The positive impact of Spirituality for adolescents participating in the 12 Step Program

INTRODUCTION Citation from, ‘The Twelve Steps and Adolescent Recovery: A Concise Review’

Angela J Nash, Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA. Click NIH Link for full article.

Citation from Introduction, ‘Twelve-step philosophy and practices’

An understanding of 12-step philosophy and practices may help clinicians determine which of their adolescent clients may benefit from referral to these programs. Twelve-step programs are the most commonly sought resources for people with AOD problems.18 Their program for recovery is represented by the 12 steps (Table 1).19 A variety of 12-step programs exist for people who struggle with addiction and their families (eg, Cocaine Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Al-Anon, Alateen, etc.), but the oldest and most readily available are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). All 12-step programs emerged from AA, which has been in existence for more than 80years. 18,20 Twelve step programs are one source of recovery capital (the collective resources an individual can access to support their recovery from SUD). 21,22 These community-based recovery support programs are peer-led, non-professional fellowships whose primary purpose is mutual help. 18,23–25 Together, AA and NA claim to have helped millions of people recover from AOD use problems.13,14 In 1951, AA received the prestigious Lasker Award from the American Public Health Association “in recognition of its unique and highly successful approach.”26 AA’s sentinel text states, “AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism” (p.xxiv).19,27 Twelve-step programs are free of cost and are available in 180 countries and more than 65 000 cities in the U.S and Canada.18,25 For those who lack access to in-person meetings, there are hundreds of online meetings or chatrooms.28 Moreover 12-step focused social network platforms like Facebook™ and Reddit™ provide individuals access to support any time of the day or night. 29,30

Contact: Angela J Nash, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, 6901 Bertner Ave.