Denis is a NxNE Austin Rotarian and also was a licensed professional counselor before he retired. He talked to the club about 12 step programs. The biggest two of these are Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous followed by Gamblers Anonymous. Denis described how the Diagnostic Statistical Manual ( which is published by the American Psychiatric Ass’n) sets out different disorders, including substance abuse disorder. The DSM-5 outlines the criteria to meet the requirements for this disorder as relates to specific drugs. He said that 12 step programs are generally considered “peer support” and not considered substance abuse treatment. Denis then discussed a number of the steps. The first step has two clauses – we admit we are powerless over our addiction (or over alcohol) – it hard to admit you are powerless over anything. The second clause is “that our lives have become unmanageable.” Denis said that the 12-step programs are not religious, but there are spiritual aspects, particularly in Step 2 and Step 3. Also 12- step programs are supported by churches who provide meeting rooms. Step 2 is that we “came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” Step 3 – we “made a decision to turn our will and our lives over the care of God, as we understand him.” Step 4 -- we “made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.” This step is a hard one to do – takes from 6 months to two years to complete if they really work at it. Trying to learn from this. Denis also showed us a list of the remaining 12-steps – all of them are meant to change your life for the better. The 12th step is to help to convey the messages on to others, so that it helps others as well as yourself. 12-step programs are not the only way to address addiction, but they are convenient, inexpensive and local. Denis showed us a list of resources including how many meetings are taking place in the Austin area. He also talked about how substance abuse is a family disease, so there are Al-Anon and Alateen groups to support families.