The 12 steps were created to help people with their alcohol addiction.
Although 12-step programs began with Alcoholics Anonymous, others have adapted the concept to help people struggling with any addiction or behavioral problem. For a person to benefit from the steps, he must accept that he has no control over his problem and submit to a "higher power." In AA, each local group sets its own rules, but some general principles apply to running all groups. These can help non-AA 12-step programs too.
Follow Copyright Rules
"The Big Book" contains the original 12 steps. Feel free to use the rules as written, but you need the permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., to adapt or copy them. This includes editing or changing words to suit your own 12-step program.
Membership
According to AA's "12 Traditions," anyone can be a member as long as she desires to stop drinking. By extension, allow anyone into a 12-step program as long as he wants to get better.
Select a Chairperson
The chairperson guides the sharing session by telling members the topic of discussion and inviting everyone to comment. You do not need to have the same chairperson at every group meeting.
Let Everyone Share
Let everyone speak in a meeting to share her testimony or give her opinion. Once someone has spoken, don't let him contribute again until everyone else has had their turn.
Respect Confidentiality
The founders of AA valued anonymity. Do not share names of members with anyone outside the group.
Funding
An AA group should support itself through the contributions of its members. By refusing outside contributions, the group remains impartial, with no obligations to other groups and programs.
Form a Board
AA discourages groups from too much formality, but a board can help to make important decisions without allowing just one person to take control. A board needs just three or more people and an agreement about make decisions, e.g., by unanimous or majority vote.
