12-Step Programs for Addiction Recovery in KC
Twelve-Step programs can provide valuable support as you navigate your addiction recovery journey. These addiction support groups are available nationwide and offer virtual and in-person meetings, including options in the Kansas City area.1,2 Learn more about 12-Step programs below or how to get started on recovery by contacting our rehab facility in Kansas City.
What Are 12-Step Groups?
A 12-Step group is a fellowship where people support each other in fighting drug or alcohol addiction and maintaining sobriety. These recovery communities are centered on the 12 Steps and offer mutual support to help peers in recovery regain control of their lives.3
Founded in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) was the first-ever 12-Step program. This group formed as the outcome of a meeting between Bill W. and Dr. Bob S., who both battled alcohol addiction. Their early approach was influenced by spiritual principles and the understanding of alcoholism as an illness.4
In 1939, Bill and Dr. Bob published the “Big Book” to outline the 12 Steps and show others struggling with alcohol how the first 100 members of A.A. reached sobriety. Today, it’s still considered A.A.’s basic text and is available in over 70 languages.5
What Are the 12-Steps?
The 12-Steps are the core of A.A. and most other support groups.3 These guiding principles promote spiritual growth and sobriety.3 Each step brings you closer to building a strong foundation for lasting recovery.3 The 12-Steps for recovery are:6
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready for God to remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Types of 12-Step Groups
Several types of targeted support groups offering 12-Step teachings are available.7 They’re generally free and widely accessible, making them a readily available source of support.7 Here are some different 12-Step groups you might come across:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): A support group for those struggling with alcohol addiction.2
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA): A support group for those struggling with different types of drug addiction.8
- Cocaine Anonymous (CA): A support group for those battling cocaine addiction.9
- Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA): A support group for those struggling with methamphetamine addiction.10
- Heroin Anonymous (HA): A support group for those battling heroin addiction.11
- Marijuana Anonymous (MA): A support group for those struggling with marijuana addiction.12
- Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA): A support group for those struggling with co-occurring disorders.13
- Gamblers Anonymous (GA): A support group for those battling gambling addiction.14
- Food Addicts Anonymous (FAA): A support group for those struggling with food addiction.15
Mutual 12-Step Groups
Along with 12-Step groups for people experiencing addiction, mutual 12-Step meetings are also available. These groups are ideal for those who have been affected by their loved one’s substance abuse, such as family members, friends, spouses, and children.16 Loved ones can connect with others who need support for themselves at the following mutual 12-Step groups:
- Al-Anon: A mutual support group for the loved ones of those struggling with alcohol addiction.16
- Alateen: A mutual support group for young people aged 13 to 18 who have been affected by someone else’s drinking.17
- Nar-Anon: A mutual support group for the loved ones of those battling different types of drug addiction.18
- Co-Anon: A mutual support group for the loved ones of those struggling with cocaine addiction.19
- Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA): A mutual support group for the children of parents struggling with alcohol addiction or other dysfunctions.20
12-Step Meetings & Programs in KC
Various 12-Step chapters and meetings are available throughout Kansas City and the surrounding areas.2 You can easily find them by searching “12-Step meetings near me” online or visiting a local chapter’s website. Here are some 12-Step options in and around Kansas City:
- Area 25 Kansas Resource for Alcoholics Anonymous
- Kansas City Narcotics Anonymous
- Kansas Area Cocaine Anonymous
- Crystal Meth Anonymous in KCK
- Kansas City Gamblers Anonymous
Benefits of 12-Step Programs
A 12-Step program for addiction recovery offers several benefits that can help you achieve and sustain sobriety.7 These programs provide a safe space to share your story and connect with others on similar paths.7 Research shows the following benefits of 12-Step programs:7
- Higher rates of drug and alcohol abstinence among members.
- Greater levels of self-efficacy (control over behavior, motivation, and social environment).
- Improvements in overall behavioral and social functioning.
While 12-Step programs can be valuable in offering support and access to treatment, they may not replace professional treatment or clinical guidance when those services are needed. Seeking professional care at a licensed rehab is still an essential step toward achieving lasting recovery.21
Are All 12-Step Programs Religious?
