The interesting thing about the 12 steps is that, really, they're what many, many people do anyways. Basically, they can be summed up as "take responsibility,

The interesting thing about the 12 steps is that, really, they're what many, many people do anyways. Basically, they can be summed up as "take responsibility, get help when you need it, and help others when you can." This is what most emotionally mature adults do anyways. Unfortunately, the disease of alcoholism can lead people quite far from this type of otherwise normal behavior. (And not just for the drinkers!) I wish there was far more education in North America about alcoholism, especially for teenagers and pre-teens. Considering the epidimic level of damage being inflicted by the disease, I don't think it would be unreasonable to have required classes in middle school or high school on the topic.