| The 12 step program of AA standing for Alcoholics | | | | through the rough hours and show them alternatives |
| Anonymous is a self-help program for people suffering | | | | so that they can deal with their fears. Anyone who is |
| from alcoholism and is an outline for alcoholism | | | | in the program for longer time can be a sponsor to the |
| treatment and recovery. When following the 12 steps, | | | | newer ones, advise them and encourage them to |
| the alcoholic can rid himself from alcohol addiction. It is | | | | complete their steps. In any case though, sponsors |
| not of course the only alcoholism treatment program | | | | usually support the patient even when the 12 steps are |
| but it's quite popular and common, especially in the | | | | completed, because it's important that he stays sober |
| Northern America and is recommended in conjunction | | | | and alcohol free later on as well. This is anyway the |
| with other types of treatment. | | | | hardest part of the alcoholism treatment that is why |
| The 12 steps program consists of 12 mandatory steps | | | | the groups support and try to help avoid the relapse. |
| and starts with the admittance and acceptance of the | | | | The 12 steps program in AA are free for the |
| problem, which is of course the most important part of | | | | alcoholics, and they are usually supported financially by |
| the treatment and recovery process. Actually people | | | | the States and the Government, as well as by |
| who have issues with alcohol rarely admit their | | | | donations which cover the expenses of supportive |
| problem, until it's already late. Unless they admit the | | | | tools and working experts. Meetings are usually held in |
| reality of their life and severity of their problem, | | | | public and state buildings which are usually available for |
| obviously they cannot begin the process of treatment. | | | | these purposes. The good thing about this kind of |
| Once a patient starts with the program he will be | | | | treatment is that it is run by former alcoholics, not by |
| asked to create a list consisting of people that were | | | | professionals and psychologists. Experts are only |
| affected, hurt or harmed by their drinking problems. | | | | invited to these groups to discuss with the patients and |
| The idea is to start making amends, although this is | | | | help them with their problems and questions, but they |
| something that sounds and is very hard for some | | | | don't run the programs. This helps most people feel at |
| people. In the US the 12 steps program tries to bring | | | | ease and feel that they belong to a group which can |
| people closer to God as well, respecting though | | | | support them even in their most dark hours. In AA |
| everyone's religious believes. | | | | programs anonymity is cherished and accepted, so |
| While in the 12 step program, people are highly | | | | that people feel free to join when they realize that |
| encouraged to have a sponsor, who can guide them | | | | they have problems. |