Where Did the 12 Steps Come From?

You’ve probably heard of the 12 steps programme, especially if you’ve ever considered addiction recovery. But what exactly is it, how did it start, and how did it become so widely spread as one of the most well know recovery programmes?

Find out where the 12 step programme came from and how you can use it in your recovery with the help of New Leaf Recovery

What Is the 12 Steps Program?

The 12 steps programme is a popular addiction recovery programme that is widely used in substance abuse recovery groups. The programme is designed to help those struggling with their addiction and helps the people on the programme work towards building and maintaining sobriety in their lives.

From Getting Alcohol Addiction Help: Origins of the 12 Steps

Although the 12 steps programme started out primarily as a tool to get alcohol addiction help, it has now grown and has been developed into a tool used to achieve sobriety no matter what your addiction.

The programme was created for alcohol addiction help in 1938 by a former Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) member. He used his experience to generate tips and ideas for how to achieve sobriety. These initial tips would eventually be developed into the 12 steps programme and put into action.

For those that couldn’t attend in-person AA meetings the steps were written down and this model then spread. Many alternative versions have also been established for different addictions and to cater to those that would prefer a less religious version than the original faith-based programme.

The 12 Steps Explained

While there are a variety of versions available with slightly different wording, the overall themes of the 12 steps remain the same.

To reach the goal of sobriety, the themes of the 12 steps recommended by the programme are:

Honesty
Have faith or hope.
Surrender and trust.
Insight or soul searching.
Integrity.
Acceptance.
Show humility.
Willingness and willpower.
Take responsibility and find forgiveness.
Maintenance and discipline.
Making a connection/ spirituality.
Service – carry it forward.

Using the 12 Steps and Beyond

If you’ve decided you would like to start the 12 steps programme, then you will need to reach out to your local addiction group. Usually, a member of these groups would have completed a rehabilitation programme of some kind, and so will have been sober for at least a little while before getting started.

If you’re not yet at this point then get in touch with New Leaf Recovery today, we offer several rehabilitation programmes and can support you on your journey to sobriety. Once sober, your recovery doesn’t stop – and neither does our support. This would be the perfect time to start implementing the 12 steps or other types of addiction treatment, get in touch today to find out more.