What are 12-Step Programs

When someone is going into recovery for any type of addition be it gambling, drugs, alcohol or prescription medications, 12-step programs are an important part of the healing process. The premise of these types of programs are to help an addict come to terms with their problem and to give them the tools to help themselves in the recovery process.

What are the "tools" for working 12-step programs in addiction treatment?

A common phrase used in 12-step programs is "it works, if you work it." This means owning your feelings, writing things down, deal with your innermost thoughts and reflections, thinking about your past behavior and past events. The tools presented during 12-step meetings are designed to enable the addicted person to come to terms with their problem, learning how to deal with their bad decisions and adopting the mindset and decision-making ability to change things in their life. The tools learned during a 12-step program are not mean to replace the need for accountability, fellowship and the encouragement found in a group setting, because you need the input and experiences of others and the support to continue on the path to healing, which only a group can provide.

How can someone get started in 12-step programs after addiction treatment concludes?

The first step in becoming involved in 12-step meetings is usually within the setting of an addiction treatment center. However, you do not necessarily have to go into treatment or be treated, in order to benefit from 12-step programs. You can find a face-to-face meeting in your area, and there will be various people in different stages of recovery that can provide you with experience, information and input about your problem and will related to what you are going through. You should not be afraid to attend a 12-step meeting because you will be warmly received and readily accepted. You no longer must feel alone and isolated when you are struggling to maintain or achieve sobriety, because 12-step programs offer fellowship, support and understanding to everyone and will never judge, ridicule or shame anyone for having an addiction problem.

How does someone know if they need 12-step programs?

If you have been through treatment for an addiction problem and come into contact with the 12-step community through receiving addiction treatment, it is a good idea to continue going after rehab is completed. The goal of 12-step meetings is to provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment for the recovering addict, in which the person can open up about their problems and apprehensions in a non-threatening and compassionate environment. Just because addiction treatment has concluded does not mean the person is simply able to go back to living their old life, which is why 12-step meetings are important. When a recovered individual feels their sobriety threatened or challenged, attending a 12-step program and having a sponsor is very effective in lowering the risk of relapse.

Are 12-step programs important to long term recovery and does somebody need to attend regularly to benefit?

Regularly attending 12-step meetings is a good way to avoid becoming a statistic of relapse. Have you not worked hard to overcome and conquer your addiction and want to avoid falling back into those old, familiar, destructive habits? These 12-step programs are a crucial part long-term healing and recovery and reinforces the positive behavior and other important skills a person learned through treatment, so keeping up with them is a good way to stay clean and sober. Do not risk your future and think you can just go right back into living in the outside world with no problems, because this is foolish thinking. Check into 12-step programs today and find one in your area, because what you have worked so hard to accomplish should be protected and preserved at all costs.