12-Step Program
The 12-step model was originally an approach to treating alcoholism published in the 1939 book Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism.1 Since then, the 12-step program has been utilized for various forms of substance abuse and has now become the backbone of addiction treatment for many patients. It is currently being utilized by countless rehab centers across the country. The main focus of the 12 steps is to have peer support and be there for others in the program to stay sober.
Our rehab in Philadelphia offers an effective 12-step program for drug addiction alongside other treatments and programs. This form of care is specifically designed to help individuals battle any form of substance abuse to reach sobriety. Throughout this treatment, patients will familiarize themselves with the practices of the 12-step program and learn how to live a healthy life, free of addiction.
Core Beliefs of the 12 Steps for Recovery
At Banyan Philadelphia, our 12-step program focuses on the core beliefs and principles originally created by Alcoholics Anonymous. The founding members of AA, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, believed that a person can achieve recovery once these steps are taken. This method emphasizes that willpower alone is not enough to achieve a full recovery from addiction.
There are many aspects of recovery that need to be addressed. Recovery involves the person’s full acceptance of the problem and complete surrender to the 12 steps. Some of the key elements in 12-step addiction treatment programs require you to realize the problem, accept that you are powerless to overcome it on your own, make amends for past behaviors, and assist other members of the program. Generally, sobriety is about physical, mental, and emotional healing. Failure to address each of these factors can negatively affect a person’s recovery process. Once an individual is willing and able to accept assistance, they can begin their addiction treatment.
What Are the 12 Steps?
The below steps are the foundation of this program, helping to provide guidance and purpose to those looking to recover. Although originally crafted with alcoholism in mind, they have since been adapted to encompass the recovery of countless types of addictions and dependencies.
The steps include:2
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being, the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and, when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
The framework provided by these steps has been used by many people, allowing them to work through their addictions while garnering community and support.
Types of 12-Step Programs
Although the 12 steps were originally created for alcoholics seeking out sobriety, they are now applied to people who find themselves struggling with their own dependencies.
Some examples of groups and organizations that incorporate the 12 steps include:
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
- Overeaters Anonymous (OA)
- Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
- Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA)
- Emotions Anonymous (EA)
- Debtors Anonymous (DA)
- Nicotine Anonymous (NA)
- Workaholics Anonymous (WA)
- Marijuana Anonymous (MA)
- Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)
The main goal of these groups is to help people reclaim their power after losing it to the substance or activity they are dependent on.
Benefits of 12-Step Programs
There are 12-step program benefits for individuals struggling with addiction or other issues. The sense of support and community that 12-step programs offer is one of their main advantages. Attending 12-step groups enables people to connect with others going through comparable challenges and hear their stories and perspectives. In their quest for rehabilitation, people may feel less alienated and alone. Additionally, the encouragement and support offered by group members can aid individuals in maintaining their motivation and dedication to their recovery objectives.
Another benefit is the emphasis on personal growth and development. These steps inspire individuals to accept responsibility for their actions and to work towards becoming the best version of themselves. This can help individuals develop a sense of purpose and direction in their lives, which can be especially essential for those who may have lost their way due to addiction or other challenges. People can discover their strengths and weaknesses as well as strategies for overcoming any obstacles they may encounter during their recovery journey by working through the steps.
Overall, the benefits of 12-step programs are plentiful, and they can be a helpful tool for people wishing to overcome addiction or other disorders and enhance their overall quality of life.
Individualized 12-Step Program in Philadelphia
Our experts at Banyan Treatment Centers Philadelphia understand that patients come to us with different sets of circumstances. Everyone’s situation is different, and that’s why we strive to provide Philadelphia substance abuse programs that meet the needs of each patient. Our 12-step program is designed to treat and address all forms of substance abuse, including gambling, sex addiction, alcoholism, and more. Regardless of the kind of addiction you are combatting, our staff can help you get your life back on track.
As the first step in our 12-step program for drug addiction, patients will admit that they have a problem and are powerless against it on their own. Afterward, patients will begin evaluating themselves and their past behaviors and can begin taking responsibility for their past decisions. This facet of the program helps patients understand how their addiction began and where it first took root in order. This can help individuals avoid relapses in the future. Patients will also understand how their addiction has affected the people in their lives, like family, friends, and coworkers.
The main goal of this program is to help patients gain the insight and skills they need to achieve lasting sobriety. As a result of the 12-step program and other programs like our partial hospitalization program, patients will learn how to manage challenging situations and receive physical, emotional, and spiritual strength.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental illness, it is never too late to get help. Please contact us to find out more about our 12 steps for addiction recovery, as well as our other services. With the help of our Philadelphia drug rehab, you can begin changing your life today.
Sources:
- Alcoholics Anonymous - 75th Anniversary Commemorative Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous
- Alcoholics Anonymous - The Twelve Steps
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