The 12 steps of recovery have played a vital role in the history of American society. The classic 12-step program helps and continues to assist countless people as they overcome alcohol use disorders. Even non-drinkers likely know what are the 12 steps and could name some of the benefits of a 12-step program. While originally grounded in spirituality, the 12 steps of AA now go far beyond asking for help from a higher power. Today’s 12-step therapy program is more inclusive ideal for any belief system. With eight decades of proven success, a 12-step program can help you get sober and stay sober for a lifetime. If you or someone you care about is drinking to excess or suffering from alcoholism, contact Georgia Addiction Treatment Centers online or call us at [Direct] today to learn about the benefits of addiction treatment.
What Is the 12-Step Program?
Although the 12 steps of recovery are commonly associated with Alcoholics Anonymous, the steps have been adapted over time to fit nearly any person’s need to get sober and belief or non-belief in any one higher power. There are even the 12 steps of NA to help guide those with narcotic addiction. Still, the core message and purpose of each of the steps remain the same for all therapy and treatment programs that are using a 12-step meetings model. There are many benefits of the 12 steps of recovery, whether you are battling:
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Painkillers
- Benzos
The guidelines of the 12 steps of AA have helped millions of people overcome their addiction to alcohol, in large part because they are straightforward, tried, and tested. The 12-step program was so successful out of the gate that other addiction recovery groups began borrowing the steps to meet their own therapy needs. The benefits of 12-step meetings are many, including encouraging you to look inward as well as outward, and are rooted in its principles.
Honesty
A successful 12-step program must begin with an honest and genuine admission that substances have held power over you, that you are addicted, and that you need help. At this step, your family and friends can encourage you to take the big and important first step toward recovery.
Faith
No matter what or who you believe in, you must first believe that it can truly help you during your 12-step therapy program. In this step, you will accept that there is some kind of higher power and that that power 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 during your therapy for alcoholism.
Soul Searching
In a 12-step program, it is critical that you identify your problems and accept that your behaviors have caused harm to yourself and to those around you, including your family, friends, kids, and co-workers.
Integrity
This step is one of the biggest benefits of the 12 steps of AA. This is because it is right here when you will experience the greatest opportunity for personal growth as a sober person in recovery. You must admit your wrongs in front of a higher power and another person. You will be held accountable by this person and your higher power.
Acceptance
You now knowingly and voluntarily accept your character flaws exactly as they are and be willing to let them go as part of your therapy for alcoholism.
Humility
One of the benefits of the 12-step program is the ability to finally embrace the pursuit of humility in the quest of staying sober. Achieving humility is vital on the path towards a healthier lifestyle.
Willingness
You will compile a list of those you and your alcohol addiction have harmed. You will then proceed to work to make amends with each person.
Forgiveness
Healing the relationships with those you and your alcoholism have hurt is not easy, but it is essential. In order to maximize the benefits of 12-step meetings, you must begin to repair the relationships with friends and family that were damaged while you were drinking.
Maintenance
Maintaining all the personal and spiritual progress you have experienced in your 12-step therapy will provide you with the foundation for a sober life going forward.
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. Now, you will discover the plan that your own personal higher power has for you and the rest of your life. Seeing that plan through to fruition is now your task as a sober person with healthier relationships and a new lease on life.
Service
At the conclusion of a 12-step program, you will pay forward each of the principles learned. This way, the benefits of the 12 steps of recovery will flow through you and extend to others in your life.
Learn More at Georgia Addiction Treatment Centers
If you are currently struggling with alcohol use, contact us using our secure online form or call us at [Direct] today to learn more about the benefits of our 12-step program and how you can enjoy a life of recovery.
