When American Prohibition ended in the thirties, there was a subsequent rise in alcohol intake. As a result, there were more cases of alcohol abuse as well as alcoholism.
Hence, there was a need for treatment programs to help alcohol abusers. Bob Smith and Bill Watson established Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935. That is because they felt that the programs available did not have the support or help that was needed. Shortly after that, one of the treatment programs introduced in AA was the twelve step program UK.
About the Program
Wilson and Smith developed the original twelve steps program UK. As per the founding basis, it was more of a spiritual approach towards alcoholism. That is because the founders felt that a holistic approach was more appropriate. It would help address the spirit and the mind as a treatment form. The therapy addresses relevant issues of the spirit and the mind. It helps promote good traits of one’s personality such as open-mindedness, altruism, honesty, and compassion. It also enables the joy of being able to reach out and help recovering addicts.
There are six fundamentals on which this therapy rests on:
- Alcoholics admit that they are unable to control compulsive or addictive behavior.
- Participants recognize that a higher power can provide them the strength to overcome their addiction.
- Participants examine their past and recognize mistakes and errors.
- Recovering addicts accept and learn new behavioral codes that govern their life.
- Participants help others who need help to recover from compulsive or addictive behavior.
How it Works?
The twelve steps program UK is a model for therapy that bases on interactions within groups. Hence, the group acts as a support structure where people can get individual counseling as well as medical help. The 12 step process showcases to participants how to overcome past behaviors and have a healthy future. Smith and Wilson showcase how they developed 12 steps. These were based on the steps they took to overcome addiction themselves. Hence, they admitted to their mistakes, reached a conclusion, and decided on certain courses of action. Accordingly, they developed the six fundamentals.
The six fundamentals encourage participants to take responsibility not only of their past but also of the present and future. It contributes to a holistic approach that many take to guide recovering addicts. Furthermore, a holistic approach takes care of emotions and unintended thoughts as well. Addicts need help in such emotional areas as well or else they are likely to have a relapse.
Conclusion
Participants in the twelve steps program UK acknowledge that they were responsible for the decisions they took. Hence, the choices to drink or take drugs were solely theirs. They also acknowledge that they alone can minimize risks in the future and prevent future relapse.
The program also leads to a new way of thinking involving self, community, family, and God. Today this program is an effective way to treat different kinds of compulsions and addictions. It is more of a behavioral intervention that accompanies physical treatments as well.
