Founded in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was the first 12 step program. Since then, 12 step programs have been effective at helping millions of people throughout the world manage and maintain their sobriety. Given that AA was designed to help those suffering from alcohol addiction, over time exclusively, the 12 step program philosophy has been used as the model to create programs to support those in recovery from a wide array of other substance use disorders.
Reintegration into society following substance abuse treatment can be challenging, especially when someone returns to the same environment. Relapse is a reality for many, particularly when there is no support system, like a 12 step program, in place. It is crucial to remember that relapse is often a regular part of the long-term recovery process and should not be viewed as a failure.
At Harmony Hills in Florida, we believe that 12 step programs are an effective and essential part of successful long-term recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. To learn more about the benefits of 12 step programs, contact our team today at 855.494.0357.
What Can I Expect in a 12 Step Program?
A 12 step program is designed to conquer addiction by focusing on the whole person by talking about the physical, mental, and emotional effects of addiction in a group setting with others who can empathize because they are in recovery. The goal is to build your spiritual well-being while maintaining sobriety.
As a newcomer to a 12 step program, individuals are encouraged to attend 90 meetings in 90 days because the first 90 days of sobriety is when relapse is most likely to occur. Finding a sponsor, someone who has been in the program for a year or more who will serve as a mentor, is also an expectation. A major tenet of a 12 step program is admitting the need for help and surrendering control to a higher power.
The Big Book is the most important guide used in 12 step programs and is designed to help individuals navigate the process of acceptance and spiritual awakening. While the type of addiction may direct specifics of different groups, the following 12 steps are used throughout:
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable.
- We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- We decided to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- We were entirely ready to have God remove these defects of character.
- We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
- We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- We continued to take personal inventory and, when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
- We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Meetings are a crucial component of 12 step programs and are designed to allow a safe place to share stories of addiction without judgment. If you have questions about the 12 step approach to recovery, reach out to the Harmony Hills staff today by calling 855.494.0357.
The Value of Drug Addiction Treatment Program
12 step programs are a cornerstone for successful long-term drug or alcohol recovery. Studies have shown that those with substance use disorders who received formal substance abuse or addiction treatment and attended 12 step programs were more likely to maintain sobriety than those who received formal drug addiction treatment alone.
Here are some of the other benefits of 12 step programs:
- They provide a ready-made sober community.
- They help you stay committed to sobriety.
- They help provide structure.
- They are available everywhere.
- They are free to attend.
- They offer the opportunity to help others.
Learn More About Drug Rehab Centers at Harmony Hills
Are you interested in learning more about how 12 step programs can help you or your loved one navigate the path to long-lasting recovery? Want to know why 12 step programs are still an integral part of addiction treatment, even with the many recent advances in the field of addiction recovery? The Harmony Hills team can help. Reach out to us today by using the online form or calling us at 855.494.0357.
