The 12-step addiction treatment method has played a vital role in the history of American society. Even non-drinkers have likely heard of a 12-step addiction treatment program and can probably name a few of the steps. While grounded initially in spirituality, the benefits of a 12-step recovery program go far beyond asking for help from a “higher power.” Today’s 12-step addiction treatment is more inclusive, ideal for every person and any belief system. With proven success for over 80 years, a 12-step addiction treatment program can help you get and stay sober. If you or someone you care about is drinking to excess or suffering from a substance use disorder, contact Avedis Detox online or call us at 833.514.0579 today.
What Is 12-Step Addiction Treatment?
Although 12-step addiction treatment is most commonly associated with Alcoholics Anonymous, the steps have been altered, adapted, and transformed over time to fit nearly any person’s needs and beliefs. That said, the core message and purpose of each step remain the same for all programs using a 12 step model for addiction recovery. There are many benefits of a 12-step recovery program whether you are battling:
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Painkillers
- Benzos
The Features of a 12-Step Program
Below are the guidelines of the process that have been proven to help people overcome addiction. The program was such a runaway success from its earliest days of use that other addiction recovery groups co-opted the 12 steps to meet their own needs. Benefits of a 12-step recovery program are many, helping you look inward and outward, and are rooted in its principles, which are:
Honesty
A successful addiction recovery must begin here, with an honest admission that drugs and/or alcohol have held power over you and that you are addicted and need help. At this step, your family and friends can encourage you to take the big and important first step toward lifelong recovery.
Faith
No matter what or who you believe in, you must first believe that it/she/he can truly help you during your 12-step addiction treatment. In this step along the way, you will accept that there is some higher power and that it can help you overcome your addiction, as well as help to heal your body, mind, and spirit.
Surrender
You will recognize that you cannot recover alone, that you need help from your preferred higher power.
Soul searching
In 12-step addiction treatment, you must identify your problems and accept that your behavior has negatively impacted you and those around you, including family, friends, kids, co-workers.
Integrity
This step is one of the biggest benefits of a 12-step recovery program because it is here when you will experience the greatest opportunity for personal growth. To enjoy a recovery, you must admit your wrongs in front of the higher power and another person.
Acceptance
Moving along in your 12-step addiction treatment, you will now knowingly and voluntarily accept your character flaws exactly as they are and be willing to let them go.
Humility
Embrace the pursuit of humility in the quest of staying sober. Achieving humility is vital on the path towards a happy, healthy life and accomplishing this step ranks as one of the top benefits of a 12-step recovery program.
Willingness
You will compile a list of those you and your addiction have harmed over the years. Then you will work to make amends with each person.
Forgiveness
Making amends with those you and your addiction have hurt is not an easy mission, but it is essential. To maximize the benefits of a 12-step recovery program, you must begin to heal the relationships you have damaged.
Maintenance
Maintaining all the personal and spiritual progress you have experienced in your 12-step addiction treatment will set you up for long and sober life.
Discover Your Plan
You have been honest with yourself and your family. You have tried to make amends and found forgiveness. And you have maintained the progress you’ve made during the 12-step addiction treatment. Now, it is time to discover the plan that your own personal higher power has for you and your life. And then, of course, you must see that plan through.
Service
After 12-step addiction treatment, you will pay forward each of the principles learned. This way, the benefits of a 12-step recovery program can flow through you and extend to others in your life.
Learn More at Avedis Detox
If alcohol and substance abuse has harmed you and your family, derailed your career, and pushed friends away, discover how the 12-step addiction treatment program at Avedis can help. Contact us at our Los Angeles office using our secure online form, or call us confidentially at 833.514.0579 today.
