A therapeutic process that uses 12 steps to combat alcohol or substance abuse, pathological gambling, and paraphilias. Twelve-step programs are usually run by laypeople rather than professionals.
General term for program used by any of a number of fellowships (e.g.. Alcoholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous) for self-development and mutual assistance; the program consists of twelve suggested steps, twelve traditions, a few slogans, nonsectarian prayers, books and pamphlets, and many meetings that members attend as often as they choose; typically, members are very supportive of each other and share compassion, understanding, care, and brotherly love; the various programs have helped close to one million people throughout the world.
A method of dealing with addiction that relies on self-help, peer counseling and support, abstinence, and spiritual awakening. The best-known twelve-step program is Alcoholics Anonymous (widely known as AA), founded by a recovered alcoholic in 1935. A number of similarly organized recovery groups follow much the same approach, including Al-Anon (for the relatives and friends of people in recovery) and Narcotics Anonymous.
A form of treatment, used primarily by persons who abuse alcohol or other substances, that relies on social support, interpersonal motivation, abstinence from the addictive substance, and spirituality.