Tolvstegsgrupperna

Tolvstegsgrupperna, or Twelve-Step groups, are a global network of support groups for individuals seeking to overcome addiction and other compulsive behaviors. The most well-known of these is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), founded in 1935. The core of the twelve-step program lies in a set of guiding principles designed to facilitate recovery and personal growth.

These principles include admitting powerlessness over the addiction, believing in a higher power as a source of strength, making a moral inventory of oneself, admitting wrongs to others, and becoming willing to make amends. The program also emphasizes helping others who struggle with similar issues, a concept often referred to as "carrying the message."

Meetings are typically held regularly and are open to anyone who has a desire to stop their addictive behavior. They are characterized by anonymity, mutual support, and a focus on shared experience rather than professional therapy. While the original twelve-step model focused on alcoholism, adaptations have been created for a wide range of issues including drug addiction (Narcotics Anonymous), gambling addiction (Gamblers Anonymous), and overeating (Overeaters Anonymous), among many others. The effectiveness of twelve-step programs is a subject of ongoing research and debate, with some studies indicating positive outcomes and others suggesting varied results depending on individual circumstances and program adherence.