The Twelve-Step Approach to Alcoholism Rehabilitation

The twelve-step approach to alcoholism rehabilitation is the best known treatment model. This is the protocol upon which Alcoholics Anonymous was founded. In December of 1934, the founder of AA, known as Bill W., was in a hospital for treatment of alcoholism, as he had been before. Once a very successful stockbroker, Bill W. was down and out at the age of 39. A friend told him about a self-help regimen developed by a religious organization called the Oxford Group. Bill W. underwent a revelation, stopped drinking, and began to carry the message to other alcoholics. Today AA is an international organization, many millions strong. The twelve-step approach has help countless alcoholics regain control over their lives, and can help you too.

AA members operate on the belief that alcoholism is an incurable, progressive disease, and that total abstinence it the only way to get control of one’s life. The primary tenet of the organization is that members must take responsibility for their own actions, while relying on a Higher Power for spiritual strength. Members make amends for previous harm that they have done, and commit to helping other alcoholics by mentoring, sponsorship and outreach.

Alcoholism Rehabilitation Is Available Anywhere

One of the best things about Alcoholics Anonymous is that it makes alcoholism rehabilitation available to anyone. You don’t have to live in a metropolitan area to find meetings, since they are held in just about every town across the country. And if you are unable to attend meetings, either because of disability or distance, you can participate in an online group.

Meetings are free, so it doesn’t matter whether you live in a mansion or a shelter; you can still get help on an equal basis with everyone else. If you want to follow the Twelve Steps and have had a drinking problem long enough to need detox, consult our list of resources to find an inpatient treatment facility that will meet your needs.