The AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)meetings were developed by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith and were synonymous with the 12 step program. They were the men who founded the organization and came up with the "first name" only rule that is still used to this day in addiction centers all across America.
The 12 Step Program's Early Beginnings
While still in the early stages of the AA programs of the 1930s and 1940s, the 12 steps began to emerge. Each of the steps is placed into one of five categories and is designed to help the alcoholic who is still suffering from alcoholism. In the 1930s and 1940s, there was no way for the narcotics abuser to find help because these 12 steps were alcohol-specific until the 1950s when AA finally allowed NA to use the 12 step program for the drug abusers.
The 12 step program was designed for the psychological addiction to the alcohol and it has been now put to use to cover all aspects of addiction whether it is to alcohol or any other substance. It was once treated as a disease of compulsion and now we know there are many reasons that make an alcoholic become addicted.
The first step of the program relates to powerlessness and that is knowing that no matter the consequence, the alcoholic is unable to control the need for the substance. There will always be a mental tie to the addiction and the addiction will have to be overcome on a daily basis.
It is found that with treating the alcoholism as a mental addiction, the obsession and compulsion to take the drug will always win even if the abuser knows there may be very harsh consequences. Many of these thoughts have changed and morphed over the years but the 12 steps still remain the same and are still utilized by addiction centers all across America.
Learning the 12 steps and living by using these steps has helped millions of Americans overcome their addiction. This does not mean that there are no other programs that work but with its proven success over the years, it makes one assume that following the 12 step program is a step toward the right direction. Owning up to the addiction and taking the steps to overcome the addiction are all that matter for the addict to succeed.
12-Step