What are the Twelve-step programs?The Twelve-step programs are a set of principles and guidelines originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a method to address alcohol addiction. Over time, these programs have been adopted by various self-help and support groups to assist individuals in recovering from a wide range of addictive behaviors and compulsive habits. The Twelve-step programs are based on the belief that addiction is a spiritual, mental, and physical disease that can be overcome through a process of personal growth and reliance on a higher power. Here is an overview of the Twelve Steps:Admitting powerlessness: Acknowledge that you are powerless over your addiction and that your life has become unmanageable.
Believing in a higher power: Come to believe that a higher power, however it is personally understood, can restore your sanity and provide the strength to overcome addiction.
Surrendering to a higher power: Make a decision to turn your will and life over to the care of your higher power.
Making a moral inventory: Take a fearless and honest inventory of yourself, examining your strengths, weaknesses, and past mistakes.
Admitting wrongs: Admit to yourself, a higher power, and another trusted person the exact nature of your wrongs.
Being ready for change: Become entirely ready to have your higher power remove your character defects.
Asking for removal: Humbly ask your higher power to remove your shortcomings.
Making amends: Make a list of all the people you have harmed and become willing to make amends to them.
Making direct amends: Make amends to those people wherever possible, except when doing so would harm them or others.
Continuing personal inventory: Continually take personal inventory, promptly admitting when you are wrong and making necessary changes.
Seeking spiritual connection: Seek through prayer and meditation to improve your conscious contact with your higher power, seeking knowledge of its will and the power to carry it out.
Carrying the message: Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, carry the message to others struggling with addiction and practice these principles in all areas of your life.
These steps encourage individuals to reflect, take responsibility for their actions, seek support, and develop a spiritual connection to aid in their recovery. It’s important to note that while the Twelve-step programs have helped many people, they are not the only approach to addiction recovery, and different individuals may find alternative methods more suitable for their needs.Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 