Thursday, February 2, 2023
No Result
View All Result
Find treatment now
The Recover
Call us (888) 510-3898
Add a Listing
  • News
  • Browse Drugs
    • Alcohol
      • Alcohol Info
      • Beer
      • Wine
      • Liquor
      • Binge Drinking
    • Illicit Drugs
      • Illicit Drug Info
      • Cocaine
      • Crack Cocaine
      • Ecstacy
      • Hallucinogens
      • Heroin
      • Inhalants
      • Ketamine
      • Marijuana
      • Meth
      • Synthetic Marijuana
    • Painkillers
      • Painkillers Info
      • Codeine
      • Darvocet
      • Demerol
      • Dilaudid
      • Fentanyl
      • Hydrocone
      • Methadone
      • Morphine
      • OTC Drugs
      • Oxycodone
      • Tramadol
    • Sleeping Pills
      • Sleeping Pills Info
      • Ambien
      • Amytal
      • Lunesta
      • Sonata
    • Stimulants
      • Stimulants Info
      • Adderall
      • Antidepressant
      • Concerta
      • Dexedrine
      • Diet Pills
      • Ritalin
      • Steroids
    • Benzodiazepines
      • Benz Info
      • Ativan
      • Halcion
      • Klonopin
      • Librium
      • Valium
      • Xanax
  • Addiction Treatment Centers
    • Luxury Rehab Centers
    • Countries
      • Drug and Alcohol Rehab Ireland
      • Drug Rehab Switzerland
      • Drug Rehab England
      • Drug Rehab Treatment Costa Rica
      • Mexico Addiction Treatment
  • Treatment
    • Treatment Information
      • Inpatient Rehab
      • Outpatient Rehab
      • US Treatment Centers
      • Inpatient vs Outpatient
      • Treatment Myths
      • Medications for Addiction
      • Drug and Alcohol Detox
      • Faith-Based Treatment
      • Addiction Counselors
      • Sober Living Homes
      • Coping with Triggers
      • Relapse Prevention
      • Pet Friendly Rehabs
      • Couples Rehabs
    • Support Groups
      • 12-Step Programs
      • Alcoholics Anonymous
      • Narcotics Anonymous
      • SMART Recovery
      • Women for Sobriety
      • Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
      • LifeRing Secular Recovery (LSR)
      • Celebrate Recovery (CR)
      • Dual Recovery Anonymous
      • Learn to Cope
    • Therapies
      • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
      • Biofeedback
      • Holistic Therapy
      • Experiential Therapy
      • Motivational Enhancement Therapy
      • Dialectical Behavior Therapy
      • Couples Behavioral Therapy
    • Resources for Loved Ones
      • Intervention Services
      • Al-Anon Family Groups
      • Nar-Anon Family Groups
      • Co-Dependents Anonymous
      • Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) Group
  • Resources
    • Health and Safety
      • Domestic Violence
      • HIV/AIDS
      • Hepatitis and Other Infectious Disease
      • Cardiovascular Effects
      • Respiratory Effects
      • Gastrointestinal Effects
      • Musculoskeletal Effects
      • Kidney Damage
      • Liver Damage
      • Neurological Effects
      • Hormonal Effects
      • Prenatal Effects
      • Other Health Effects
      • Mental Health Effects
      • Death
    • Who Addiction Affects
      • Veterans
      • Teenagers
      • College Students
      • Pregnant Women
      • Professional
      • Elderly
      • Medical Professional
      • LGBTQ
  • Mental Health
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Eating Disorders
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • OCD
    • Borderline Personality Disorder
    • Schizophrenia
    • Depression
    • Anxiety Disorders
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
    • Personality Disorders
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • FAQ’s
    • What Is Addiction?
      • How Addiction Affects the Brain
    • Can I avoid jail time if I go to rehab?
    • Can I bring my laptop / phone?
    • Can I bring my partner/spouse?
    • Can I bring my pet?
    • Can I call my family in rehab if so, when?
    • How can families and friends help someone needing treatment?
    • How can I find an addiction rehab program?
    • How do I get time off of work to attend addiction rehab?
    • How do I know if my rehab is licensed?
    • How do I pay with insurance?
    • How does addiction affect a teens developing body and mind?
    • How effective is drug addiction treatments?
    • How long does treatment last?
    • I’m not an addict, do I really need treatment?
    • Is addiction a disease?
    • Is drug addiction treatment worth its cost?
    • Is methadone/suboxone a better replacement?
    • Should I choose inpatient or outpatient?
    • Should treatment be gender specific?
    • What advice can you offer when comparing treatment centers?
    • What are the best 12 step alternatives?
    • What happens after discharge?
    • What if I have chronic pain?
    • What if I need psychiatric medication?
    • What is drug addiction treatments?
    • What is private treatment?
    • What is the difference between physical and psychological addiction?
    • What is withdrawal? How long does it last?
    • What role can the criminal justice system play in treatment?
    • What type of accreditations do rehabs have?
    • Where do 12 step or self help programs fit in the program ?
    • Where should I go? Locally/Away?
    • Why cant drug addicts quit on their own?
    • Why do programs use the 12-step program?
    • Will my insurance cover drug rehab treatment?
    • Will they drug test in Rehab?
