English

Alternative forms

• twelve step program
• twelve step programme

Noun

twelve-step program ‎(plural twelve-step programs)

1. An entity or plan which assists people in recovering from addiction through which an organized series of actions, usually including with group discussion among people having the same problem.

   1995, Christopher Jencks, The Homeless‎, p. 46:

   • Because punishment does so little to deter chemical addiction, liberal reformers usually prefer detox centers and twelve-step programs.

   1990, Bonnie Zimmerman, The Safe Sea of Women: Lesbian Fiction, 1969-1989‎, p. 215:

   • From consciousness-raising to coming out stories to twelve-step programs, the personal narrative has always held a place of honor in our community.

   1978, Margot Early, The Truth About Cowboys‎, p. 34:

   • And you need a twelve-step program. You've got a problem, and it's called rodeo.

Derived terms

• twelve-stepper
• twelve-step group
• twelve-step meeting