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Types of 12 Step Meetings

12-Step programs are self-help groups for people with addictions. The original was Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), started in the 1930s by businessman Bill Wilson and physician Bob Smith, both alcoholics. The theory is that an alcoholic who wishes to cease drinking can be best aided by another alcoholic who is sober. The 12 steps of recovery were adapted from Jungian principles and those of a Christian evangelical group called the Oxford Group. 12-Step programs hold frequent meetings open to people who wish to halt addiction. Members may remain anonymous.

  1. Alcoholics Anonymous

    • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings take place in over 66,000 groups around the world. The organization celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2010. The book that contains the 12 steps is called "Alcoholics Anonymous." Anyone who wants to stop drinking is welcome on a come-if-you-wish basis. The meetings are free but a basket is passed for donations. Anyone in the meeting can speak about their problems with alcohol. Newcomers may ask for a "sponsor" to work through the 12 steps with them.

    Al-Anon

    • Al-Anon was started by people married to alcoholics. The group's information office says that Al-Anon members helps families of alcoholics by practicing the 12 steps. People closely involved with alcoholics can become overly involved in the alcoholic's behavior and focus on the drinker more than on themselves. This in itself can become addictive. The group welcomes anyone whose life is affected by another person's drinking. There is also a subgroup within Al-Anon for teens called Al-Ateen. There are 24,000 Al-Anon meeting groups in 115 countries around the world.

    Overeaters

    • Overeaters Anonymous (OA) was founded in 1960. It offers a program of recovery from addictive behaviors with food. This can include overeating, binging and other compulsive eating behaviors. The group is not a weight loss program. It uses the 12 steps to address underlying issues that cause addiction. There is no diet or food program in OA. Members abstain from the addictive behaviors and use the group and the 12 steps to maintain healthy eating behavior.

    Gamblers Anonymous

    • Like AA, Gamblers Anonymous (GA) was started by two gambling addicts supporting each other to quit. The organization started in 1957. As with other 12-Steppers, gamblers in GA believe in total abstinence from addictive behaviors. The GA information office stresses that all are welcome who have a desire to stop gambling and that "there are no other rules or regulations concerning Gamblers Anonymous membership." Meetings are found internationally and, as with other 12-Step programs, they are listed on the group's website.

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