Different Types of 12 Step Meetings NA, AA, CMA, etc

Ultimately, the twelve steps of AA have proven transformative for countless individuals, providing a structured yet personal approach to confronting addiction and forging a life of continued sobriety and wellness. The second and third steps in Alcoholics Anonymous then establish a foundation of faith, emphasizing the role of a Higher Power12-step programs greatly stress surrender to and daily communication with a Higher Power. Having trust in something greater than yourself is considered essential for returning sanity in the unmanageable life of an addict. This can be a traditional deity, a spiritual entity or a social one such as th… in the healing process. Every individual’s Higher Power can be unique to their understanding and spirituality, embracing inclusivity within the programThis refers to any official course of treatment for addiction.

Twelve-step program

As people share their names and clean time, members in the group clap, cheer, or hug one another as a way to show support. Coins or key tags may be given to the people celebrating, as a token of their success. Then the meeting comes to life with an appointed person sharing their experience, strength, and hopes, along with what the program has done for them.

1. And remember, if you can’t find a 12 step meeting that meets your needs, start one.
2. Step 7 requires deep humility and surrendering all demands of a negative behavior or character flaw.
3. Or you may have kicked the cocaine habit, but now your gambling is out of control and you could benefit from talking about it with people who have had similar experiences in gamblers anonymous (GA).
4. The main text of Alcoholics Anonymous, or “The Big Book,” as AA members call it, goes step by step through 12 distinct phases, each crucial in achieving sustainable recovery from addiction.

For many members of 12-step recovery programs, these steps aren’t merely a way to overcome addiction—they are a guide toward a new way of life. Some of the best-known 12-step programs include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Cocaine Anonymous (CA). Within Alcoholics Anonymous, these twelve steps have stood as a beacon of hope and a pathway to a new way of life free from the grip of alcohol addiction. Embracing them requires a blend of vulnerability, courage, and faith—faith in the process, in oneself, and in a higher power. Whether an individual’s higher power is referred to as God or some other form of spiritual guidance, the essential element is the recognition of a force greater than oneself that can aid in the recovery journey.

For some people, alcohol is not the only substance they abuse, and NA welcomes people with alcohol and other substance abuse. If you are interested in finding out more information on AA or NA, check out their websites at Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org) and NA. Listed below are some additional 12 step meeting options and links in a group setting. Although the list does not include every type of 12 step meeting in existence, these are great ones to start with.

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.)

This component speaks to the nature of recovery as a continuous effort, one that doesn’t end but evolves with time. The most widely known programs are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). NA was started in 1953 and uses most of the same practices and principles of AA.

One of the most important steps in recovery is to repair relationships that suffered due to one’s substance abuse. This process starts with making a list of people to whom we need to apologize. The 12 Steps of AA or any drug recovery program start with acknowledging the problem, and this can be a vulnerable time. One of the best tips is to listen to the personal stories of others, sharing their powerlessness and triumphant tales about recovery. Oregon Trail Recovery is an incredible treatment center 100% dedicated to their clients and supporting them in obtaining long-term high-quality sobriety. The staff and their person centered approach made the experience comfortable and helped put my mind at ease.

Step 6 – Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

S.O.S. is focused on helping people overcome addictions by focusing on their values and integrity rather than embracing a higher power. It encourages members to make sobriety the top priority in their lives and take whatever steps they need to stay on the path to recovery. The Twelve Steps are a set of guiding principles in addiction treatment that outline a course of action for tackling problems related to alcoholism, drug addiction and behavioral compulsion.

Maybe you will find that your spiritual needs are met in AA, but you get a different feeling from the people of MA and that is important to you too. Or you may have kicked the cocaine habit, but now your gambling is out of control and you could benefit from talking about it with people who have had similar experiences in gamblers anonymous (GA). One thing that has developed over the last year or so that has been a saving grace for many alcoholics and addicts, is the availability of Zoom meetings. There are multiple meetings happening, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week all over the world.

He based his principles on that work and on his meetings with Smith, whom he also helped to achieve sobriety. He believed strongly that alcoholism affected the body, mind, and spirit. Although the organization grew slowly in how many steps are in aa those early days, it also grew steadily.

Here is the text of the Twelve Steps, which first appeared in Alcoholics Anonymous, the A.A. SMART Recovery is a secular alternative to 12-step programs like AA. Rather than emphasizing powerlessness and embracing a higher power, the SMART Recovery approach emphasizes viewing substance use as a habit that people can learn to control. It draws on aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and helps members to build motivation, cope with cravings, change addictive thoughts, and adopt healthy habits.