The psychiatric community has different theories about how 12 step programs work. Talk therapy etc. they don't want to acknowledge the spiritual aspect of it.
The main tenant is admitting you are powerless over your addiction. That you simply cannot quit under your own power. Therefore you need a power greater than yourself. Most people in AA call this god. Even the steps call it god. Of course there are social reward aspects to it. If you are an athiest you could say that the group as a whole working toward a goal is a power greater than yourself. Also the steps are about cleaning up the wreckage of your past. Dealing with past issues making amends to those you wronged. Then helping others to do the same. All and all just a very good philosophy on living.

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