Twelve Step

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.

twelve-step

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

Other Words From

• 12-stepper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Twelve Step¹

First recorded in 1985–90