Ep 11. 12-Stepping

In season 2, episode 11 of Penn and Teller Bullshit, titled "12-Stepping," the dynamic duo takes on the infamous and often praised approach to addiction recovery known as the 12 steps.

Penn and Teller start off by examining the history of the 12 steps and how it came to be the go-to method for millions of people worldwide. They explain how the program originated from a spiritual movement called the Oxford Group, and how it eventually evolved into Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). They also explore the core principles of the 12 steps, such as admitting powerlessness, surrendering to a higher power, and making amends.

Next, Penn and Teller conduct interviews with several recovering addicts who have used the 12 steps as part of their recovery process. They listen to their stories and perspectives, and even attend an AA meeting to observe the program firsthand.

Throughout the episode, Penn and Teller offer a critical analysis of the 12 steps and its effectiveness as a treatment approach. They point out the lack of scientific evidence supporting the program's success rate and raise concerns about the religious undertones of the 12 steps. They also challenge the program's emphasis on total abstinence and argue that harm reduction approaches may be more effective for some individuals.

Penn and Teller also explore the role of the addiction treatment industry in promoting the 12 steps and profiting from it. They uncover the financial incentives behind promoting the 12 steps in rehab facilities and the lack of options given to patients in choosing their recovery method.

Overall, "12-Stepping" is a thought-provoking episode that challenges widely held beliefs about addiction recovery methods. It raises important questions about the efficacy and ethical implications of the 12 steps and offers a refreshing perspective on the topic.