Types of 12 Step Programs

While the methodology of each program differs, the purpose of a 12 step program is always the same –to help people struggling with addiction. The process includes different steps and goals that each member adheres to and accomplishes. According to the American Psychological Association, some common steps in the twelve-step process include:

• admitting that one cannot control one’s alcoholism, addiction or compulsion
• recognizing a higher power that can give strength
• examining past mistakes 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

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), founded in 1935, was the first twelve-step program ever created. The steps, which are very similar to ones already mentioned, were put in place at that time. In 1946, twelve traditions were created that governed how groups functioned and related to each other as membership was quickly growing. Traditions included the practice of anonymity by only using one’s first name and the tradition of “singleness of purpose.” The latter tradition meant that AA would have “but one primary purpose – to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.” As such, this precluded attendance by anyone who did not suffer from alcohol misuse and resulted in the formation of other 12 step programs.

Because Alcoholics Anonymous was exclusive to people who struggled with alcohol addiction, a vast array of other programs were formed to aid and support those in recovery from other addictive disorders. These include the following groups:

ACA –Adult Children of Alcoholics

Al-Anon/Alateen (for friends and families of alcoholics)

CA –Cocaine Anonymous

CLA –Clutterers Anonymous

CMA –Crystal Meth Anonymous

Co-Anon (for friends and family of addicts)

CoDA –Co-Dependents Anonymous (for people working to end patterns of dysfunctional relationships and develop functional and healthy relationships)

COSA (an auxiliary group of Sex Addicts Anonymous)

COSLAA –CoSex and Love Addicts Anonymous

DA –Debtors Anonymous

EA –Emotions Anonymous, for recovery from mental and emotional illness

FA –Families Anonymous, for relatives and friends of addicts

FA –Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous

FAA –Food Addicts Anonymous

GA –Gamblers Anonymous

Gam-Anon/Gam-A-Teen (for friends and family members of problem gamblers)

HA –Heroin Anonymous

MA –Marijuana Anonymous

NA –Narcotics Anonymous

N/A –Neurotics Anonymous (for recovery from mental and emotional illness)

Nar-Anon (for friends and family members of addicts)

NicA –Nicotine Anonymous

OA –Overeaters Anonymous

OLGA –Online Gamers Anonymous

PA –Pills Anonymous (for recovery from prescription pill addiction)

SA –Sexaholics Anonymous

SA –Smokers Anonymous

SAA –Sex Addicts Anonymous

SCA –Sexual Compulsives Anonymous

SIA –Survivors of Incest Anonymous

SLAA –Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

SRA –Sexual Recovery Anonymous

UA –Underearners Anonymous

WA –Workaholics Anonymous