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Recovery from addiction is a lifelong effort. So, once you leave a structured treatment program, having tools and practices that you can put into place when you need them can be invaluable to the success of your recovery. The 12 steps of addiction recovery are credited to the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and have been widely adopted as part of addiction treatment programs in their original form—and versions of it—over the years. The idea is that you work through each step in order and, along the way, get a better understanding of the root of your addiction, how it affects yourself, and how it affects those around you. The steps allow you the opportunity to learn practical applications to get you to maintain your newfound sobriety.
For more information on the 12 steps of recovery and how you can benefit from a 12-step rehab program, contact NuLife Behavioral Health today at 888.568.2057.
What Are The 12 Steps of Recovery?
The 12 steps of recovery are considered a guide to follow during your addiction treatment and recovery experience. Developed by AA, they are now used by those in recovery all over the world. Some follow the steps exactly as they are written and others follow versions of the 12 steps that have been adapted to their needs. The steps can be worked on individually, in a group, or with a mentor called a sponsor.
The 12 steps include:
- Admitting you have a problem with addiction.
- Coming to believe there is a power greater than yourself that can help you through recovery.
- Making a decision to turn your life over to that higher power.
- Inventorying and acknowledging the harms done during addiction.
- Admitting these wrongs to yourself, other people affected, and your higher power.
- Being ready to have all these defects of character removed.
- Asking your higher power to remove these deficiencies.
- Making a list of all those you’ve harmed and becoming willing to make amends to them all.
- Making direct amends to those you’ve hurt, whenever possible, except when it would cause more harm.
- Continuing to take personal inventory and admitting mistakes.
- Seeking spiritual strength through prayer and meditation to improve conscious contact with your higher power.
- Sharing your experiences with other individuals in recovery and helping them on their journeys.
This time-tested recovery method has helped many people in their journey to overcoming addiction.
What to Expect in 12-Step Meetings
12-step meetings are a common part of rehabilitation programs and recovery. These group therapy sessions provide a supportive atmosphere for those in recovery to express their feelings and experiences. Participants are usually asked to talk about their recovery journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and how they are working on them.
At a 12-step meeting, you can expect to hear stories of success and failure, honesty and openness, and encouragement from the group. Most meetings include guided conversations and time for sharing, while some also have a reading of the 12 steps. This can be a great way to learn and understand the 12 steps of recovery and how you can apply them to your own life.
Learn More About the 12 Steps at NuLife Behavioral Health
Having a framework to work with when you leave the supervision of a professional treatment program can be one of the greatest advantages of aftercare. Those that follow a 12-step program may find that they work the steps for life. This roadmap to recovery can be very helpful in ultimately breaking the cycle of addiction.
At NuLife Behavioral Health, we are here to celebrate every success in your treatment and recovery journey. If you choose a 12-step program, we will be here to support and cheer you on with each step. We are here to answer any questions you have surrounding treatment for a substance use disorder. Admitting you have a problem and getting the help you need is hard but necessary. Making the decision to seek treatment for a substance use disorder is a smart one.
The NuLife Behavioral Health team is here to help. Give us a call at 888.568.2057 or reach out online today.