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Browse Drugs
    • Alcohol
      • Alcohol Info
      • Beer
      • Wine
      • Liquor
      • Binge Drinking
    • Illicit Drugs
      • Illicit Drug Info
      • Cocaine
      • Crack Cocaine
      • Ecstacy
      • Hallucinogens
      • Heroin
      • Inhalants
      • Ketamine
      • Marijuana
      • Meth
      • Synthetic Marijuana
    • Painkillers
      • Painkillers Info
      • Codeine
      • Darvocet
      • Demerol
      • Dilaudid
      • Fentanyl
      • Hydrocone
      • Methadone
      • Morphine
      • OTC Drugs
      • Oxycodone
      • Tramadol
    • Sleeping Pills
      • Sleeping Pills Info
      • Ambien
      • Amytal
      • Lunesta
      • Sonata
    • Stimulants
      • Stimulants Info
      • Adderall
      • Antidepressant
      • Concerta
      • Dexedrine
      • Diet Pills
      • Ritalin
      • Steroids
    • Benzodiazepines
      • Benz Info
      • Ativan
      • Halcion
      • Klonopin
      • Librium
      • Valium
      • Xanax
  • Addiction Treatment Centers
    • Luxury Rehab Centers
    • Countries
      • Drug and Alcohol Rehab Ireland
      • Drug Rehab Switzerland
      • Drug Rehab England
      • Drug Rehab Treatment Costa Rica
      • Mexico Addiction Treatment
  • Treatment
    • Treatment Information
      • Inpatient Rehab
      • Outpatient Rehab
      • US Treatment Centers
      • Inpatient vs Outpatient
      • Treatment Myths
      • Medications for Addiction
      • Drug and Alcohol Detox
      • Faith-Based Treatment
      • Addiction Counselors
      • Sober Living Homes
      • Coping with Triggers
      • Relapse Prevention
      • Pet Friendly Rehabs
      • Couples Rehabs
    • Support Groups
      • 12-Step Programs
      • Alcoholics Anonymous
      • Narcotics Anonymous
      • SMART Recovery
      • Women for Sobriety
      • Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
      • LifeRing Secular Recovery (LSR)
      • Celebrate Recovery (CR)
      • Dual Recovery Anonymous
      • Learn to Cope
    • Therapies
      • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
      • Biofeedback
      • Holistic Therapy
      • Experiential Therapy
      • Motivational Enhancement Therapy
      • Dialectical Behavior Therapy
      • Couples Behavioral Therapy
    • Resources for Loved Ones
      • Intervention Services
      • Al-Anon Family Groups
      • Nar-Anon Family Groups
      • Co-Dependents Anonymous
      • Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) Group
  • Resources
    • Health and Safety
      • Domestic Violence
      • HIV/AIDS
      • Hepatitis and Other Infectious Disease
      • Cardiovascular Effects
      • Respiratory Effects
      • Gastrointestinal Effects
      • Musculoskeletal Effects
      • Kidney Damage
      • Liver Damage
      • Neurological Effects
      • Hormonal Effects
      • Prenatal Effects
      • Other Health Effects
      • Mental Health Effects
      • Death
    • Who Addiction Affects
      • Veterans
      • Teenagers
      • College Students
      • Pregnant Women
      • Professional
      • Elderly
      • Medical Professional
      • LGBTQ
  • Mental Health
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Eating Disorders
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • OCD
    • Borderline Personality Disorder
    • Schizophrenia
    • Depression
    • Anxiety Disorders
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
    • Personality Disorders
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • FAQ’s
    • What Is Addiction?
      • How Addiction Affects the Brain
    • Can I avoid jail time if I go to rehab?
    • Can I bring my laptop / phone?
    • Can I bring my partner/spouse?
    • Can I bring my pet?
    • Can I call my family in rehab if so, when?
    • How can families and friends help someone needing treatment?
    • How can I find an addiction rehab program?
    • How do I get time off of work to attend addiction rehab?
    • How do I know if my rehab is licensed?
    • How do I pay with insurance?
    • How does addiction affect a teens developing body and mind?
    • How effective is drug addiction treatments?
    • How long does treatment last?
    • I’m not an addict, do I really need treatment?
    • Is addiction a disease?
    • Is drug addiction treatment worth its cost?
    • Is methadone/suboxone a better replacement?
    • Should I choose inpatient or outpatient?
    • Should treatment be gender specific?
    • What advice can you offer when comparing treatment centers?
    • What are the best 12 step alternatives?
    • What happens after discharge?
    • What if I have chronic pain?
    • What if I need psychiatric medication?
    • What is drug addiction treatments?
    • What is private treatment?
    • What is the difference between physical and psychological addiction?
    • What is withdrawal? How long does it last?
    • What role can the criminal justice system play in treatment?
    • What type of accreditations do rehabs have?
    • Where do 12 step or self help programs fit in the program ?
    • Where should I go? Locally/Away?
    • Why cant drug addicts quit on their own?
    • Why do programs use the 12-step program?
    • Will my insurance cover drug rehab treatment?
    • Will they drug test in Rehab?
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
The Recover
No Result
View All Result

