12-Step Behavioral Recovery Programs

Not all addictions involve the use of a substance, and the principles of a 12-step program have been adopted by a number of programs designed to help people who are living with behavioral addictions. Through attending meetings with others who share their behavioral issues, addicts can get the help they need.

Clutterers Anonymous

If you simply have too much "stuff" in your home and your life, consider attending a Clutterers Anonymous meeting. Clutter can be material things or relationships that we have outgrown or don't need anymore but still hold on to. This organization helps people who can't keep their environment organized with willpower alone.

Codependents Anonymous

Codependence has been described as an addiction to a "mood altering behavior." People who have trouble maintaining healthy personal relationships can learn to accept themselves, improve their self-esteem, and let go of their need to control others by joining Codependents Anonymous. Members share their experiences with each other and develop strategies for letting go of destructive patterns.

Debtors Anonymous

Debtors Anonymous helps members who want to get free of unsecured debt. This program provides support to people who have trouble making ends meet, shop compulsively, take jobs below their education or experience, or who otherwise have poor financial habits.

Emotions Anonymous

People who are striving to recover from mental and emotional illnesses such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, and more can turn to Emotions Anonymous for help. The program was started in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1971, and is currently active in 35 countries.

Gamblers Anonymous

This self-help group for problem gamblers held its first meeting in Los Angeles, California, in September of 1957. The organization views compulsive gambling as an illness that can be controlled but not cured. Abstinence from the activity is a core concept for group members.

Neurotics Anonymous

Are you lonely, anxious, fearful, or irritable? Neurotics Anonymous uses a 12-step program to help you feel a sense of peace. Members share their experiences and help each other to heal.

Online Gamers Anonymous

Excessive game playing can be a problem in people's lives. Online Gamers Anonymous offers support to people who are addicted to online games as well as their friends and family members. This organization realizes that some addicts may need professional help and encourages those who need more support than the meetings provide to get it.

Overeaters Anonymous

This organization is not specifically geared toward people who need to lose weight. It's for people who are having trouble controlling their compulsive eating. Some members binge and purge, while others use laxatives as part of their compulsive food habits, or use food as a means of comfort or as a reward. Together, members strive to stop compulsive eating one day at a time.

Sexaholics Anonymous

The goal of Sexaholics Anonymous is to help people get and remain sexually sober. To members of this group, sexual sobriety is obtained by abstaining from sexual contact with anyone other than one's spouse, which includes masturbating.

Sexual Compulsives Anonymous

The only requirement for membership in Sexual Compulsives Anonymous is a desire to stop having compulsive sex. The group is open to people of any sexual orientation. The goal is for members to express their sexuality in healthy ways.

Sex Addicts Anonymous

People who are powerless over their sexual behavior and who want to recover from their addiction are welcome at Sex Addicts Anonymous meetings. The group helps members to deal with their feelings of shame, self-loathing, and pain that occur after they have acted out sexually.

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

Adults who have a history of being dependent on another person, being preoccupied with romance or fantasy, or a compulsive need for sex can get help through Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous. Following the 12 steps helps them to establish healthy personal relationships.

Smokers Anonymous

Smokers Anonymous is a support group for people who want to live smoke-free. The group is open to those who are trying to give up cigarettes "cold turkey" as well as people who are using some type of smoking cessation product.

Workaholics Anonymous

Working hard is something that we usually consider to be a positive trait, but when one's work becomes all-consuming and gets in the way of enjoying time with family and friends, you may have crossed over into a work addiction. Attending meetings helps the workaholic to stop the cycle of constantly working or thinking about work and allows them to have a more balanced life.