12-step programs are dynamic peer support groups that aid people convalesce from substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, and sometimes other coexisting mental health conditions. 12-step programs also help people attain and keep up with their abstinence from substances. Though 12-step programs are not the precise implementation for everyone, they do tend to favor those scuffling with substance abuse disorders, acquire new managing and coping skills, sense the support and acceptance of an affectionate community, transition into solemnity, and foster long-term recovery from substance abuse addiction.

The 12-Step program, developed and applied by Alcoholics Anonymous, is a 12-step plan in order to overcome dependency and compulsion of cravings. The basic theory of this prototype is that individuals can assist each other to achieve and continue their temperance from abuse of substances, but that palliation cannot come about except if individuals with addictions capitulate to a higher power.

This higher power doesn’t have to be a conventional Christian description of God – it can be as uncomplicated as the community of the 12-step programs, the universe, or a disparate version of a higher power suitable for your epitome of spirituality. The term "steps" refers to the stages of recovery, not actual steps one must take. They are also known as "the AA steps", or simply "the steps". It is based upon a series of twelve steps that the participant will take in an effort to recover from their addiction.

These steps are designed to be completed in order, with each step building program designed to help people recognize that they have a substance abuse problem, as well as show them how to recover and how to avoid relapse. While the 12-Step movement can be helpful for some, others may find the program's religious elements difficult to follow. For those seeking a more secular foundation for addiction treatment, many programs offer alternatives to the 12-Step methodology.

What Are These 12 Steps?

The various 12 steps are:

1. acknowledging powerlessness over addiction.
2. Having a faith that higher power can help.
3. Have the determination to turn control to the higher power.
4. Creating a personal catalog.
5. Admitting to the higher power, oneself, and another person the wrongs done is a difficult but necessary step in order to make amends and improve relationships. It takes a lot of humility and strength to admit when one has done wrong, but it is vital in order to rebuild trust and move forward.
6. Being prepared to possess a higher power rectifies any shortcomings in one’s personality.
7. Requesting the higher power to eliminate those shortcomings.
8. Creating the points of bad deeds done to others and being prepared to make amends for those bad deeds.
9. Reaching out to those who have been harmed, unless doing so would harm the individual.
10. Persisting to note down the personal inventory and acknowledging when one has done wrong.
11. Pursuing enlightenment and a relationship with the higher power through prayers and meditation.
12. Spreading the essence of the 12 Steps to those in need.

12 step program have long been considered one of the most effective methods for helping people transition into sobriety and lead substance-free life. These programs work to instill values of faith, community, abstinence, acceptance, and self-improvement in their members. By doing so, they provide a support system that can help people struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) overcome their addiction and live healthy and fulfilling life.

If you have any sort of substance abuse issue, you may want to consider enrolling in a 12-step program. These programs are designed to help people overcome their addiction and get their life back on track. If you're not sure if a 12-step program is right for you, talk to your therapist, doctor, or another medical professional for guidance.