The 12-Step Program – Overview (Part 2)

So, last time I started to touch on the Oxford Groups influence on the 

beginnings of the 12-step program, or more accurately, Bill Wilson. Bill already had the foundations for the 12 step program etched into his mind from the Oxford Group. However, in 1935 he had the luck to encounter Dr. Bob. Bill was feeling a little bit shaky in his sobriety and thought it may be helpful to share his story with another person who is suffering, hence, the meeting with Dr. Bob at his hospital bedside. Dr. Bob saw the value in what was to become a spiritual program of staying sober for himself. They both recognize the value of one alcoholic helping another, thereby gaining strength for their own sobriety. This more acceptable form of confession came directly from the Oxford Groups practices. The only other ingredient that was necessary to begin the 12 step program — in the form of Alcoholics Anonymous, was a requirement that it be non-denominational. This is evident in the term sprinkled throughout the steps of “God, as we understand God”.

Eventually, there were about 100 people who became sober, mostly due to this new way of looking at themselves and at the same time helping others.