Alternative spellings

• twelve step program
• twelve step programme

Noun

Singular twelve-step program

Plural twelve-step programs

twelve-step program (plural twelve-step programs)

1. An entity or plan which assists people in recovering from addiction through which an organized series of actions, usually including with group discussion among people having the same problem.

   1995, Christopher Jencks, The Homeless‎, p. 46:

   • Because punishment does so little to deter chemical addiction, liberal reformers usually prefer detox centers and twelve-step programs.

   1990, Bonnie Zimmerman, The Safe Sea of Women: Lesbian Fiction, 1969-1989‎, p. 215:

   • From consciousness-raising to coming out stories to twelve-step programs, the personal narrative has always held a place of honor in our community.

   1978, Margot Early, The Truth About Cowboys‎, p. 34:

   • And you need a twelve-step program. You've got a problem, and it's called rodeo.

Derived terms

• twelve-stepper
• twelve-step group
• twelve-step meeting

A twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems. Originally proposed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a method of recovery from alcoholism, the Twelve Steps were first published in the book, Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism in 1939. The method was then adapted and became the foundation of other twelve-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Co-Dependents Anonymous and Debtors Anonymous. As summarized by the American Psychological Association, the process involves the following:

• admitting that one cannot control one's addiction or compulsion;
• recognizing a greater power that can give strength;
• examining past errors with the help of a sponsor (experienced member);
• making amends for these errors;
• learning to live a new life with a new code of behavior;
• helping others that suffer from the same addictions or compulsions.