Sad to say…..yes…there are a lot of retraumatizing phrases, concepts that are taught and put on newcomers or anyone who is really struggling emotionally. I have been in ACoA, AlAnon, Codependents Anonymous, Eating Disorders Anonymous, AA, NA. And most recently I am trying out Chronic Pain Anonymous. In my experience some fellowships are more gentle than others.
Also, it depends on who you are interacting with..at the group level, and individually. There is a very wide range of people in these fellowships. I recommend checking them out anonymously with an open but clear mind. There may be aspects of the program teachings that help or do not help..some may be inappropriate for certain issues. I recommend also trying to keep boundaries up around what is right for you….vs. Harmful for you. Open mindedness does not mean agreeing with everyone and everyth8nh. It just means giving ideas and experiences a chance to….AND taking times to decide for yourself if something is right and good for you…or not. Try to have at least one person you can confide in…to discuss your feelings and uncertainties…someone who will give you space to be honest…a support line if there is no one in your life to talk to.

You can start up a 12 step group by searching for the World Service website for any of the 12 step programs that exist, worldwide. Each website will have info on starting up meetings as well as other literature for their particular 12 step program. e.g. Dual Recovery Anonymous, AdultChildren of Alcoholics Anonymous, Codependents Anonymous, survivors of Incest anonymous, eating Disorders Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, etc.

Im familiar with Aca because I was disabled at sixteen with C-PTSD.

My question is to begin a 12 step group how can I publicize it?

Thank you
Joe N.

If you started a CPTSD 12 step group online, I would be interested in joining. I have been in 12 Step revocery for 27 years (Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics annd Dysfunctional Families, Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, and currently Chronic Pain Anonymous.
I have been in CPTSD, Depression therapy for over 30 years. I also have recovered from Anorexia through an outpatient program.

To start up a Twelve Step Group I believe you can access 12 Step recovery books and pamphlets online, for any of the 12 Step groups that are already established.
To make the 12 Step program for CPTSD to have that as a focus, you may need to adapt some of the language in the steps, and/ or the questions needed to help members “go through” I.e. process and apply the steps in their daily life.

I recommend looking at the websites for each 12 Step program, to get an idea of what the core content of 12 step recovery is.

From there, if you could find anyone who is in a position to work with you on getting this started…You could begin a new 12 Step program.

You are welcome to reply to me. I would help in whatever way I can..re: questions or concerns you might have.

I can help with sponsoring! I’ve completed the steps and have been in 12 step groups for almost 15 years. I’ve recently left AA, realizing I’m not an alcoholic, but occasionally attend EA, and I’m looking to still be involved with implementing and sharing a 12 step based life.

Did you find one. I know one that starts 2/6/25

I started learning about the 12 steps by going to what is called Open Meetings. This means anyone can attend. I started with Al Anon, then Open Alcoholics Anonymous and Open Narcotics Anonymous Meetings.
One suggestion is simple:
Suit up, show up, listen up.

What amazed me the most was sharing from the heart. Unbelievable. The second thing I noticed is no one judges you, no matter what.

They have a guideline that says no cross talk. People, if they share, no one comments. It is anonymous. No records are kept. Giving of last names is not required.

Basically, people tell their stories about their experiences, strengths and others simply listen. Check it out. Practicing open mindedness is how I dealt with skepticism.