Recovery 12 Steps

Recovery 12 Steps

For the treatment of drug addiction, the 12 step program is a central part of recovery. When it is combined with other treatment modalities, the 12 step program is beneficial and only increases the likelihood of long term sobriety.

The 12 step program first started with Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1930s. Since that time, it has been consistently used as the most popular way to cope with drug and alcohol addiction. The 12 step program utilizes group therapy and support which will help one to obtain and maintain sobriety. The 12 steps are a set of guided principles and hold the belief that addiction is a progressive disease involving physical, emotional and spiritual factors. For recovery to occur, all three of these areas must be addressed.

The basic tenets of the 12 steps are first and foremost, the admission of addiction and the recognition that addiction has taken control of your life. Other principles of a 12 step program include the recognition that a higher power can give strength, examining mistakes and making amends for them, and learning to live a sober life with new behaviors as your arsenal.

The most famous prayer in the 12 steps is the Serenity Prayer: God, grant me the serenity, to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Many people have a problem with the principle of the 12 steps because it acknowledges that God or a higher power is responsible for their recovery. It is important to remember that it is not necessary to believe in God or in organized religion to benefit from the positive results of a 12 step program.

In drug rehab centers across the country, 12 step programs are offered in combination with other forms of treatment. Those who commit to a program that includes the 12 steps, will ultimately have the highest chance of enjoying long term sobriety and a healthy life. There is hope for life after addiction.

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