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 1939 book Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism. The method was adapted and became the foundation of other twelve-step programs.

As summarized by the American Psychological Association, the process involves the following:

– admitting that one _cannot_ control one’s alcoholism, addiction or compulsion;

– recognizing a higher 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 who suffer from the same alcoholism, addictions or compulsions.

— Wikipedia on Twelve-step program

.

We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.

— Carl Jung

.

.

2018.02.17 Saturday (c) All rights reserved by ACHK