12-Step Groups for Addiction

Originated and pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous, the 12-step program for addiction treatment is used to effectively help people achieve and maintain sobriety by showing them how to surrender to a higher power.

Although not a religious track, a traditional 12-step group for addiction helps individuals focus on spirituality, as well as allow them to connect to their interpretation of a higher power. In this group setting, addicted individuals can come together and help one another with their struggles by sharing similar experiences and showing support. Our drug and alcohol treatment center in Philadelphia outlines exactly what a 12-step program for addiction treatment is, and what you can expect during this approach to getting sober.

What Are the 12 Steps?

Members of a 12-step program will be asked to keep an open mind while attending meetings. The 12 Steps to complete sobriety originate from Alcoholics Anonymous and are outlined below.

1. We admit that we were powerless over our addiction and that our lives have become unmanageable.
2. We believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand him.
4. We made a moral inventory of ourselves.
5. We admitted to God, ourselves, and another individual that we have committed wrongdoings.
6. We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. We humbly ask the higher power to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of every single person that we harmed and became willing to make amends to all of them.
9. Made direct amends to every person we have harmed wherever possible.
10. Continued to take a personal inventory and admit any future wrongdoings.
11. Through prayer and meditation we sought to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand him.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of each step, we practice these principles in all our affairs.

What to Expect During a 12-Step Group Meeting

For anyone who has never attended a 12-step group for addiction meeting before, the fear of the unknown is completely normal. You can expect to be welcomed by a group of supportive individuals who may be on a similar path as you. The meeting will be held by a therapist or chairperson who will lead a group prayer, as well as discuss a certain step during that meeting. Members will have the chance to share their personal experiences and how their story has led them to this meeting. Through these meetings, you will be able to completely surrender yourself to a higher power at the same time as treating your active addiction.

The 12-Step Group approach to addiction treatment has been beneficial for so many people during their recovery journeys. The treatment experts at Banyan Treatment Center provide unique therapies and treatment for all kinds of addiction, and we utilize the 12-step method for our patients.