Alcohol Abuse Advice

12 Step Program: Information On Alcoholism Treatment Methods

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