No, all 12-Step programs aren’t religious. While spirituality and surrendering to a higher power are foundational in A.A., the program doesn’t require members to align with a specific religion. That said, you don’t have to be religious to join a 12-Step group.22
Rather, A.A. encourages members to develop their own understanding of a power greater than themselves. For some, this may be God; for others, it may be the A.A. group itself or another personal concept of a higher power.22 You can easily adapt the 12-Step principles to fit your own values and recovery journey.22 Additionally, other support groups are available if you prefer a nonreligious or nonspiritual approach.23
Alternatives to 12-Step Groups
Some recovery groups focus on achieving sobriety through self-empowerment without incorporating spirituality or religion.23 As an alternative to traditional 12-Step programs, these groups encourage evidence-based methods and self-reliance to achieve recovery.23
Here are some options:
- SMART Recovery 23
- LifeRing 24
- The Secular Recovery Group25
- Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)26
- Women For Sobriety27
Professional Addiction Treatment in Kansas City
Incorporating a 12-Step program into your journey can be beneficial both during and after treatment.7 While 12-Step groups aren’t available at Empowered Recovery Kansas City, you can still access professional outpatient treatment programs to start recovery.
Our facility offers various levels of addiction treatment, including partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and standard outpatient care. Virtual and in-person options are also available for your convenience. We can work with you to find the best type of program for your unique needs.
If you have questions about going to rehab, our admissions team is here to offer guidance and support. We’ll help you understand your options for covering the cost of rehab, including using insurance to pay for treatment. We accept most major insurance providers and offer payment plans if using insurance isn’t the best fit.
Starting the road to recovery can foster lasting healing and a happier, healthier life. Contact Empowered Recovery Kansas City to check your insurance coverage and find suitable care for your situation.
References
- Alcoholics Anonymous. (n.d.). What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting? Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://www.aa.org/information-about-meetings
- Area 25 Kansas. (n.d.). Meetings. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://ks-aa.org/meetings/
- Alcoholics Anonymous. (n.d.). What is A.A.? Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://www.aa.org/what-is-aa
- Alcoholics Anonymous. (n.d.). The Start and Growth of A.A. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://www.aa.org/the-start-and-growth-of-aa
- Alcoholics Anonymous. (n.d.). The Big Book. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://www.aa.org/the-big-book
- Alcoholics Anonymous. (n.d.). The Twelve Steps. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://www.aa.org/the-twelve-steps
- Donovan, D., Ingalsbe, M., Benbow, J., & Daley, D. (2013). 12-Step interventions and mutual support programs for substance use disorders: An overview. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3753023/
- Narcotics Anonymous. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://na.org/
- Cocaine Anonymous. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://ca.org/
- Crystal Meth Anonymous. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://www.crystalmeth.org/
- Heroin Anonymous. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://heroinanonymous.org/
- Marijuana Anonymous. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://marijuana-anonymous.org/
- Dual Diagnosis Anonymous. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://ddainc.org/
- Gamblers Anonymous. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://gamblersanonymous.org/
- Food Addicts Anonymous. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://faacanhelp.org/
- Al-Anon Family Group. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://al-anon.org/
- Al-Anon Family Group. (n.d.). Teen Corner. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://al-anon.org/newcomers/teen-corner-alateen/
- Nar-Anon Family Groups. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://nar-anon.org/
- Co-Anon Family Groups. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://co-anon.org/
- Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families. (n.d.). What is ACA? Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://adultchildren.org/what-is-aca/
- Tracy, K., & Wallace, S. (2016). Benefits of peer support groups in the treatment of addiction. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5047716/
- Alcoholics Anonymous. (2018). Frequently asked questions about AA. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://aaws.widen.net/content/qbwy1oqmao/pdf/P-2_Frequently_Asked_Questions_ONLINE.pdf
- SMART Recovery USA. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://smartrecovery.org/about
- LifeRing. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://lifering.org/about-us/
- The Secular Recovery Group. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://srgrecovery.org/
- AA Agnostica. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://aaagnostica.org/secular-organization-for-sobriety-sos/
- Women for Sobriety. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved on June 3, 2026, from https://womenforsobriety.org/
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