The founders of Alcoholics Anonymous created the 12 Steps as guidelines for the best way to beat alcohol addiction. Because the program was such a success, other groups adapted the steps to guide individuals with various addictions. Rehab centers followed, adjusting treatments to include variations of 12 Step recovery programs. These programs are incredibly beneficial for people with addictions, which is why we use them at Crestview Recovery.

5 people with their hands together at 12 step recovery

The Premise of 12 Step Recovery

The basis for the 12 Steps is that people can help each other achieve and sustain sobriety. This is possible through meetings where they’re able to share experiences and offer ongoing support. The 12 step model provides a foundation that helps individuals surrender to their addiction, accept their experiences and work for change. It achieves this by helping them build upon life-changing practices and tools.

The first practice is recognizing and admitting that they have an addiction. Next, people with addiction surrender to the realization and decide to regain control with help from others. The model helps them see the behaviors that caused their addiction in the first place. Additionally, it can also help them pinpoint any actions that arose as a result of the addiction. Maybe most importantly, it brings behaviors that promote self-control to the forefront.

Following these guidelines gives individuals dealing with addiction structure to practice restraint and build their self-esteem. Although many people learn this model in rehab programs, they can continue to use it for the rest of their lives. This is especially true if they join support groups after completing an addiction program. The majority of these groups use some variation of the 12 Steps.

How Spirituality Is Part of the 12 Steps

The 12 Steps focus a lot on spirituality. However, this isn’t based on religious beliefs. Instead, it correlates with a range of personal beliefs such as a disembodied or an embodied higher power. This higher power is the presence of God as each individual understands it. Some other correlations to spirituality include:

  • The sense that life has a specific purpose
  • An inclusive view that encourages social interaction
  • Support of mental growth and evolution

Since these beliefs are spiritual rather than religious, many nonreligious people find 12 Step recovery very helpful. It also allows various religions to interpret and adapt the model to their own needs.

Do the 12 Steps Work?

One of the reasons why the 12 Steps are so widely practiced is because they do work. Research shows that practices that support abstinence improve mental health. In turn, this improves the rate of recovery and prevents relapse.

Studies also show that such programs contribute to recovery over the long term. This is partially because rehabs and support groups that use the 12 Steps give people somewhere to go when they need help. Although individuals with addictions learn the model during rehab, it can be hard to follow when they’re thrown back into the real world. Support groups that use the steps give them a place to get support so that they stay on the path of abstinence.

12 Step Recovery at Crestview Recovery

In the Foundations of 12-Step Recovery at Crestview Recovery, clients can process their emotions and feelings. As they enter the early stages of treatment, they recognize their confusion, resentment, and uncertainty. They also learn about the spiritual underpinnings of the concepts that the 12 Steps promote.

Along with the 12 Steps, Crestview Recovery uses other evidence-based and holistic treatment methods. Some of these include:

Stop letting addiction control your behaviors and decisions. You can take back control and live a healthy sober life again. Call Crestview Recovery at 866-262-0531 to learn more about our addiction treatment programs.