Brief Twelve Step Facilitation (Brief-TSF) is a new synthesis of experience and research covering the last 65 years. Varied forms of TSF have been devised and utilised by a variety of helpers since Twelve Step Fellowships originated by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These range from simple advice to ‘Go to AA’ through various forms of counseling, mandated attendance and coercion to long-term residential treatment.

Brief-TSF, unlike full TSF, is for use by generalist healthcare workers as an adjunctive intervention to their normal practice. It is brief in that Brief-TSF only requires one dedicated session.

Brief-TSF can be used as;

• a discrete structured assertive intervention,
• in an opportunistic supportive mode or,
• simply as a knowledge base for healthcare workers who wish to respect a clients/patients choice of recovery through a twelve step fellowship.

Brief-TSF is intended to be utilised in ‘mainstream’ healthcare as an earlier intervention to prevent harms such as family breakdown, legal sanctions, medical complications, anti-social behaviour, employment interruption & etc.

Brief-TSF consists of a brief and structured approach to facilitating early recovery from alcoholism. It is intended to be implemented on an individual basis and is based in behavioural, spiritual, and cognitive principles that form the core of 12 step fellowships such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It is suitable for those who are alcohol dependent.