Twelve Steps of Recovery Programs for Addiction
The Alcoholics Anonymous model of 12 steps and 12 traditions is one of the oldest treatment programs available and is widely regarded as the gold standard for recovery from virtually any form of addiction. They were formed by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous to provide instructions for overcoming alcohol addiction. In its early years, the program was successful enough that other addiction support organizations adapted the stages to their own requirements.
Despite the fact that the 12 Steps are founded on spiritual concepts, many nonreligious persons have found the program to be quite beneficial. The phrase stresses God’s presence as each person interprets him, allowing for a variety of interpretations and religious views.
Because of the program’s anonymity and a lack of official study, it’s difficult to determine how beneficial the 12 Step approach is. However, the popularity of this form of treatment, as well as success stories from addicts in recovery, indicate that it is beneficial.
At the absolute least, the 12-Step approach gives those who really want to overcome their addiction support, encouragement, and accountability. The sponsorship model, along with the regular meeting times, promotes the type of social support that has helped thousands of individuals stay clean.
The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous
Because recovery is a lifetime journey, there is no right or wrong way to approach the 12 Steps as the person seeks to discover out what works best for them. In fact, most participants discover that as their recovery progresses, they will need to revisit several steps or perhaps handle multiple steps at a time. The first, second, and third steps are considered the cornerstone of a 12-Step program and should be practiced on a daily basis.
The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are as follows:
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 to do 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.
If your loved one is abusing dangerous drugs, consulting with a family therapist can help the family system heal. Contact a drug and addiction treatment facilities without risk and discuss your recovery alternatives
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