12 step programs began in 1937 with Alcoholics Anonymous but today address not only virtually all addictions but a range of behavioral issues as well. They have been instrumental in changing how both the public and the medical community perceived addiction and treated the addicted.
12 step programs function with one broad purpose: to maintain sobriety among those already sober and help others achieve sobriety. To that end they operate with three basic components: Meetings & fellowship, Sponsorship & Step work, and service & commitments. In this program the addict, with the help and support of the wider group, works a progressive set of steps aimed at admission, recognition, and conciliation of their addiction.
The original 12 steps developed for Alcoholics Anonymous have been adopted and adapted by numerous groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Codependents Anonymous and even Clutterers Anonymous
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