12StepSpace.com - Social Network for Recovering Addicts

12StepSpace is a network with a special bent. The site bills itself as ‘recovery oriented social networking’ and plays host to two additional sites: treatmentpathways.com and anonymousspace.com. 12Step functions like most other social networks you’ll come across these days: there’s space for uploading photos and other media to your profile, you can share your story and personal info through a personal blog, there’s chat, groups and event listings. Special focus is placed on Recovery Birthdays and significant milestones on the path to getting better. Members can sign up for support buddies and take part in online meetings. The site has a MySpace feel to it and there’s even a specialized area for recovering musicians to showcase their talent. Emphasis is placed on making connections and getting support—the actual steps however aren’t particularly focused on. Anyone can join.

“International support for an international problem”
‘The premise behind 12 Step Space is the ability to have global unity. The many different cultures repressented here and how they travel the road of recovery is our greatest feature of all. It is so amazing to see how recovery has circled the globe uniting us together.’

The site addresses a major problem and gives it a nice 2.0 social bent. The recovering aren’t steeped in precious messages nor are they lambasted with do’s and don’ts. The atmosphere is casual yet uplifting. Feature set keeps members connected.

The site has too much of a MySpace vibe to be taken seriously. Will they add more resources? What about seminars and a directory of physicians?