The Pathway To Freedom: Understanding The 12 Step Program In Addiction Recovery

Recovery from addiction, whether it’s drug or alcohol, is a long-running process. Thankfully, owing to various studies, we have empirical data on short-term treatment modalities. But, when looking at a long-term synopsis, the results seem pretty bleak and vague.

Why?

Well, when it comes to long-term addiction, the risk of withdrawal and relapse tends to be relatively high in general. Therefore, even if you undergo a one-year treatment procedure, your condition will return after a while.

So, what’s the solution?

Following the 12-step program created by our very own Alcoholics Anonymous, of course. Although the whole process has been curated on the basis of spiritual principles, loads of atheists have also found it immensely beneficial.

Let’s check what it’s all about!

The 12-Step Program – A Fundamental Hypothesis

Developed back in 1935 by Dr. Bob and Bill Wilson, the 12-step program was designed to aid people suffering from alcohol addiction.

However, since then, the core notion of the same has changed quite a few times. Now, it can be used by both struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.

According to Alcohol Anonymous, the 12-step program focuses more on altering the psyche of an addicted individual. It causes an entire shift of perception in your spiritual, mental, and emotional outlook and improves the common addiction-related behavioral issues.

While the program is pretty compelling, you should still complete the detox process from the beginning to the end. It’ll make the treatment even more potent and may reduce the duration of your addiction recovery period.

A Brief Outlook On The “12 Steps To Freedom”

The 12-step program by Alcoholics Anonymous follows twelve rules to be followed by the addicted individual. It sometimes is maintained by a drug detox center during the treatment period as a part of their curing process. Anyways, here’s what you need to know about it.

We’re admitting that we were helpless against the influence of alcohol – it had made our life nearly unmanageable.
Then, we came to believe that a “Power” much more significant than ourselves can restore our sanity and help us take the right path.
We have decided to turn our willpower as well as our lives to the care and guidance of God as we perceive him.
We have made a fearless and searching moral inventory of our hearts and soul.
We have admitted ourselves to God and to another human being who’s going through the exact nature of our wrongs.
We were entirely prepared to have our God remove all of the defects of our character.
We have humbly and consciously asked him to eliminate all of our shortcomings.
We have already created a list of all individuals who were harmed by us and are willing to make amendments to them.
We have also made amends to these people directly whenever possible, except when it could harm them or others.
We continued to use our personal inventory, and we promptly admitted it when we were on the wrong side.
We sought through meditation and prayer to improve our self-consciousness and made contact with God as we perceived him as our own.
We’ve experienced some sort of spiritual awakening as a result of following these steps. We’re also trying to carry this message to alcoholics and follow them during all of our affairs.

The 12-Step program – What Are The Benefits?

The 12-step program has been here for quite some time and has aided many people struggling with alcohol or drug addiction.

However, since it began, we’ve seen many advancements in this segment as a whole. These include – cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Also, the usage of some medications, such as naltrexone, methadone, disulfiram, etc., has derived from here.

But, how has it benefited people struggling with addiction?

Let’s keep reading to find out.

Sober Community: The community following the 12-step program is entirely sober. Hence, they can guide you through the road to recovery pretty effectively and help you achieve your sobriety goals. You can also talk freely about how you feel about your journey without being judged by going to such communal meetings.
Staying Committed: The meetings of a 12-step program tend to be all about being committed to God and the road to recovery. Hence, joining them would remind your beliefs and values regarding the journey. Also, they can offer you suggestions regarding how you can control sudden urges of alcohol or drug consumption.
Provide Structure: People, who follow the 12-step program, create and go through a proper structure in their regular life. It can include – waking up in the morning, going for a walk, taking morning tea, and so on. Following a proper routine can help instill good thoughts in your mind and steer you away from drug addiction.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we will answer some queries that you may have regarding our topic. So, without making any further ado, let’s get started.

What Are The Purpose Of The 12 Steps?

The sole purpose of the 12-step program is to help an individual struggling with the problem of alcohol addiction. In this aspect, you have to go through a series of steps to inculcate your faith in God and leave alcoholism for good.

What Is The Success Rate Of The 12-Step Program?

As per a study from Alcoholics Anonymous, around 27% of 6000 US residents stayed sober for more than ten years. Conversely, 13% of them followed a life of sobriety for five to ten years. Finally, 24% stayed away from alcohol for around one to five years.

Do Addiction Centers In The USA Offer A 12-Step Program?

Yes, almost every American Addiction center offers the 12-step program as a part of their addiction cure sessions. They also maintain a support group for the same within their facility. Hence, even if you aren’t admitted there, you can still join the same.

Applying The 12-Step Part To Your Life

Most people tend to opt for a 12-step program to leave addiction and live a healthier life.

But, even if you aren’t suffering from the titular issue, you can still follow it to better your life. The program will give your life a structure, help you achieve your health goals, and eliminate stress or anxiety entirely. `

Besides, it would also improve the health of your gut, heart, liver, and so on.

Anyway, that’ll be all for today’s article. If you have any further queries or suggestions for us, don’t forget to let us know all about it. We’ll try to offer our opinion on them quickly.

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