The 12-step Program is a recovery support network that relies on peer-driven support to help individuals overcome substance abuse and addiction. The Program utilizes principles based on the 12 steps of recovery to help members begin their journey toward sobriety. It is a support group network that uses a step-based approach to recovery.
The Program is used to treat a variety of addictions, including alcohol and substance abuse. It is now used for several other conditions, including drugs, eating disorders, and gambling addiction. It is based on the principle of one day at a time, and it helps those in recovery work towards long-lasting sobriety.
The History of the 12-Step Program
The 12-step Program, initially written by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the 1930s, was created because of the necessity for a different approach to treating addiction. It had its roots in the 1930s when a group of alcoholics brought together by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith of Alcoholics Anonymous discovered they could stay sober when they worked together. While alcoholics were once the only people who participated in the Program, this Program has since spread to many other addiction treatment centers because it is so effective. The 12-step Program was taken from the medical field and adapted to treat addiction better.
This Program helps people find a higher power that can give them a purpose for living and a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves. 12 Steps of Recovery The 12 steps are not a magic formula for getting sober. Instead, they help individuals reflect on their past and learn from their mistakes. The steps are meant to be a guide for both the individual in recovery and for their sponsor.
A sponsor is someone who has been sober for a significant amount of time and is trained to help others in their recovery journey. The sponsor guides the individual through the 12 steps. How Does the Program Work? Those in active addiction are typically not ready to attend a 12-step program. Instead, they need to focus on getting sober first.
Once they have reached a point where they are ready to begin their recovery journey, they attend an open meeting. An open meeting welcomes all individuals, regardless of whether they are in recovery or not. If an individual is in early recovery, they typically attend closed meetings where they can learn the 12-step Program from other individuals in recovery. Once they have completed the 12-step Program and are fully sober, they are welcome to attend open meetings where they can help others in recovery.
Purpose of the 12 Steps
The first step asks individuals to admit that they are powerless over their addiction and that their lives have become unmanageable due to their addiction. The second step asks individuals to believe that a power greater than themselves can restore them to sanity. The third step asks individuals to decide to turn their will and their lives over to the care of God as they understand Him. The fourth step asks individuals to make an honest appraisal of their character defects. The fifth step asks individuals to express remorse for how their actions have harmed others. The sixth step asks individuals to make amends to those they have harmed.
The seventh step asks individuals to practice self-restraint and to avoid those situations which may lead to relapse. The eighth step asks individuals to make an inventory of their resentments. The ninth step asks individuals to make direct amends to those they have harmed. The 10th step asks individuals to continue taking personal inventory and admit when they are wrong. The 11th step asks individuals to practice seeking guidance through prayer and meditation.
Disadvantages of a 12-Step Based Program
- The Program is designed to help people ready to abstain from all substances, including alcohol.
- This treatment approach is not ideal for everyone and may not be effective for everyone.
- There are many different 12-step programs available, making it difficult to find a program that works for your specific needs.
Conclusion
The Program is a recovery support network that relies on peer-driven support to help individuals overcome substance abuse and addiction. It utilizes principles based on the 12 steps of recovery to help members begin their journey towards sobriety. Ready to start? Dial 833-497-3808 right away.