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• Twelve Step
  Twelve Step

  adjective

  of or based on a program for recovery from addiction originating with Alcoholics Anonymous and providing 12 progressive levels toward attainment.
• twelve-step
  twelve-step

  adjective

  of or relating to a method of treatment for addiction which consists of twelve stages and stresses the need for patients to acknowledge their problem and to take personal responsibility for it

Twelve Step

American  

Or 12-step

adjective

1. of or based on a program for recovery from addiction originating with Alcoholics Anonymous and providing 12 progressive levels toward attainment.

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twelve-step British  

adjective

1. of or relating to a method of treatment for addiction which consists of twelve stages and stresses the need for patients to acknowledge their problem and to take personal responsibility for it

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Other Word Forms

• 12-stepper
  noun

Etymology

Origin of Twelve Step

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

"A patient's treatment plan may include medication, seeing a trauma specialist or getting more support from Twelve Step meetings, depending on an individual’s needs."

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2024