Different Types of 12 Step Programs
There are 12 step programs that are crated for almost every addiction out there, but the most well-known 12 step programs, which are located in almost every city throughout America, are Alcohol Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
About AA and NA
Finding the 12 step program that works for you is important for the success of your recovery.
AA is the most commonly known twelve step program and can be found all throughout the nation to help people through the recovery process and to stay clean from their alcohol addiction. AA as well as its friend NA has been proven successful at helping people stay clean from their addictions.
AA is the oldest 12 step program and focuses solely on alcohol abuse. NA is the second oldest 12 step program and focuses on all narcotic abuse. They both provide a safe environment for recovering addicts to go to.
Why 12 Step Programs are effective
There are several reasons why 12 step programs are effective. The first reason is because recovering alcoholics or narcotic abusers will be around other recovering alcoholics and narcotic abusers when they go to a program. They will get to know other people going through the same problems as well as people who have defeated the same problems and they can gain insight as to what they should do when they are having a problem on a certain issue.
Another reason 12 step programs are effective is because these programs provide proof of conquering addiction, which in return provides hope and belief that a person may otherwise not feel if they do not see other people struggling with the same problem or people who have overcome their addictions.
Furthermore, at a 12 step program a person will be able to learn from other people who have been in recovery longer. According to www.addictionsandrecovery.org, some days a person will have an overwhelming urge to use, and it is helpful to know that other people have gone through the same thing and how they dealt with it. A 12 step program will give a person a chance to meet people whose lives are just as interesting and in many cases bigger and more fun now that they have stopped using.
In addition to the reasons already listed, a person who attends a 12 step program will never feel judged. These programs are all about helping people stay clean and every person in the program will be a recovering addict.
The best aspect of a 12 step program is that they are free. They do not cost money for people to join or go to. 12 step programs are basically run by people helping people and they have been running strong for over 50 years.
Every 12 step program will not be the same and it is important for people to find one that they like. Some programs may be more spiritual based while other programs may focus more on outdoor activities. There are a variety of programs located throughout the country and many people will have several different options to choose from right in their own communities. It is not wise for a person to join a program strictly out of convenience of location, because if they do not feel completely comfortable in their program they may make excuses not to go. People who join 12 step programs typically develop lifelong friendships with other members and this seems to really help people push through the hard times without reverting back to their drug of choice.
