The approach, which we refer to as 12-step, is designed to promote recovery while achieving spiritual growth through peer support. The model is replicated around Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which is the world’s largest 12-step organization for alcohol support groups.The program includes admitting that you’ve become powerless over a substance and giving up control to a higher power. By doing this, you accept abstinence and examine your flaws and past mistakes while making amends for those mistakes. The program was designed to help overcome an addiction, which affects three realms of human existence—mental, physical, and spiritual.This kind of program is among the most commonly used recovery methods globally, and it can also be used as a support group with additional therapy for those graduating from treatment who need more assistance to achieve sobriety.The roots of 12-step therapy can be traced back to Akron, Ohio, in 1935. Bill Wilson, who was a Wall Street Stockbroker, sought out help from Dr. Robert Smith to help him with his alcohol struggles.Wilson lost his career as a result of his alcohol use, and soon after, he was hospitalized for the addiction while seeking help from The Oxford Group, a Christian fellowship and religious movement in Europe and the United States.The Oxford Group felt that the root of all problems stemmed from fear and selfishness. Their solution was to surrender your life to God. With the help of a friend, Wilson found his ability to stop drinking. He began working with those who applied the group’s standard of purity, unselfishness, honesty, and love to battle alcohol addiction.Wilson later went back to Smith to describe what he learned, and Smith was able to attain sobriety and never drank again. The two men came together at the Akron hospital to help those who were struggling with alcohol addiction. After they helped another patient see the light, they formed what is known today as AA.The programs are designed to cover different addictions, but they all follow the original 12-step framework created by Wilson and Smith in the 1930s. The primary objective is to build spiritual well-being by connecting people to those who empathize what you’re going through. The following steps will help members achieve and maintain their sobriety.The big book guides you through the process of acceptance that includes a spiritual awakening. Most of the programs use similar principles. The type of addiction is often what varies between groups.The 12-steps for Alcoholics Anonymous includes:Meetings are imperative to any 12-step program. These sessions are where members connect and share their experiences to empathize with and encourage others in their recovery. Meetings allow participants to talk about their addiction challenges and the success they’ve enjoyed during sobriety. Some meetings are designated for members only while others are open for anyone to attend.The most experienced 12-step members will complete all 12-steps or show progress throughout the program. To mentor others, sponsors fulfill the 11th and 12th steps by helping other members in their own recovery. When entering a 12-step program, you have the option to choose a mentor or have one recommended to you.