The 12-step program, first formulated by Alcoholics Anonymous, is a systematic approach designed to address addictions and compulsive behaviors. This concept suggests that individuals can help each other in maintaining and achieving abstinence from drugs; however, recovery requires that those with addictions submit to a higher power. This higher power does not really mean a conventional Christian interpretation of God; it can simply be the community found in 12-step meetings, the universe, or any other concept of a higher power.
Many addiction treatment organizations offer alternatives to the 12-step approach for those seeking a non-religious foundation for recovery. This blog by experts from Mallard Lake Detox Center explores how 12-step programs support addiction recovery. Keep reading to learn more.
What Are The 12-step Programs?
A 12-step program is a peer-supported mutual assistance approach for alcoholism, substance addiction, and other addictive or maladaptive behaviors. The steps are fundamental ideas that delineate methods for overcoming addiction, circumventing triggers, and leading a healthy, productive life.
The actual 12 steps include:
- Admit powerlessness over addiction and that life has become unmanageable.
- Believe in a power greater than oneself to restore sanity.
- Decide to turn one’s will and life over to the care of God or a higher power.
- Make a searching and fearless moral inventory of oneself.
- Admit to God, oneself, and another human being the exact nature of one’s wrongs.
- Be entirely ready to have God remove all defects of character.
- Humbly ask God to remove shortcomings.
- Make a list of all persons harmed and become willing to make amends.
- Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when doing so would harm them or others.
- Continue to take personal inventory and promptly admit when wrong.
- Seek through prayer and meditation to improve conscious contact with God, as understood, praying for knowledge and the power to carry out one’s will.
- Carry the message to others and practice these principles in all affairs.
How Do 12-Step Programs Support Addiction Recovery? Benefits Of 12-Step Programs.
Below are some of the benefits of 12-step programs:
- 12-step programs provide access to a sober community.
A primary benefit of 12-step programs is offering access to a sober community. An effective sober network is a reliable indicator of successful long-term recovery; nevertheless, many individuals have difficulties in establishing one post-rehabilitation. In many instances, their former acquaintances may remain entrenched in their addiction, making it difficult to forge new friendships. 12-step programs may facilitate this connection and provide a secure environment for those pursuing recovery. It also offers a chance to cultivate strong connections with those who understand addiction.
- 12-step programs offer a framework and explicit goals for attaining sobriety.
The 12 Steps provide a definite and organized framework for rehabilitation. The stages serve as a framework to assist in identifying risk factors, behaviors, and thoughts that may trigger a return to substance addiction while also facilitating the development of coping mechanisms for managing cravings, triggers, and other substance-related challenges. It will need you to do a personal inventory of all aspects linked to your addiction to enhance accountability.
- They enable people to assume accountability for their healing.
The 12 Steps emphasize personal accountability and ownership of one’s addiction. This enables individuals to see that they are not helpless victims of uncontrollable conditions but rather active agents in their healing journey. The program promotes the acquisition of self-care skills and the management of triggers that jeopardize recovery.
- They underscore the significance of spiritual support.
The 12 Steps underscore the need for spiritual assistance and support in confronting addiction. Individuals are urged to establish a relationship with a higher power, facilitating the cultivation of hope and acceptance throughout their recovery process.
Embrace Recovery with 12-Step Programs at Mallard Lake Detox Center Serving Dallas, TX
At Mallard Lake Detox Center serving Dallas, TX, we are devoted to delivering compassionate care to all our clients. We believe that anyone deserves the chance to lead a life free of addiction, and we aim to assist you in achieving this goal. Contact Mallard Lake Detox Center to speak with an informed and empathetic admissions navigator who will respond to your questions and guide you as you begin your recovery journey.