Overcomers Outreach in Sylmar, Calif., is a ministry born out of a need of support system for members in evangelical Christian churches. Its support groups use the Bible and the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to minister to individuals affected by alcohol, drugs, sexual addiction, gambling, food and other compulsive behaviors or dependencies.

Celebrate Recovery is a Christian-based recovery curriculum used by church-based groups throughout the U.S. and abroad. It was developed at Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., by Pastor John Baker. Celebrate Recovery uses eight recovery principles drawn from the Beatitudes that parallel AA’s traditional 12 steps.

Alcoholics Victorious was founded in 1948 as a support group to offer a safe environment where recovering people who recognize Jesus Christ as their “higher power” gather and share their experience, strength and hope. AV meetings use both the 12 steps and the Alcoholics Victorious Creed.

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University in New York City is an interdisciplinary research and educational organization founded in 1992 by Joseph Califano, former U.S. secretary of health, education and welfare and drug “czar.” With a staff of 70, its expertise spans addiction and substance abuse, public policy, criminology, psychology, public health, […]

The American Society of Addiction Medicine in Chevy Chase, Md., is an organization of physicians trained in addiction medicine. The organization is focused on increasing access to addiction treatment and improving it. It runs a yearly scientific meeting and certifies physicians in addiction medicine.

Alcoholics Anonymous is the parent of all 12-step, self-help recovery groups. Founded by the late stockbroker William G. Wilson and physician Robert H. Smith, its principles for recovery from addiction are based on 12 steps, which include the acknowledgment of a “higher power,” meeting attendance and peer sponsorship. AA’s worldwide membership is 2 million.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services deals with substance abuse and mental health issues together. Its mission is to build resilience and facilitate recovery for people with or at risk for substance abuse and mental illness. It provides more than $1.6 billion to support states’ efforts […]

Read a 2005 Science Direct Study that found spirituality and mindfulness effective treatments of disorders and addictions.

Read a 2004 article in Science & Theology News about the effects of compassionate love, altruism and spirituality in 12-step programs, and their effect on the health of recovering alcoholics.