Learn Learn About the Neurotics Anon...

Learn About the Neurotics Anonymous 12-Step Recovery Program

Learn About the Neurotics Anonymous 12-Step Recovery Program
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Updated July 14, 2025

Neurotics Anonymous is a 12-Step fellowship for individuals seeking emotional well-being and freedom from anxious, compulsive, or self-defeating patterns. Through shared experience, the 12 Steps, and peer support, members find hope and personal growth for ongoing help.

What Is Neurotics Anonymous?

Neurotics Anonymous is a well-known 12-Step recovery peer support group program for anyone who suffers from emotional or mental illness.

Like other Anonymous programs, Neurotics Anonymous is based on the program developed by Alcoholics Anonymous and follows the same 12-Step format.

There are no dues or fees associated with membership in Neurotics Anonymous groups. The only requirement to join is that you understand your need for support and have a desire for emotional and mental stability.

If you or your loved one suffers from emotional or mental illness, it's important to understand that millions of people all over the world suffer as well. Unfortunately, many people who suffer from emotional or mental illness feel as if they are alone.

Neurotics Anonymous brings people from all walks of life together to support one another in a world where emotional or mental illness is often stigmatized.

Neurotics Anonymous does not use the term “neurotic” as it is used by psychiatrists. Neurotics Anonymous uses the term “neurotic” to describe anyone whose emotional or mental illness interferes with their functioning to any degree.

Some of the most common emotional or mental illnesses that Neurotics Anonymous members suffer from include:

The 12 Steps of Neurotics Anonymous

Like other Anonymous programs, Neurotics Anonymous follows the 12 Traditions and 12 Steps text. Anonymous support groups firmly believe that anonymity gives people the freedom to speak honestly about what they are going through, ensuring the rest of the group knows what kind of help and support they need.

The 12 Steps of Neurotics Anonymous are virtually identical to the 12 Steps used by other Anonymous programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The only difference is that the Steps used by Neurotics Anonymous are modified slightly to relate to emotional and mental illness as opposed to addiction to alcohol.

These Steps are known for being effective long-term, and all the groups that adhere to these have high success rates.

Step 1 of Neurotics Anonymous

The first Step in the recovery program involves the member’s admission that life has become unmanageable due to their emotion and mental illness and that they are completely powerless over these emotions.

Step 2 of Neurotics Anonymous

The second Step is to believe that a power greater than yourself is ready and able to restore you to wellness and normalcy. This power represents a person’s image of God and does not require any member to adhere to a specific religion.

Step 3 of Neurotics Anonymous

The third Step is to turn one’s life over to God as you understand him and let his will be done.

Step 4 of Neurotics Anonymous

After completing the first three Steps, members must take a moral inventory that explores the aspects of their life that cause harm to themselves and others. Examining how you hurt yourself and others is often a painful process, but it is necessary to complete the fifth Step.

Step 5 of Neurotics Anonymous

The fifth Step is to admit all wrongdoings to God and another person, often a person in the group.

Step 6 of Neurotics Anonymous

After completing the fifth Step, members prepare to let God remove all of their defects of character in Step 6.

Step 7 of Neurotics Anonymous

The seventh Step is to go to God and humbly ask him to remove all of these shortcomings.

Step 8 of Neurotics Anonymous

The eighth Step is to make a list of names of people you have harmed due to your mental or emotional illness. Members must humble themselves and be willing to make amends with each person listed.

Step 9 of Neurotics Anonymous

The ninth Step is the most difficult for many members. It requires that they seek out every person on their list to make direct amends. Unless contacting someone would endanger that person or others, members should contact every person, regardless of the painful memories doing so brings.

Neurotics Anonymous uses the term “neurotic” to describe anyone whose mental or emotional illness interferes with their functioning to any degree.

Step 10 of Neurotics Anonymous

The 10th Step is to continue taking personal inventory and admitting when you slip back into old habits.

Step 11 of Neurotics Anonymous

The 11th Step requires members to meditate and pray to improve their relationships with God.

Step 12 of Neurotics Anonymous

The 12th and final Step is to continue practicing the principles of Neurotics Anonymous and using one’s personal testimony to reach other people who also suffer from emotion and mental illness.

Other 12-Step Programs Near Me

Other 12-Step programs include:

Start Your Recovery Journey

If you’re exploring support options beyond Neurotics Anonymous, professional guidance can offer clarity and personalized care. Recovery.com can help you find and compare treatment providers who specialize in anxiety, emotional health, and recovery-focused support tailored to your needs.

FAQs

Neurotics Anonymous is a 12-Step peer-led support group for people whose emotional or mental health struggles interfere with their daily functioning. The program is modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12 Steps but adapted to focus on emotional health rather than addiction, offering a safe space for members to share experiences and support one another.

In Neurotics Anonymous, “neurotic” doesn’t refer to the clinical term used by psychiatrists; instead, it describes anyone experiencing emotional difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, emotional pain, or negative thinking, that impact life quality. Anyone who feels emotionally overwhelmed and wants support is welcome to attend.

At meetings, members share personal experiences, hope, and strength in a confidential and non-judgmental setting. Like other 12-Step groups, participants may read the Steps, offer support, and sometimes get a sponsor (a more experienced member) to help them work through the Steps, but professional therapy is not provided during meetings.

You can find meetings through Neurotics Anonymous' official directories and regional listings. Neurotics Anonymous meetings are generally open to everyone and offered free of dues or fees.

If Neurotics Anonymous isn’t available or doesn’t feel like the right fit, there are other mutual support groups, such as Emotions Anonymous, which grew out of the same tradition but has become a separate international fellowship, offering in-person and virtual meetings. Peer support groups for specific concerns (such as anxiety, mood disorders, or relationship challenges) can often be found locally or online as well.

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