12 Step Fellowships

What Are 12 Step Fellowships

The Twelve Steps, originated by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), is a spiritual foundation for personal recovery from the effects of alcoholism, both for the person using alcohol as well as their friends and family in Al-Anon Family Groups. 12 step fellowships are also used in recovery programs for addictions other than alcohol and many of them are listed below.

Many members of 12-step fellowship recovery programs have found that these steps were not merely a way to overcome addiction, but they became a guide toward a new way of life. Many people are confused about addiction, which is now called substance, alcohol, and behavior disorders. Myths and outdated beliefs are that addiction can be controlled by willpower. That is not the case because addiction is a disease of brain reward, which has both physical and psychological components. Addiction is not curable but can be managed like any chronic, progressive physical disease. Some people require medication and 12 step programs and various kinds of therapy to manage the disease. Most treatment programs are based on learning and practicing the 12 steps. See our Find Your True Colors In 12 Steps workbook for a fun way to learn recovery literacy.