Roughly 89 years ago, two individuals struggling to get sober determined that there were two specific ways that they were going to recover. One was to give up their will to a Higher Power greater than themselves. Two was to work with other people who also needed help getting sober. These two individuals turned out to be the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), and their 12-Step addiction recovery has gone on to help millions of people and their families get their lives back and beyond.
The Dangers of Addiction
Many people don’t realize the prevalence of addiction in the U.S. and abroad. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “In 2022, 48.7 million people aged 12 or older (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), 27.2 million who had a drug use disorder (DUD), and 8.0 million people who had both an AUD and a DUD.”
Many people are also under the misconception that addiction is some type of moral failing or “choice.” These individuals are simply misinformed. Addiction is not a “choice.” Rather, it is a chronic disease closer to other chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Addiction is also a “family disease.” This is because addiction affects many more people than the individual who is struggling (especially the family). As many people in 12-Step addiction recovery say, “Addiction is like a tornado that affects everyone and everything in its ways.” However, just as the family tends to be the most affected by addiction, they also tend to be in the best position to help someone get the help that they need. The key is to know the signs and symptoms to look out for.
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of addiction are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and symptoms. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Not being able to stop once starting drinking or using
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and wellbeing
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Often, people minimize addiction or even falsely categorize it. However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can even be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help sooner rather than later is critical. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
Better Understanding 12-Step Addiction Recovery
12-Step addiction recovery is often referred to as “For fun and for free.” This is because it is a program that does not ask for any financial contributions (though there are voluntary donations at 12-Step meetings)
12-Step addiction recovery has been around for close to a century. It is a program that is now available in person and online. One can find a 12-Step addiction recovery meeting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It also works by the means of one person in recovery helping another.
12-Step Addiction Recovery: How It Works
Now, 12-Step addiction recovery works when one person who has recovered from addiction (a “hopeless state of body and mind.”) helps another who is looking to recover. This is referred to as the sponsor/sponsee relationship.
12-Step addiction recovery also works when one goes through the Twelve Steps. These are a set of twelve principles that can help one work through all of the emotional trauma that comes with active addiction.
12-Step Addiction Recovery: Working With Others
It is also important to understand how important it is to work with others in recovery to avoid relapse. This is critical because relapse is a very common occurrence in addiction recovery.
Working with others is so important there is even a chapter dedicated to it in the primary text of 12-Step recovery (commonly referred to as the Big Book). The chapter states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking [and using] as intensive work with other [people in recovery]. It works when other activities fail… You can help when no one else can.”
The Importance of Long-Term Success at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why we only offer individualized and comprehensive recovery plans with a focus on the future.
Recovery is about the journey, never the destination. That amazing journey can start right here at Lantana Recovery.
Many people have heard of 12-Step recovery but are unfamiliar with the details. Then there are others who are turned off by 12-Step recovery due to misinformation. The reality is that 12-Step recovery is a safe and successful option for recovery. It is well-documented that 12-Step recovery has helped millions of people and their families recover over the last 89 years. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental health disorders, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about 12-Step recovery, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