What Do 12-Step Recovery Programs Do?

Jason M by Jason M
January 12, 2019
in Treatment
0
What Do 12-Step Recovery Programs Do?

12-Step Recovery programs attempt to provide a more personal form of drug rehabilitation through the use of social support, talking with others who are struggling with the same or similar substance addictions, and by encouraging abstinence as a social norm. This form of treatment is gradual compared to other forms of addiction treatment because this method alone does not use medically assisted detox, therapeutic techniques, or professional counseling sessions. This is because the first 12-step program arose from Alcoholics Anonymous, which was founded by two men without training in psychology, who started a personal group for those struggling with alcoholism.

However, this does not mean that Alcoholics Anonymous is ineffective because this small group has grown to millions of members today. Other groups that follow the 12-step approach, that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) established, are Narcotics Anonymous (NC) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA). Many staff members at substance abuse treatment programs have come to view these programs as helpful supplements to treatment. While some programs for alcoholism may allow patients to partake in moderate drinking long after treatment, AA and other 12-step programs have a strict abstinence policy that forbids any kind of drinking or substance use.

The 12 Steps

12-Step programs help members work towards accomplishing 12 steps total to reach full recovery. The majority of these steps are based on spiritual beliefs. Substance addiction is viewed as a disease rather than a choice so that members can come to the realization that addiction will never fully go away. This eliminates false expectations that could lead to depression from future disappointment. However, this is not intended to deplete a person of all hope, but rather, sets the person up for what is likely to come so that there are less surprises.

What Do 12-Step Recovery Programs Do?The first step of the 12 steps is to admit that you are powerless to whatever substance, alcohol or drugs, that you are currently addicted to. This is crucial for overcoming any leftover denial you might still be in about your addiction. People who are in denial might be less likely to be open to the rest of the steps if they do not fully believe that they have a problem. Next, you need to go over your past actions to determine what moral mistakes you have made that are related to your substance use. This helps you realize the extent of your problem and how your substance use has hurt others.

Hopefully, this will give you incentive to realize that your addiction needs to end so that you do not hurt any other people. This is like a wakeup call to yourself. In the next few phases, you are encouraged to admit that you were wrong and to write down a list of the people you have harmed in the past. Lastly, you are told to find ways to make amends to these people and pass what you have learned to others who are going through drug rehabilitation.

Core Beliefs

What makes the 12-step program stand out in relation to other substance abuse treatment programs is the way that the 12 steps depend on the spiritual belief of a higher power. Most other programs tend to take a secular approach to substance addiction treatment, largely due to certain policies and the idea that treatment needs to be an objective fit for people of many backgrounds. Although, there are other programs similar to 12-step programs that are secular versions.

