The first twelve-step program, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), was started by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smth back in 1935. The twelve-step model used for AA was very successful and as a result, new support groups for other dependencies and addictions were formed over time.
Twelve-step programs are known for incorporating the following principles:
- Admitting addiction/compulsion
- Recognizing a higher power
- Examining past mistakes
- Making amends
- Changing behaviors
- Helping others
Today there are many twelve-step programs to choose from, for a wide variety of addictions and compulsions.
Twelve-Step Programs:
- Alcoholics Anonymous http://www.aa.org/
- Sex Addicts Anonymous http://www.saa-recovery.org/
- Sexaholic’s Anonymous http://www.sa.org/
- Sexual Recovery Anonymous http://sexualrecovery.org/
- Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous http://www.slaafws.org/
- Over Eaters Anonymous https://www.oa.org/
- Narcotics Anonymous https://www.na.org/
- Al Anon http://www.al-anon.org/
- Debtor’s Anonymous http://www.debtorsanonymous.org/
- Gambler’s Anonymous http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/locations
- Underearner’s Anonymous http://underearnersanonymous.org/