At Ivory Plains, our residential treatment philosophy incorporates the essential components of 12-Step recovery to focus on body, mind, and spirit. These 12-Step principles, first established by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in 1939, provide a cornerstone for the foundation of your recovery. In the many decades since, other organizations focused on addictive behavior have adopted the AA program guidelines as a way to help people build a vital support system, cope with the challenges of recovery, and have standards of practice to achieve their mission of wellness. So here are some other 12-Step programs you may find helpful.
Why Many People Find 12-Step Programs Beneficial
In a word? Fellowship. Results from a Stanford Medicine study featuring more than 10,000 participants indicate that “AA works because it’s based on social interaction…members give one another emotional support as well as practical tips to refrain from drinking. ‘If you want to change your behavior, find some other people who are trying to make the same change,’ the study author noted.”
Expanding your sober social circle is advantageous in another way, too. In the 2020 edition of Addictions—Diagnosis and Treatment, researchers concluded that 12-Step program participants “demonstrated higher rates of complete abstinence, and this effect held over time.”
The structure and accountability of 12-Step programming is a strong plus for many people, too, especially if they’re aligned with a sponsor who can be a guiding force in adhering to the tenets.
Other 12-Step Programs to Try
Too often, people suffering with substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD) lack structure and routine. Aspects of their addiction control them, not the other way around.
The easy but tangible component of a 12-Step program is it provides grounded guidance: you know exactly what you’re supposed to do and when. If something doesn’t work out, you simply start again with the previous step until you recognize this advance in your quest for lifelong sobriety and/or control over impulsive behaviors.
Here are just a few mutual aid support groups that incorporate this philosophy but also specialize in certain areas to help you gain more clarity in your rehabilitation and recovery journey.
- Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families: Started in 1987, ACADF uses the 12 Steps to address issues of trauma and foster emotional healing.
- Al-Anon Family Groups: First created in 1951, Al-Anon is for families and friends of alcoholics, including teenagers, and also uses the 12-Step process for dealing with addiction issues.
- Cocaine Anonymous: This organization, founded in 1982, has a philosophy patterned after many AA principles, including the 12 Steps, to help people recover from mind-altering substances. However, the two nonprofits aren’t affiliated.
- Co-Dependents Anonymous: This program originated in 1986 specifically to help people recover from codependency and develop healthy relationships with a unique alteration of the 12 Steps and Traditions.
- Co-Sex Addicts Anonymous: Founded in 1980 and officially known as COSA, this group adapted AA’s 12 Steps to help men and women affected by someone else’s compulsive sexual behavior.
- Crystal Meth Anonymous: Also known as CMA, founder Bill C. created the organization in 1994 to help incorporate the 12-Step process to address the unique concerns of people addicted to methamphetamine.
- Fentanyl Anonymous: A relatively new group founded in 2023, FA’s mission “is to provide a sanctuary of support and empowerment for individuals grappling with addiction to fentanyl, opioids, and other substances.”
- Marijuana Anonymous: Established in 1989, this organization recognizes that some people may need the help of the 12 Steps to overcome a marijuana addiction.
- Nar-Anon Family Groups: Created in 1971 to help families and friends of people with drug addiction, this program is similar to other family support groups.
- Narcotics Anonymous: Often referred to as NA, this group began in 1953 as a branch of AA, and is open to all people struggling with substance abuse who think a 12-Step program may help.
Additional support groups using versions of the 12-Steps program guidelines include:
- Debtors Anonymous
- Depressed Anonymous
- Dual Recovery Anonymous
- Emotions Anonymous
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Overeaters Anonymous
- Workaholics Anonymous
All have informative websites describing how their 12 Steps apply to a particular compulsion.
Ivory Plains: A Philosophy of 12-Step Care
Now here’s another important point: it’s totally fine if the overall structure and programming of a 12-Step initiative doesn’t resonate with you. There are other support groups to try that provide numerous benefits. At our addiction rehabilitation program in Adair, Iowa, our board-certified professionals want to introduce you to all the coping mechanisms and recovery skills that will help define your path to wellness on your terms. Ask our admissions team for more details.