The 12 step rehab program is infamous. It was originally formed by Alcoholics
Anonymous, but has since been successfully adapted and applied to many drug
rehab programs. Narcotics Anonymous was the first drug ‘support group’ to adopt
the 12 step program.

Essential to the 12 step programs, both Alcoholic’s Anonymous and Narcotic’s
Anonymous is spirituality. This doesn’t mean one is required to believe in
Allah, Jesus or be of any pre-existing faith. Instead, each member is encouraged
to simply put their faith in a ‘higher power’, and this can be of any design
they choose.

Both the AA and NA consist entirely of addicts and ex-addicts, or recovering
addicts, as they refer to themselves. They are a self-sustaining group. They are
both non-profit organisations and don’t employ professional therapists or
counsellors. Nor do they operate any residential alcohol or drug rehab
centers.

Although both the AA and NA have operated successfully for many, many years,
they nevertheless have their critics. Many of who argue the 12 step system is
outdated, and question its effectiveness in modern times.

 Also by encouraging people to put their faith in a ‘higher power’ which
is the core train of thought for the 12 step program followers, many critics
feel this takes away from the individuals own achievements and efforts and hands
their process-of-recovery into the hands of an outward-power. Many believe the
key to cracking addiction lies in believing more in ones self than in a higher
power.

The question is which is more effective? Encouraging the individual to
empower themselves and believe in themselves, or encouraging them to believe in
a higher power and put all failure and achievement in that?

The answer is, perhaps, whoever you believe in most, a higher power or
yourself.