San Quentin Rehabilitation Center offers 12-step programs that offer residents an opportunity to abstain, reform, recover, and a chance at a trouble-fee life after incarceration.

In an effort to keep their names anonymous, Bill W. and Dr. Bob of Akron, Ohio introduced the first 12-step concept in 1938. Alcoholics Anonymous was the name of the group.

“It was thus proven that as individuals we carry the A.A. experience and ideas into any outside field,” said co-founder Bill W. “We guard anonymity and refuse the use of A.A. name for money raising or publicity purposes.”

There are an assortment of programs based on 12-step principles, each one similarities in its goal of offering recovery services to those who participate.

Al-Anon, established in 1948, is a group based on the same principles. It offers support to friends and family members of alcoholics.

According to Al-Anon/Al-Ateen literature, the program evoke healing and recovery for those who suffer from the effects of living or having lived with an addict.

“I love Al-Anon. I never really considered that it started from A.A.,” said SQ resident John R. “Even though when we read the opening of the book it says ‘we’ve adopted A.A.’s 12-steps word for word.’”

Narcotics Anonymous begin in 1953. The program was designed to “help pill and drug takers already afloat – projects which use A.A. 12-steps and in which A.A. members are active,” wrote Bill W.

“I’ve found sobriety by attending N.A. meetings here at SQ,” said resident Marque Q. “I couldn’t have done it without my sponsor. He had me look within myself to find peace.”

The 12-step programs show that by participating, individuals can identify their struggles and accomplishments, strengthening their chances of recovery.

One thing that makes these programs successful are the accountability partners obtained through sponsorship. A sponsor mentors newcomers to the program and usually has many years of sobriety themselves.

Sponsorship requires people who have made some progress in the program-shared experience and can meet others as equals. This style of sponsorship is normal part of the program when attempting and maintaining sobriety.

Sex Addicts Anonymous was established in 2010. It is a progressive self-help program for people with sex-related addictions, and for those who become obsessed with sexual fantasies and behavior.

“As we exercised courage and grew in faith, we began to realize our daily problems were stepping stones to spiritual growth,” reads the S.A.A. pamphlet.

The 12-step program Criminals and Gangmembers Anonymous was created in the early 2000s.

It shows unquestionably that gang members are criminals. The members are infected by the toxicity of the powerful force of addiction.

Through C.G.A., members recognize their lethal and destructive lifestyles, says C.G.A. literature.

“I felt in order to be a man, I had to carry a gun. It was either me or them,” said C.G.A. graduate Marcus C. “I learned that gang life was nothing but a bunch of hurt people, who were bonding through trauma.”

An incarcerated person created the program, Emotional Awareness Therapy, in 2020. E.A.T. addresses emotional instabilities, the leading causes of addictive behaviors. These behaviors are mismanaged coping skills that have restorative values if acknowledged and admitted, according to E.A.T. literature.

Some of these programs are available to incarcerated people at various California Correctional Facilities, and are accessible opportunities toward recovery.