One Day at a Time Gifts

A twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems. Originally proposed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a method of recovery from alcoholism, the Twelve Steps were first published in the book, Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism in 1939. The method was then adapted and became the foundation of other twelve-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Co-Dependents Anonymous and Debtors Anonymous. As summarized by the American Psychological Association, the process involves the following:

* admitting that one cannot control one's addiction or compulsion;

* recognizing a greater power that can give strength;

* examining past errors with the help of a sponsor (experienced member);

* making amends for these errors;

* learning to live a new life with a new code of behavior;

* helping others that suffer from the same addictions or compulsions.

Al-Anon and Alateen are international organizations jointly known as Al-Anon Family Groups with a membership of over half a million men, women and teens, providing a twelve-step program of recovery for friends and family members of alcoholics. Al-Anon is for adults within the program whereas Alateen is for young people (ages 12 to 20). Al-Anon was formed in 1951 by Lois Wilson, wife of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) co-founder Bill Wilson. She recognized the need for such an organization as family members living with AA members began to identify their own pathologies associated with their family members' alcoholism. In the USA, Al-Anon is organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in many states.

In Lois's Story, she explained why, as the spouse of an alcoholic, she also required treatment.