As co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) for the 12-step programme for recovery from addictions, I am disappointed that Oscar Quine had been told that the 12 steps would cure his addiction (I was told the 12 steps would cure my addiction. Why did I end up feeling more broken?, 4 December). We do not claim that. The steps do not work for everyone, but they certainly do for many.<\/p>\n
The original 12-step programme for alcoholism has been successfully adapted over the years for drugs, food, gambling and many other addictions. The 12 steps are not a religious programme, but they are spiritually based. Addicts need to connect with a power in their lives greater than whatever has led to their addiction.<\/p>\n
Many addiction-free atheists and non-believers are among our fellows. They embrace, alongside those of many faiths, the simple spiritual principles of honesty, open-mindedness and a willingness to help others who suffer. Achieving change is most effective with daily diligent and disciplined practice of the steps. This can be challenging.<\/p>\n
Anyone can get recovery for free if they are willing to work for it to the best of their ability. There are hundreds of 12-step live and Zoom meetings running across the UK and worldwide on a daily basis.<\/p>\n
The APPG brings these facts to the attention of parliamentarians, government and public bodies, so that in turn those who suffer can find awareness of 12-step recovery. With public funding for addiction services so severely constrained, the entirely free and voluntary nature of 12-step recovery makes this work all the more important, particularly for addicts who cannot access private rehabilitation centres.Clive BrookeLabour, House of Lords<\/p>\n
Oscar Quine is right that the 12-step model doesnt work for everyone. It didnt work for my sister, who died recently from a cancer related to prolonged alcohol abuse. But it does work for many others. I worked for five years at the Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust, now the Forward Trust, which ran programmes based on the 12 steps. I met hundreds of people whose lives and the lives of their families were transformed by the programme. Its not a panacea, it clearly takes hard work and commitment, but there was definitely nothing joyless about the people I met.<\/p>\n
As I havent been through the 12 steps, I dont want to talk as though I know more about it than I do, but the impression I got was that the reference to a higher power was based on individual choice, not formalised religion. What I do know is that the people I met who were helped by it seemed to be not just clean and sober, but somehow more alive than the rest of us.Claire WildLondon<\/p>\n
Oscar Quines experience of working a 12-step programme for addiction is not unheard of but, in my experience, is by no means common.<\/p>\n
I am an atheist, and nearly 27 years sober as a reasonably regular attendee of AA meetings. I chose to attend meetings where there is neither a religious overtone nor prescriptive way of following the steps. Instead, I chose meetings where there is genuine kindness, empathy and fellowship. There are many such meetings.<\/p>\n
The 12-step programme works, as far as I can see, by bringing together people who share a common problem and are at various stages of recovering. The groups experience of recovery is generally wiser than the individuals. That is the power. People find new friends with a common cause.<\/p>\n
The disease model of addiction is widely and internationally accepted. As is the success of the 12-step model in helping numerous people worldwide recover from substance addiction to lead clean, sober and contented lives. Inevitably, while it works for many people, 12-step recovery does not suit everyone. Outside professional help can often provide additional necessary support to resolve mental health and other issues, particularly associated with early-life trauma.<\/p>\n
I wish Oscar the same contentment, self-acceptance and happiness in his recovery that I have found on my journey in 12-step recovery.Peter NorthWinchester, Hampshire<\/p>\n
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The 12 steps may not work for everyone, but can transform lives - The Guardian<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) for the 12-step programme for recovery from addictions, I am disappointed that Oscar Quine had been told that the 12 steps would cure his addiction (I was told the 12 steps would cure my addiction. Continue reading