One of the most time-tested and effective approaches to addiction treatment is the 12-step program. The most well-known 12-step addiction treatment is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), though many others exist. This part of the recovery plan is just as important as participating in talk therapy and learning how to live a healthy, substance-free lifestyle.
Addiction treatment programs such as the 12-step program provide individuals with a structured framework for recovery. To learn more about our 12-step program in Mississippi at Woodland Recovery Center, call us today at 662.222.2989.
What Is a 12-Step Addiction Treatment Program?
Before you go to a meeting, reading about the first step and thinking about what it means is a good idea. In Alcoholics Anonymous, this step reads: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.”
Admitting to having an addiction issue can be the most challenging hurdle for someone who is starting a 12-step program. It can be distinctly uncomfortable and make a person feel vulnerable, especially if they are looking at going to their first face-to-face meeting.
Most people think of 12-step meetings as taking place face-to-face, but meetings are also held online. These are not as personal as meeting fellow members at a particular location. However, they can help new members feel more comfortable. They are also an option for anyone who would like to attend a meeting but is unable to get to a physical location.
After you have attended a few 12-step meetings, you will want to find a sponsor. Get to know a few people and ask questions about who is available to be a sponsor. This doesn’t necessarily have to be someone with a similar background or someone you would typically choose to socialize with. The goal is to find someone who will help you work your program—you will need to find someone you can trust.
How the 12-Step Addiction Treatment Program Works
A 12-step program can’t help anyone trying to make positive changes to their life unless they are actively taking their steps. Each person is on their journey and works their program at their own pace, but they need to be doing things to advance their knowledge by making progress. Getting stuck and not working the program won’t benefit you if you are serious about your recovery.
Upon completing treatment in a residential drug or alcohol rehabilitation center, a 12-step support program might be part of your aftercare. You can continue attending meetings while living in a sober house or after returning to work or school. Many traditional centers will recommend going to 90 meetings in 90 days and then weekly after that for as long as necessary.
What Are the 12 Steps?
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being, the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when doing so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- 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.
The 12-step program is designed to guide individuals through a process of self-discovery, acceptance, and action toward recovery. It provides support and guidance from others who have gone through similar experiences and have found success in their journey to sobriety.
Advantages of Participating in a 12-Step Program for Addiction
Participating in a 12-step program for addiction offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance the recovery process.
Here are some key benefits:
- Accountability – Regular meetings and interactions with sponsors and peers help members stay accountable for their actions and progress.
- Support network – The program provides a strong support system for individuals who are on similar journeys, offering emotional and moral support.
- Structured path – The 12 steps offer a clear and systematic approach to tackling addiction, making the path to recovery more manageable.
- Spiritual growth – Many find that the spiritual component of the 12 steps enriches their personal growth and sense of purpose.
- Personal development – The steps encourage continuous self-reflection and improvement, leading to long-term personal growth and healing.
- Accessibility – With both in-person and online meetings available, it is easier for individuals to find and attend meetings that fit their schedule and comfort level.
By embracing these advantages, individuals can navigate their recovery journey with greater confidence and support, increasing their chances of long-term sobriety and a healthier lifestyle.
Contact Woodland Recovery Center to Join Our 12-Step Program
Taking the first step toward recovery is a profoundly courageous act. At Woodland Recovery Center, we understand the complexities and challenges of addiction. Our 12-step program is designed to provide a structured path to sobriety and a compassionate and supportive community to lean on.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way, offering the tools and support necessary for a successful recovery. Make today the day you take control of your future. Contact us online or call us at 662.222.2989 to enroll in our 12-step program and begin your journey to a substance-free life.
