12 Step Recovery

INTRODUCTION The importance of spirituality in recovery from addiction has been proven through the use of 12 Step programs of recovery (and from now on may be referred to as self help groups). Spiritual fellowships are also another term for 12 step groups (Galanter, 2007). Bill Wilson and Bob Smith (Dr. Bob and Bob S.) created Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935 (Mullins, 2010), alcoholics finally had a program of recovery that, through experience, worked. Other programs (Overeaters Anonymous, Debtors Anonymous etc) have since been modeled after the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (Mullins, 2010, p.152). Twelve Step programs of recovery are spiritually based and it is common that newcomers either may be totally against the idea of leading a spiritual …show more content…
However, in the later version of the manual (the fifth edition), to longer uses the terms ‘substance dependence’ and addiction’ have been replaced by ‘substance use disorders’ (SAMHSA, 2016). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) touches upon how the DSM-5 talks about what is now known as ‘substance use disorders’. Substance use disorders is broken down into three levels of severity: mild, moderate and severe. In order to be diagnosed as having a substance use disorder, the individual must meet certain criteria, as put forth by the DSM-5 (SAMHSA, 2016). According to the DSM-5, “diagnosis of substance use disorder is based on evidence of impaired control, social impairment, risky use and pharmacological criteria” (SAMHSA, …show more content…
Spirituality had become an integral part of the participant’s recovery, as 11% of the residents said that their spirituality grew through Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 steps (Nealon-Woods, Ferrari and Jason,