12-Step Drug Abuse Recovery Programs

A 12-step program is one where addicts help other addicts through fellowship to break free from addiction. Rather than relying on themselves and their willpower to lead healthier lives, they admit they have no power over their addictions and turn their lives over to a Higher Power for help. Members also admit their shortcomings and make amends, where possible, to those they have hurt.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous was the first 12-step program and is likely the first one that comes to mind when you think about this approach to treating addiction. Founded in 1935, the 12 steps used by this program have been adapted for use by a number of other self-help groups. Alcoholics Anonymous advocates complete abstinence from alcohol use by its members who are recovering from alcohol addiction.

Cocaine Anonymous

Cocaine Anonymous was founded in California in 1982 by a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Through his work in the film industry, he saw that many people had become addicted to cocaine. Realizing that people who wanted to get help for their coke addiction were having trouble getting the help that they needed, he formed the group to offer them hope and support.

Crystal Meth Anonymous

Crystal Meth Anonymous is a relatively new group for people with an addiction to methamphetamine. Formed in 1994 in West Hollywood, California, the group advocates that members refrain from using methamphetamine, as well as alcohol, inhalants, and any medication not prescribed by a doctor. Some Crystal Meth Anonymous meetings are designated as being for gay and lesbian members, since meth use is not unknown in these communities in urban centers.

Marijuana Anonymous

Marijuana Anonymous was started by people who were looking for help with getting off marijuana and who were frustrated that groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous were not taking the issue seriously. This self-help group has been working with addicts since 1989.

Narconon

Narconon is an in-patient treatment facility for people with drug addiction. Each facility is independently owned and operated under a license from ABLE International, an entity that is affiliated with Scientology. This group's methods have been criticized in the media because of claims they are neither effective nor safe.

Nar-Anon

Nar-Anon is a 12-step group for the friends and family members of people who are addicted to narcotics. When someone is living with addiction, it affects their personal relationships as well. Group members learn to accept that they can't control the actions of the addict in their lives and go through the steps to help them achieve healing.

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous is an international organization for people who are living with an addiction to narcotics. Established in the late 1940s, Narcotics Anonymous holds 50,000 meetings each week in 130 countries. All people with a drug addiction are welcome to attend meetings, no matter which ones they are using.

Nicotine Anonymous

Nicotine Anonymous is a group open to people who want to live free from nicotine. The group holds meetings in 38 countries for people who want to quit smoking. One of the group's policies is that members must abstain entirely from tobacco use to be free from their addiction.

Help for Addicts

Related Pages

• 12 Step Substance Abuse Recovery Programs
• Narconon Recovery Program
• 12 Step Behavioral Disorder Treatment Programs
• Non 12-Step Behavior Disorder Programs
• Non 12-Step Substance Abuse Treatment
• Self Help Substance Abuse Recovery
• Addiction Support Groups
• Addiction Wellness Coaching