How 12-Step Programs Work

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the spiritual aspects of 12-step programs has been shown in several research studies to be tied with positive effects for drug rehabilitation. Researchers argue that religious beliefs serve as protective factors for adolescents and even adults, not because of strict dogma, but rather, due to the ways that spiritual beliefs relieve stress. After all, stress plays a key role in the development of substance addictions and whether someone will relapse.

In terms of actual treatment, a research study found an indirect effect of spirituality on recovery, the encouragement of honesty and responsibility. These two personality traits may not seem grand compared to other factors, but they do offer some buffer between a healthy life and drug use behavior. Honesty is important for decreasing the secretiveness of drug use behaviors, whereas responsibility reinforces taking care of yourself and others. Being responsible also means admitting you are wrong and sometimes, making amends to those you hurt.

Benefits of 12-Step Programs

Looking at actual statistics rather than anecdotes about how 12-step programs decrease substance abuse, the median duration of abstinence for AA and NA groups is at least 5 years. That is good news for those who have been struggling with an addiction for several years. 5 years is no small accomplishment considering that many relapse a few months or a year after treatment in a facility. Other studies have even reported an entire 16 years of abstinence after participating in a 12-step program.

Members also report better self-efficacy, which is how much you believe you are skilled at something. Overall, 12-step groups offer you a chance to talk to people who are literally on your level. How often do you get the chance to interact with people who have probably gone through the same things you have gone through, suffered the same doubts, thought the same thoughts? While rehab treatment should not be ignored, the staff there may not be able to relate to you in the same way as members in a 12-step group will.

Where to Find 12-Step Programs for Substance Addiction

At the Recover, we understand how addiction can leave you feeling drained and hopeless. The fight against relapse takes a lot of willpower and not everyone has the right strength all the time to fight the cravings. There are a variety of treatment programs and self-help groups out there designed to maintain that strength.

The Recover is an unbiased substance abuse and mental health news provider that offers information pertaining to substance addiction. We also provide the public with information about West Virginia centers for addiction recovery. If you feel trapped by your addiction, call us at (888) 510-3898 to speak with a treatment specialist who will help you find a substance abuse treatment programs that works best for you.

Tags: Benefits of 12-Step ProgramsCore Beliefsdrug rehabilitationHow 12-Step Programs Worksubstance abuse treatment programsThe 12 StepsWhat Do 12-Step Recovery Programs Do?
Previous Post

Bar on New Jersey College Campus Accepts Alcohol Restrictions Following Death Of a Student

Next Post

Ex-Philadelphia Officer Sentences to 3-12 months in City Jail For Drag Racing Death

Next Post
Ex-Philadelphia Officer Sentences to 3-12 months in City Jail For Drag Racing Death

Ex-Philadelphia Officer Sentences to 3-12 months in City Jail For Drag Racing Death

Questions about treatment?


Get Confidential Help 24/7

Call now for:

Access to top treatment centers
Caring, supportive guidance
Financial assistance options
---- Call Us Today ----
(888) 510-3898

Get Answers to your Questions

Find a Treatment Center Near You

Learn more about your options and find the perfect treatment center in your area

Find A Local Rehab Center

Recent Posts

  • Masturbation Effects on Kidneys
  • Are More People Depressed
  • How to Detox From Weed
  • Should I Take Meloxicam at Night Or in the Morning
  • How to Recover From Too Much THC Edibles
  • Best Supplements For Peyronies Disease
  • Shrink Your Prostate in a Matter of Seconds
  • Signs You Grew Up With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
The Recover

© 2018 The Recover

Find Help Now
Confidential Call
(888) 510-3898

Info

  • About Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • E-mail
  • Add a Listing

