What is the 12-Step Program for Addiction Recovery?
When treating addictions, medical experts usually recommend a 12-step program. This is a reliable, internationally-accepted solution for individuals who are looking to get clean, whether from drugs, alcohol, or some other vice.
“Although this program takes some time, it is your best bet for recovery,” according to Transcend Clinic, an ibogaine treatment center located in Cancun, Mexico. “By changing your mental outlook and introducing certain activities, you’ll be able to deal with the underlying issues that led to addiction.”
In this article, we’ll explain the 12-step program for addicts and how it benefits. We’ll take a look at the different activities you’ll introduce into your life and how they can assist you in resolving hidden personal trauma.
12-Step Program Basics
A 12-step program is an internal peer-based program for treating drug abuse, smoking, alcoholism, and other dysfunctional behaviors. During these 12 steps, you’ll learn more about your internal problems and develop strategies that will help you tackle them.
These addiction recovery programs teach you how to notice and avoid common triggers. They put you in a mental state that will help you overcome daily cravings while setting the basis for a long and productive life.
The best thing about these clinics is that you’ll be placed in a supportive environment where you can feel completely safe. The entire process protects your anonymity and allows you to build bonds with people who suffered similar issues in life. Most 12-step programs are led by people who struggled with vices themselves.
During therapy, members are encouraged to share their real-life experiences and feelings with others. Among others, a 12-step program ushers spiritual awakening that will keep you on the straight and narrow path. Here’s what you’ll accomplish:
- Admit you’re struggling with a vice.
- Find strength in a higher power.
- Think about your past errors.
- Make peace with yourself.
- Set a basis for a completely new life.
- Help others who are struggling.
The majority of 12-step programs put you on a spiritual journey. You will get in touch with your soul and body in a way you never have before. As such, this will allow you to avoid future relapses as your system of values will change.
Finding a Great Clinic
Although most clinics use a similar 12-step framework, their programs might vary significantly. Ideally, you should be looking for a facility that is willing to provide you with all the resources and support you need on your way to recovery. Also, the results are usually better if you’re working with an experienced team.
Here’s what a top-tier 12-step program should include:
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Customized Plans
Simply put, different people have different issues and vices. A clinic should explore each person’s mental state and create individualized plans that will expedite the recovery process. Most noticeably, the organization has to explore the cause of your addiction and tackle it straight up.
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Peer Support
Whether we’re talking about AA in your local community center or specialized clinical program, you must find an organization that will put you in touch with former addicts. It’s vital that you hear other stories and have someone close by who will give you courage when things get tough.
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Additional Support
Aside from the traditional 12-step program, you should look for a clinic that provides additional recovery programs. This might include therapies and activities such as behavioral health support, SMART recovery, and medical care. Additional assistance on premises will allow you to tackle every problem you might have during these grueling months.
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Health and Wellness
Simply tackling your mental issues and trauma isn’t enough. You must reset your entire body and work on improving your overall fitness and wellness level. A clinic should provide you with tools and encourage you to take part in physical activities that will rejuvenate your body.
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Facility Features
Quitting drugs, smoking, or alcohol is much harder if you’re doing it in a dilapidated building with limited personal space. Look for an addiction clinic with comfortable rooms and joint areas, as well as a lot of greenery. Given that you’ll stay here for a while, you’ll need all the amenities you’d otherwise require in your daily life.
More than anything, you should give yourself time to browse different offers. The best addiction clinics are usually expensive, but they can expedite your recovery process. Furthermore, if everything is done the right way, you likely won’t relapse into your vices.
Exploring the 12-Steps
Here’s a sample of the 12-step framework that most clinics use:
- Start by admitting that you have no control over your situation.
- Make yourself believe that a high power can help you find strength.
- Surrender yourself to God and be receptive to his assistance.
- Take an inward journey and find the moral strength to overcome future challenges.
- Explore the nature of your past wrongdoings.
- Ask God to eliminate all these character flaws that led you to addiction.
- Look toward God to help you with all your shortcomings.
- Create a list of all the people you have harmed and make amends.
- Realize that you’re responsible for other people’s misfortunes.
- Create an inventory of things you’ve done in the past and admit mistakes.
- Introduce daily prayers and meditation into your life to usher spiritual awakening.
- Having been awakened, help others struggling with addiction.
Unlike many other addiction programs, the 12-step plan doesn’t focus as much on psychology. Instead, it forces you to admit your mistakes and seek forgiveness. It creates a bond between an addict and God in an attempt to promote a healthier, more aware lifestyle.
Last Thoughts
If you’re still battling internal demons, you should explore the 12-step program in one of your local addiction recovery clinics. This methodology is perfect for individuals who have hit rock bottom. With the power of God, you can make amends for your past mistakes and create a more meaningful existence.