EFFICACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE 12 STEPS IN LONG TERM RECOVERY

Drug addiction is assuming alarming proportions and has become a worldwide phenomenon, spreading across nations. However, it is varying in magnitude and characteristics in the different areas and spectrums of society. It has grown as a raging epidemic, that has shaken the entire fabric of society, India being no exception. Every day there is an increasing number of people initiated into drugs, being addicted and getting caught in the vicious cycle of life and death. Addiction, not just affects the individual, but causes problems in terms of social disorder, increased expenditure, and transmission of infectious diseases, leading to disturbances in the socio cultural and political fabric of society. While there are different models of treatments available across the world, as well as in India, one model that stands out is the 12 step recovery model. Studies have shown that 12 step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) among others have proved to be an effective and cost efficient approach to tackle this ever growing menace of addiction in our society. Across the globe, there are numerous addiction treatment facilities that recognise the 12 step recovery model as evidence based treatment. The therapeutic approach as, against othertherapies seems to work better, as it helps the individual to cope with life on a daily basis. However, there seems to be a missing element, either in treatment or post discharge, considering the low success rates for individuals with substantial long term recovery. There being no set standard in measuring recovery, according to the Betty Ford Foundation, in the U.S, “Recovery is achieving complete abstinence as well as wellbeing”. It is precisely in this context that the 12 Step recovery model assumes significance. This study has in no way received endorsement from Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or any other 12 step fellowship. This study has been solely done for research purposes, to educate service givers and organisations working in addiction treatment, about the significance of the12 step model in long term recovery for addicts, and to help them to facilitate their clients active participation in AA and NA or other 12 step support fellowships.In this analysis thefocus is on the significance of the 12 step model of recovery and its significant psycho-social and spiritual benefits along with theadvantages in lifelong recovery. There will also be a discussion on perspectives and success rates with the information derived through AA and NA literature, websites as well as from other research materials and journals. The study will conclude with a summary on understanding the scope and scale, and recommendations on implementing the right strategies to achieve the desired results.