12-STEP MEETINGS What Are 12-Step Meetings? Alcoholics Anonymous Preamble
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) Preamble
The Opening Prayer of Codependents Anonymous
"The Lord's Prayer"
"The Serenity Prayer"
Closing Prayer of Co-Dependants Anonymous
SLOGANS
WHERE AND WHEN MEETINGS ARE HELD
WHAT IS A HOME GROUP?
MEETING FORMATS Open Discussion Closed Speaker Round Robin Step Study Tradition Study Text Study Special Interests Anniversary/Birthday Celebrations
HOW LONG ARE MEETINGS?
HOW OFTEN SHOULD SOMEONE GO TO MEETINGS?
HOW LONG SHOULD SOMEONE GO TO MEETINGS?
FITTING 12-STEP MEETINGS INTO A BUSY SCHEDULE
WHAT’S THE MONEY IN THE BASKET USED FOR?
SECRETARY'S REPORT
12-STEP CONVENTIONS
LONER GROUPS
STARTING A 12-STEP GROUP 12-STEP MEETINGS IN HOSPITALS AND INSTITUTIONS
WHAT IS NEEDED TO START A 12-STEP MEETING?
OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER
WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED WHEN STARTING NEW MEETINGS?
FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT THE 12-STEP PROGRAM?
SPONSORSHIP WHAT IS A SPONSOR?
CHOOSING A SPONSOR?
SHOULD A PERSON HAVE MORE THAN ONE SPONSOR?
HOW DOES SOMEONE DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP WITH A SPONSOR?
HOW OFTEN IS A SPONSOR CONTACTED?
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE HELPING PROFESSIONAL
HANDOUT FOR THE CLIENT: WHAT CAN I DO?
12-STEP PROGRAM DIRECTORY
OTHER STEP FELLOWSHIP-TYPE PROGRAMS
AFTERWORD
Excerpt
What are 12-Step Programs?
Twelve-step programs are non-profit organizations that are made up of peer groups of people who provide emotional and spiritual support for one another. These programs are for people who are living unhealthy lifestyles and want to make a change for the better. Whether the unhealthy lifestyle is a result of addictions, past traumas, divorce, physical or mental problems, 12-Step Programs have helped millions of people turn their lives around.
Alcoholics Anonymous was the first 12-step program. The 12-Step Programs that have since emerged, must secure permission from Alcoholics Anonymous to reprint and adapt the “twelve steps” and the “twelve traditions” to their particular focus. The steps and traditions are listed at the end of this chapter.
12-Step programs are referred to as "fellowships" because each program is comprised of a community of people with a common problem, as well as a shared interest in recovering from that problem. The primary goal of 12-Step Programs is to find solutions to common problems and help others find recovery.This goal is accomplished through members sharing their stories, experiences, strengths, and hopes with one another. There is a therapeutic value in someone who has "been there” helping someone who is presently “there.”
Together, they seem to do what one individual cannot do alone-recover!Twelve-Step Programs seek to provide an environment in which recovery is possible. This environment is created and safe-guarded by the twelve traditions; especially the principle of “anonymity.” Each of the program titles includes the word, “anonymous” and members identify themselves by their first names only because: Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions ever reminding us to place principles before personalities. (12th Tradition)
The “tools of recovery,” common to all of the 12-Step Programs, include:
Meetings (usually 60 - 90 minutes)
Sponsorship
Twelve steps
Twelve traditions
Service work
These tools are believed to be necessary to affect the personality change needed to nurture and sustain the recovery process; they also help to enhance the quality of life of the recovering person, as well as the people whose lives they touch.
Twelve-step Programs are not to be confused with therapeutic counseling groups; or should they be utilized as a substitute for professional help. Twelve-step Programs can, however, provide the long-range peer support necessary to sustain recovery. Given the necessary information, the helping professional is well-placed to recommend the appropriate program to meet the client's need.
