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Finding the Best 12-Step Behavioral Addiction Recovery Programs

Finding the best 12-Step behavioral addiction recovery programs can seem like a daunting task, but by keeping in mind just a few ideas, you should easily be able to find a program that is right for your needs. If you need help in your search, we have the expertise to guide you. You only have to call to find a recovery program that will work for you.

The 12-Step model was first developed by Alcoholics Anonymous, but their model is now used by several different groups, including Cocaine Anonymous, Crystal Meth Anonymous, Heroin Anonymous and Marijuana Anonymous. They follow a set of “traditions” that are outlined in the Big Book of AA.

What are the 12 Steps of Recovery?

The 12-Step recovery process can vary depending on the group you join in. However, the original 12 Steps as developed by Alcoholics Anonymous are quoted in full below:

  • We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — 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.
  • We’re 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.
  • (Alcoholics Anonymous (June 2001). “Chapter 5: How It Works.” Alcoholics Anonymous (4th ed.). Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.)

“Essentially, behavioral therapy will help you modify your actions and intentions.”Most 12-Step programs will include some or all of the steps listed above. Although these steps can be useful for many people throughout their recovery process, it is often more effective if the 12-Step approach is paired with some type of behavioral therapy. This form of therapy can be used in conjunction with or separately from 12-Step programs.

Essentially, behavioral therapy will help you modify your actions and intentions. You may be used to depending on drugs or alcohol when you are bored or feeling a lot of stress, but behavioral therapy will help you learn how to deal with these situations via other options. According to the National Institute of Health, behavioral therapy is very useful in a recovery program, but it is not the only option. Every addict needs a unique approach to recovery, and the approach that will work best for you is dependent on your individual beliefs, needs and circumstances.

The Role of Faith in Recovering from Addiction

Faith in a higher power is one of the most essential ingredients in the traditional 12-Step process. If your faith is important to you, you may need to find a program that will allow you to really embrace your beliefs. For many people, a traditional 12-Step approach works for them, but others need to focus on a program that is centered on a particular religion.

Several religious groups, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, offer 12-Step recovery programs and support groups designed to help people with strong religious beliefs. There are even groups that have been designed to help pagans who are in recovery. For some people, the traditional 12-Step technique is not ideal because they do not like the faith-based aspects of that approach. If you fall into that category, you may want to look for a recovery program that offers a more secular method of treatment. You will be able to find a recovery center that integrates elements of the 12-Step approach in a non-religious manner.

Peer Support & The Community Aspect of 12 Step Programs

One important aspect of most 12-Step programs is the feeling of community you get when you join one of these groups. In most cases, you will attend meetings where each person discusses his or her addiction as well as the recovery process. Through this fellowship, you can get the support you need to move forward with your life. Being surrounded by people who understand what you have gone through and what you are going through can be an essential part of a successful recovery process.

According to Alcoholics Anonymous, there are a few different types of meetings. When looking for a 12-Step group, you should try to find a group that offers meetings that will be of most benefit to you. The types of meetings and their descriptions are as follows:

  • Speaker meetings, where group members share their stories
  • Discussion meetings, where you talk about problems related to or caused by drinking
  • Step meetings, where you discuss the 12 Steps
  • Informational meetings, where people can learn more about 12-Step programs

support group meetingBecause your peers are such an influential part of most 12-Step processes, you should focus on finding a group that feels right to you. You may need to experience more than one group before you find the one that is right for you. During meetings, you may get to talk with other addicts about how they dealt with particular problems. Their experiences can help you learn to deal with triggers and avoid relapses. However, dealing with triggers on your own can be difficult, and for this reason, you may want to find a 12-Step program that also incorporates behavioral therapy into its approach.

 

Knowing When to Seek Professional Help Beyond the 12 Steps

The 12-Step approach to therapy has helped thousands of people quit abusing drugs or alcohol. However, it may sometimes be necessary for addicts to find programs that offer more than this approach. If you are struggling with a serious addiction, you may need to consider spending some time in an inpatient treatment center.

At an inpatient rehab center, you may also be able to attend 12-Step meetings. In addition, you could spend time in private therapy sessions, and you may get a chance to relax and take a break from life.

If you decide that you need the assistance offered by an inpatient recovery program, you should attempt to find the best facility possible. You may be able to find a treatment center that offers meetings with a 12-Step support group as well as great amenities like private rooms, swimming pools or exercise classes. Finding the right facility for your needs can be a difficult process, but with a little help, you can easily find a center that will meet all of your needs.

Get Help & Take the First Step

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction, it is never too soon to get help. Combining the 12-Step approach to treatment with behavioral therapy may be just what you need. If you are ready to take the first step, we have the experience you need to find the best inpatient 12-Step behavioral addiction programs, and we are standing by to help you now.

When you contact us at , we will help you find the 12-Step addiction recovery program that is the best for your needs.

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