12-Step Programs for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

For people struggling with drug and alcohol misuse and addiction, getting sober can be extremely difficult – especially without the appropriate support and care. Participating in a 12-Step recovery program, however, can offer these individuals an environment conducive to their recovery as well as a strong support system to rely on.

This page will dive deeper into what 12-Step recovery programs are, how they work, what types are available, and how to find a 12-Step program near you.

What are 12-Step Recovery Programs?

12-Step recovery programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), are programs where individuals desiring to achieve sobriety follow a set of 12 specific steps that serve as a roadmap for developing long-term sobriety. Working each step carefully and building a strong camaraderie and connection with other participants of the program have shown to be helpful individuals putting a stop to their compulsive behaviors surrounding drug and alcohol misuse and addiction.

The first 12-Step recovery program – Alcoholics Anonymous – was established in 1935 in Akron, Ohio by two men named Bill W. and Dr. Bob S., both of whom struggled with alcohol use disorder.³ Together, they began working at Akron City Hospital, helping to treat individuals grappling with alcoholism.³ Before long, AA groups began popping up throughout the country, with those looking for sobriety following the 12-Step method developed by the two men.³

What are the 12 Steps of Recovery?

Rooted in the belief that addiction is a progressive condition that is characterized by one’s powerlessness over drugs or alcohol, the 12 Steps are designed to help those struggling with addiction or substance misuse to regain control over their lives in an intentional, thoughtful manner.¹

 The 12-Steps are as follows:² 

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature f our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and become willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

How Do 12-Step Programs Work? 

While there are no requirements for joining a 12-Step program, Bill W. asserts that 12-Step programs are most effective when participants are “fearless”, “honest”, and “thorough” as they make their way through each step, fully letting go of any ego or self-centeredness that could impede their ability to achieve sobriety.²

It is important to understand that all 12-Step meetings vary to some degree, however they are all centered around the shared goal of utilizing the 12 Steps to achieve sobriety. Typically, meetings begin with a chairperson who reads off the 12 Steps, the 12 Traditions, and any other literature applicable to the group. Many meetings continue on by asking if there are any newcomers to the program and having members introduce themselves to the group by name. From there, most meetings begin with open discussion regarding a specific topic or none at all.

The sharing portion of 12-Step meetings (which is the largest portion of meetings) encourages anyone in the room to take some time to share their thoughts and experiences as a way to heal themselves but also help others. Time is usually limited so that as many people as possible receive a chance to talk, which is important as there is an overarching rule that there is no “cross-talk” during meetings. Anyone who wants to expand further on what was discussed in the meeting or talk directly with another member is invited to do so after the meeting lets out.

Most meetings end with the group holding hands in a circle in the middle of the room, either reciting a prayer or a saying that gives them hope and leaves them feeling positive about their experience.

12-Step Program Sponsors

In 12-Step programs, there are individuals known as “sponsors”. Sponsors are those who have already achieved some time in sobriety, personally worked the 12 Steps, and are willing to share their experience with the 12 Steps in a one-on-one setting with another member who is attempting to get sober or maintain sobriety.⁶ Both becoming a sponsor and choosing a sponsor are highly informal, encouraging all members to freely speak with one another about possibly entering into a sponsorship together if that is what they desire.⁶

Sponsors can offer the sponsored several benefits, many of which include:⁶

• Having a person to ask questions to/share any doubts with.
• Getting connected with other members of the 12-Step community.
• Developing a relationship with someone who has shared in similar experiences.
• Helping the sponsored work through each of the 12 Steps.

Sponsors are also commonly known for inviting the person they are sponsoring to reach out to them at any time with any questions, comments, concerns, etc. They are often further encouraged to contact their sponsor when they are feeling triggered, on the verge of relapse, or struggling with cravings.

Types of 12-Step Programs

Anytime there is talk about 12-Step programs, most people immediately think of Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA. However, there are several different types of 12-Step programs that are geared towards helping individuals overcome other substance misuse and addiction related issues. These include:

• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
• Crystal Meth Anonymous (CM)
• Pills Anonymous (PA)
• Heroin Anonymous (HA)
• Marijuana Anonymous (MA)
• Nicotine Anonymous (NicA)

Additionally, there are 12-Step programs designed to help treat other compulsive behaviors, including but not limited to, the following:

• Clutterers Anonymous (CLA)
• Debtors Anonymous (DA)
• Emotions Anonymous (EA)
• Food Addicts Anonymous (FAA)
• Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
• Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA)
• Online Gamers Anonymous (OLGA)

It is important to remember that conditions such as drug and alcohol misuse and addiction can deeply  impact the friends, family, and loved ones of someone who is struggling. Thankfully, there are 12-Step based programs for loved ones, including those listed below:

• Al-Anon/Alateen (for friends and families of people with alcohol addiction)
• Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)
• Co-Anon (for friends and families of people with drug addiction)
• Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) (for people attempting to break dysfunctional patterns related to their relationships with others)
• Gam-Anon/Gam-A-Teen (for friends and families of people with gaming addiction)

Find a 12-Step Program Near Riverview, FL

If you are struggling with drug or alcohol misuse or addiction, do not wait any longer to get the help you deserve. Reach out to our inpatient rehab facility near Tampa to be connected with one of our talented and compassionate rehab admissions navigators. They can help answer any questions you may have, including those regarding using insurance to pay for rehab and the levels of addiction treatment we offer.

Call us right now at and get started on the road to recovery today.