Although most people associate the 12 step rehab program with alcohol addiction treatment, this methodology treats many types of substance abuse disorders. Overall, a majority of treatment centers in the United States use the 12-step approach. However, it involves letting go of control, being honest with yourself, and taking responsibility for your actions.

What Are The 12 Steps?

Woman who is curious about a 12 step programThe 12 step program was first introduced by Alcoholics Anonymous. Studies have found that it’s an effective way to not only treat alcohol abuse but to also prevent relapse. Researchers also come up with promising results for adopting the 12 step program for other substance use disorders, including Klonopin addiction and opiate abuse.

The 12 steps, as defined by Alcoholics Anonymous, include:

  1. Admitting that you are powerless over alcohol
  2. Surrendering to a higher power
  3. Deciding to turn your life over to the higher power
  4. Making a moral inventory of yourself
  5. Admitting the exact nature of your wrongdoings
  6. Being open to the higher power removing any defects of character
  7. Asking for your higher power to remove your shortcomings
  8. Making a list of people you have harmed
  9. Making direct amends with people
  10. Continuing to monitor your behavior and admitting wrongs
  11. Seeking to improve your connection with the higher power
  12. Practicing these principles throughout your life and helping others with them

What Is the 12 Step Program?

A 12 step rehab program encourages people to be active in their recovery journey. This therapy places emphasis on acceptance, surrender, and involvement.

When someone struggling with drug abuse accepts that addiction has control over them, they can move forward. Acceptance includes the ideas that the behavior has made life unmanageable, and willpower is not enough to solve the problem.

Additionally, this approach stresses the importance of surrendering to a higher power. Surrender involves trusting in the program and other members also going through the same journey.

Staying active in the 12-step community by attending meetings and other similar activities are vital to the 12 step rehab program. Many people find that they must revisit certain steps in order to maintain a successful recovery. Long-term support also helps you stay sober.

Do You Have To Be Religious To Go Through the 12 Step Rehab Program?

Although some programs refer to a higher power or God, this doesn’t always have to be the case. Surrendering involves letting go of the ego. Some people prefer to replace the word “higher power” with something that represents a similar idea. For example, some individuals think about surrendering to their meditation practice or commit themselves to being spiritually present in a moment. Others choose to think of this concept as relinquishing the notion of willpower.

Regardless, much of this treatment methodology relies on the support of others. You can do this whether or not you’re religious. Many people enter rehab thinking their situation is completely unique and that others don’t understand them. Through group therapy, they begin learning that others have gone through similar issues and may be able to offer sound advice.

Will The 12 Step Program Work For You?

Many recovery programs include 12 step elements. However, you don’t need to follow the 12 steps exactly to successfully recover. Many people benefit from adapting the 12 steps to create a custom treatment plan.
At Steps to Recovery, we offer authentic care. We also view each patient as an individual and develop personalized plans at our Pennsylvania addiction treatment center to help them succeed. In addition to group therapy and family counseling, we provide:

Our mission is to meet you wherever you are and support you throughout the courageous recovery process. Contact Steps to Recovery at 866-488-8684 to learn how we can work with you to form an individualized treatment plan.