With help, each person may find their own freedom from alcoholism or addiction

Twelve Step Facilitation

Alcoholics Anonymous encourages inner contemplation and change

 

 

History and Development of Alcoholics Anonymous

Development of the Twelve Steps

From experiential research conducted over 6 years from 1933, Bill W. (a New York stockbroker) Dr Bob (a physician) and others, all chronic alcoholics, found certain principles and practices helped them abstain from alcohol.

These principles included; ego deflation (surrender), Faith in a Power greater than ego-self, a personal daily spiritual discipline, altruistic service, personal examination, sharing of ethical transgressions, humility, making amends, and the adoption of a recovering alcoholic identity and lifestyle.

The principles were codified into the 'Suggested Twelve Steps to Recovery' by the first 100 or so alcoholics who maintained abstinence, and re-established dignity along with new existential meaning.

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Organization

From further practical experience AA developed a code of conduct and relationships within, and with society.

The principles of organization are known as The Twelve Traditions. These principles include; unity, democratic spiritual group governance, a single membership rule (a desire to stop drinking), organizational autonomy, a primary purpose (to carry the message of sobriety), non-affiliation with other organizations, materially self-supporting, non-professionalism, an egalitarian non-hierarchical service focus, non-involvement in controversy, attraction rather than promotion, anonymity at the public level, and valuing principles before personalities.

 

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