and each of its principles, you can determine if this type of program is ideal for you. Many people find it so helpful that they continue to meet with the group in order to help others as they work to maintain their own recovery.