12-Step Program for Addiction Recovery
Many people, whether they are living with substance use disorder or not, have heard of the 12-step program. First introduced in the Big Book by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the program guides you through the recovery process one step at a time.
Because of the program’s track record of success in helping people overcome addictions, not only to alcohol but to numerous other substances and behaviors, Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches offers a 12-step program as part of the recovery and treatment process. If you’ve been searching for a 12-step program near me, learn more about the process and how BHOPB can help you.
What are the 12 Steps of AA?
The 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. This transformative approach to recovery has since helped millions of individuals overcome addiction and maintain long-term sobriety. The program’s core philosophy centers on personal growth, spiritual development, and community support.
Here’s a breakdown of the 12 Steps and their role in the recovery process:
- Admitting powerlessness: Recognize that alcohol has become unmanageable in your life.
- Believing in a higher power: Acknowledge that a power greater than yourself can restore your sanity.
- Turning your will over: Make a decision to turn your life and will over to the care of a higher power as you understand it.
- Taking a moral inventory: Make a searching and fearless moral inventory of yourself.
- Admitting wrongs: Admit to yourself, to your higher power, and to another human being the exact nature of your wrongs.
- Becoming ready for change: Be entirely ready to have your higher power remove all these defects of character.
- Asking for help: Humbly ask your higher power to remove your shortcomings.
- Making amends list: Make a list of all persons you have harmed and become willing to make amends to them all.
- Making direct amends: Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continuing personal inventory: Continue to take personal inventory and promptly admit when you are wrong.
- Seeking spiritual growth: Seek through prayer and meditation to improve your conscious contact with your higher power, praying only for knowledge of its will for you and the power to carry that out.
- Carrying the message: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, try to carry this message to other alcoholics and practice these principles in all your affairs.
Each step builds upon the previous one. The steps help you confront your addiction, develop self-awareness, make amends for past behaviors, and cultivate a spiritually grounded lifestyle. By working through these steps, you can develop the tools and mindset necessary to maintain sobriety and lead fulfilling lives.
How the 12-Step Program Works at BHOPB
We’ve integrated the 12-step program into our addiction treatment framework. Our approach combines the time-tested wisdom of AA with evidence-based therapeutic modalities to provide a holistic and effective recovery experience. The program is structured, but adaptable to each patient’s needs.
Individualized Integration
During the intake process, our clinicians will assess your needs and wants, creating a personalized treatment plan that incorporates the 12-step program if desired.
Group Sessions
Group meetings lie at the heart of the 12-step program. During group sessions, you can share experiences, gain insights, and work through the steps with other participants, all in a supportive environment. Our skilled facilitators guide discussions and help you apply AA principles to your daily life.
Individual Therapy
We can also incorporate the 12 steps into your individual therapy sessions. During these sessions, you’ll have the chance to dive deeper into the steps and analyze your progress. Your therapist will help you navigate challenging emotions, address underlying issues, and develop strategies for applying stepwork to your unique situation.
We support the 12-step approach with evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care.
Experiential Learning
Role-playing exercises, journaling, and creative activities bring the 12 Steps to life. Through these activities, you can discover how to apply the steps to your circumstances.
Community Support
Community matters at BHOPB and we go out of our way to foster a strong recovery community, encouraging peer support and accountability. This mirrors the fellowship aspect of AA, providing a safe space for clients to practice vulnerability and build lasting connections.
Family Involvement
We offer family therapy and education sessions that incorporate 12-step principles, helping loved ones understand the recovery process and supporting the healing of relationships.
Continuing Care
Once you finish treatment here, we can connect you to local AA meetings and sponsors, ensuring a smooth transition from treatment to ongoing recovery support.
Benefits of the 12-Step Program
The 12-step program offers numerous benefits for individuals on their journey to recovery. It’s a structured program that is somewhat flexible. When you participate in the 12 steps, you know what is coming next on your path and what is expected of you. Following the steps makes it easier to set and reach meaningful recovery goals.
Another benefit of a 12-step program is its community focus. Recovery doesn’t take place in a vacuum. You need a strong support system for best results. With the 12 steps, you connect with a network of peers who are experiencing similar struggles. You’re paired with a sponsor, or mentor, who can guide you through. Plus, at BHOPB, you have the benefit of a team of professional therapists to help you.
Importantly, following a 12-step program makes you accountable. When you miss meetings, you can expect your fellow members to follow up with you. Your sponsor will be there to guide you and help you stay on the path.
Many people who have gone through a 12-step program credit it with helping them self-reflect and grow personally. The program can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and understand the underlying cause of addiction.
For those who are interested, a 12-step program can help them develop a value and belief system. The program is designed to help you develop a sense of purpose and meaning beyond substance use.
Finally, 12-step programs give you a lifelong framework for maintaining sobriety. You always have support, even if it’s been years since you’ve attended a meeting. The program is founded on the principles of giving back and helping others.
12-Step Programs for Co-Occurring Disorders
Addiction usually doesn’t occur in isolation. You may be struggling with substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. BHOPB offers an integrated approach to treatment, incorporating the 12-step program. During your time with us, we’ll adapt your treatment to address any concerns you have.
Your treatment options for co-occurring disorders include medication management, individual therapy, and holistic treatments such as yoga and art therapy.
We believe in treating the whole person, not just the addiction. We’ve grounded our 12-step based program for co-occurring disorders in compassion, understanding, and clinical excellence. We recognize that recovery is a unique journey for each individual, especially those managing multiple conditions.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or any other mental health condition alongside addiction, know that you’re not alone. At BHOPB, we’re committed to walking beside you every step of the way on your path to holistic healing and recovery.
Getting Started with the 12-Step Program at BHOPB
Addiction recovery is unique to each individual, and everyone progresses through the 12 steps at a different pace. To help each of our clients successfully complete their rehab programs, our team of experts will work with them individually and in group settings to ensure they have the guidance and support they need.
If necessary, our team members will work with the client to adapt the 12 steps to meet their needs. Once the 12-step addiction program is complete, clients should feel more motivated to continue their treatment and feel more confident about the idea of sustaining an addiction-free life.
Our BHOPB detox and addiction services are designed to help patients achieve sobriety and stay sober long after they have completed their treatment at our facility. We want to ensure that patients learn the source of their addiction learn relapse prevention strategies and stay motivated after rehab.
The 12-Step Program is just one method of addiction treatment offered at our Palm Beach County rehab. For more information about our services, contact Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches today.
Sources:
- A.A. – The Twelve Steps
- A.A. – The Twelve Traditions
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