<P> Demographic preferences related to the addicts' drug of choice has led to the creation of Cocaine Anonymous, Crystal Meth Anonymous and Marijuana Anonymous . Behavioral issues such as compulsion for, and / or addiction to, gambling, crime, food, sex, hoarding, debting and work are addressed in fellowships such as Gamblers Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous and Debtors Anonymous . </P> <P> Auxiliary groups such as Al - Anon and Nar - Anon, for friends and family members of alcoholics and addicts, respectively, are part of a response to treating addiction as a disease that is enabled by family systems . Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA or ACOA) addresses the effects of growing up in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional family . Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) addresses compulsions related to relationships, referred to as codependency . </P> <P> Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the first twelve - step fellowship, was founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith, known to AA members as "Bill W ." and "Dr. Bob", in Akron, Ohio . In 1946 they formally established the twelve traditions to help deal with the issues of how various groups could relate and function as membership grew . The practice of remaining anonymous (using only ones first names) when interacting with the general public was published in the first edition of the AA Big Book . </P> <P> As AA chapters were increasing in number during the 1930s and 1940s, the guiding principles were gradually defined as the Twelve Traditions . A singleness of purpose emerged as Tradition Five: "Each group has but one primary purpose--to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers". Consequently, drug addicts who do not suffer from the specifics of alcoholism involved in AA hoping for recovery technically are not welcome in "closed" meetings unless they have a desire to stop drinking alcohol . </P>

Where did the 12 step program come from