Social

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Browse Drugs
    • Alcohol
      • Alcohol Info
      • Beer
      • Wine
      • Liquor
      • Binge Drinking
    • Illicit Drugs
      • Illicit Drug Info
      • Cocaine
      • Crack Cocaine
      • Ecstacy
      • Hallucinogens
      • Heroin
      • Inhalants
      • Ketamine
      • Marijuana
      • Meth
      • Synthetic Marijuana
    • Painkillers
      • Painkillers Info
      • Codeine
      • Darvocet
      • Demerol
      • Dilaudid
      • Fentanyl
      • Hydrocone
      • Methadone
      • Morphine
      • OTC Drugs
      • Oxycodone
      • Tramadol
    • Sleeping Pills
      • Sleeping Pills Info
      • Ambien
      • Amytal
      • Lunesta
      • Sonata
    • Stimulants
      • Stimulants Info
      • Adderall
      • Antidepressant
      • Concerta
      • Dexedrine
      • Diet Pills
      • Ritalin
      • Steroids
    • Benzodiazepines
      • Benz Info
      • Ativan
      • Halcion
      • Klonopin
      • Librium
      • Valium
      • Xanax
  • Addiction Treatment Centers
    • Luxury Rehab Centers
    • Countries
      • Drug and Alcohol Rehab Ireland
      • Drug Rehab Switzerland
      • Drug Rehab England
      • Drug Rehab Treatment Costa Rica
      • Mexico Addiction Treatment
  • Treatment
    • Treatment Information
      • Inpatient Rehab
      • Outpatient Rehab
      • US Treatment Centers
      • Inpatient vs Outpatient
      • Treatment Myths
      • Medications for Addiction
      • Drug and Alcohol Detox
      • Faith-Based Treatment
      • Addiction Counselors
      • Sober Living Homes
      • Coping with Triggers
      • Relapse Prevention
      • Pet Friendly Rehabs
      • Couples Rehabs
    • Support Groups
      • 12-Step Programs
      • Alcoholics Anonymous
      • Narcotics Anonymous
      • SMART Recovery
      • Women for Sobriety
      • Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
      • LifeRing Secular Recovery (LSR)
      • Celebrate Recovery (CR)
      • Dual Recovery Anonymous
      • Learn to Cope
    • Therapies
      • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
      • Biofeedback
      • Holistic Therapy
      • Experiential Therapy
      • Motivational Enhancement Therapy
      • Dialectical Behavior Therapy
      • Couples Behavioral Therapy
    • Resources for Loved Ones
      • Intervention Services
      • Al-Anon Family Groups
      • Nar-Anon Family Groups
      • Co-Dependents Anonymous
      • Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) Group
  • Resources
    • Health and Safety
      • Domestic Violence
      • HIV/AIDS
      • Hepatitis and Other Infectious Disease
      • Cardiovascular Effects
      • Respiratory Effects
      • Gastrointestinal Effects
      • Musculoskeletal Effects
      • Kidney Damage
      • Liver Damage
      • Neurological Effects
      • Hormonal Effects
      • Prenatal Effects
      • Other Health Effects
      • Mental Health Effects
      • Death
    • Who Addiction Affects
      • Veterans
      • Teenagers
      • College Students
      • Pregnant Women
      • Professional
      • Elderly
      • Medical Professional
      • LGBTQ
  • Mental Health
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Eating Disorders
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • OCD
    • Borderline Personality Disorder
    • Schizophrenia
    • Depression
    • Anxiety Disorders
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
    • Personality Disorders
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • FAQ’s
    • What Is Addiction?
      • How Addiction Affects the Brain
    • Can I avoid jail time if I go to rehab?
    • Can I bring my laptop / phone?
    • Can I bring my partner/spouse?
    • Can I bring my pet?
    • Can I call my family in rehab if so, when?
    • How can families and friends help someone needing treatment?
    • How can I find an addiction rehab program?
    • How do I get time off of work to attend addiction rehab?
    • How do I know if my rehab is licensed?
    • How do I pay with insurance?
    • How does addiction affect a teens developing body and mind?
    • How effective is drug addiction treatments?
    • How long does treatment last?
    • I’m not an addict, do I really need treatment?
    • Is addiction a disease?
    • Is drug addiction treatment worth its cost?
    • Is methadone/suboxone a better replacement?
    • Should I choose inpatient or outpatient?
    • Should treatment be gender specific?
    • What advice can you offer when comparing treatment centers?
    • What are the best 12 step alternatives?
    • What happens after discharge?
    • What if I have chronic pain?
    • What if I need psychiatric medication?
    • What is drug addiction treatments?
    • What is private treatment?
    • What is the difference between physical and psychological addiction?
    • What is withdrawal? How long does it last?
    • What role can the criminal justice system play in treatment?
    • What type of accreditations do rehabs have?
    • Where do 12 step or self help programs fit in the program ?
    • Where should I go? Locally/Away?
    • Why cant drug addicts quit on their own?
    • Why do programs use the 12-step program?
    • Will my insurance cover drug rehab treatment?
    • Will they drug test in Rehab?
  • Contact Us

© 2018 The Recover

Find Help Now
Confidential Call
(888) 510-3898

Change Location
To find awesome listings near you!