12-step
adjective
: of, relating to, characteristic of, or being a program that is designed especially to help an individual overcome an addiction, compulsion, serious shortcoming, or traumatic experience by adherence to 12 tenets emphasizing personal growth and dependence on a higher spiritual being
Examples of 12-step in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sober living homes are alcohol- and drug-free living environments that support abstinence by emphasizing involvement in 12-step groups and social support for recovery, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
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Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2023
Delevingne credits a 12-step program for her recovery and a healthy life filled with yoga, meditation, additional workouts, eating three meals a day and a therapy regimen that also includes psychodrama.
—Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2023
Perhaps the most life-affirming decision she’s made in the last year has been committing to the 12-step program.
—Chioma Nnadi, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2023
Delevingne is currently navigating her first four months of sobriety following a tumultuous year that ultimately led her to enter rehab and embark on a 12-step program.
—Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2023
The actress has struggled with postpartum depression and an addiction to opioids and alcohol, leading her to enroll in a 12-step program and go to trauma therapy.
—Brendan Morrow, The Week, 6 Mar. 2023
In 2021, Panettiere entered a 12-step program and began trauma therapy.
—Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2023
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Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2023
Delevingne credits a 12-step program for her recovery and a healthy life filled with yoga, meditation, additional workouts, eating three meals a day and a therapy regimen that also includes psychodrama.
—Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2023
Perhaps the most life-affirming decision she’s made in the last year has been committing to the 12-step program.
—Chioma Nnadi, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2023
Delevingne is currently navigating her first four months of sobriety following a tumultuous year that ultimately led her to enter rehab and embark on a 12-step program.
—Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2023
The actress has struggled with postpartum depression and an addiction to opioids and alcohol, leading her to enroll in a 12-step program and go to trauma therapy.
—Brendan Morrow, The Week, 6 Mar. 2023
In 2021, Panettiere entered a 12-step program and began trauma therapy.
—Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word '12-step.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1983, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near 12-step
Cite this Entry
“12-step.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/12-step. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.
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Medical Definition
12-step
adjective
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a program that is designed especially to help an individual overcome an addiction, compulsion, serious shortcoming, or traumatic experience by adherence to 12 tenets emphasizing personal growth and dependence on a higher spiritual being
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