Ten Reasons 12 Step Program Meetings Are So Effective

The twelve step program is the most famous set of guiding principles for recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. The twelve steps were first proposed in 1939 by Alcoholics Anonymous when they were published in the book that has become known as the Big Book.
　
The twelve steps include admitting that one cannot control one's addiction and the recognition that a higher power can deliver strength. The twelve steps also include the examination of past mistakes with the help of a sponsor, and making amends for those mistakes. The twelve steps also incorporates learning to live a new, sober life with new behaviors. At the same time, a critical component of the twelve steps is helping and mentoring other people who are struggling with addiction.
　
A twelve step program is based primarily on fellowship and community. People involved in a twelve step program are bonded, through meetings, by the disease of addiction and through sharing their experiences and then progress towards a meaningful and long-term recovery. Over the years, however, there has been doubt about the effectiveness of the twelve step program. But today, more medical professionals are realizing that a twelve step program, complete with meetings and a sponsor, are a true path to recovery and sobriety.
　
The reasons twelve step meets are effective are first and foremost that it has a biblical basis. The Bible supports the twelve steps. It is important to remember that twelve step recovery is progressive and working the steps follows a logical path. Anyone going through a twelve step program is a journey and an adventure. A twelve step program is not a self-help program, rather, it is a program that demands aggressive determination and control. It is a program that you must learn to rely on someone other than yourself and to put your trust in God and in other people and thingsbesides drugs or alcohol. It must begin with exploring and deepening your relationship with God.
　
Meetings are effective primarily because they force accountability. The recovering addict must get up in front of other people, often strangers, and tell their story. It is most of the time, not a pretty story. But by opening your mind and your heart, one can find hope, strength and solace in a twelve step program and know that sobriety is possible.