Many people balk at 12-Step programs. This is often because there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding 12-Step programs. The primary one is that people feel that it is a religious program. This is false. Yes, there are spiritual components, but spirituality and religion should not be conflated. Of course, there are also many other misconceptions surrounding 12-Step programs. The good news is that once an individual investigates the Twelve Steps, they will discover that they can be highly beneficial, without ever being mandatory. A great place to do this investigation is while still engaged in initial treatment.
Better Understanding 12-Step Programs
There are many 12-Step programs. Many people are under the misconception that the Twelve Steps only apply to people struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD). This is the more well-known Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.)
There are many different 12-Step programs from ones that focus on substance use disorder (SUD), like cocaine anonymous (C.A.) and Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.), to ones that focus on behavioral addictions, like Gamblers Anonymous (G.A.) and Overeaters Anonymous (O.A.).
The entire concept of a 12-Step program is to offer a “solution” to the issues of addiction via a rigorous program of action. This program is contained in a primary text (most commonly referred to as the Big Book). Also, as the name suggests, the program follows twelve straightforward steps to recovery.
How Do 12-Step Programs Work?
The First Step of the Twelve Steps states, “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol [or substance or behavior] – that our lives had become unmanageable.” This step is interesting because the step must actually be taken prior to starting any “work.” An individual must “surrender” and accept that their management of alcohol, substance or negative behaviors is no longer working and that it is time for a new path.
Another important component of the First Step is that it begins with “We” rather than “I.” This is because an essential part of a 12-Step program is working with others. It is a We program, never a Me program. This is where sponsorship comes in.
A sponsor is someone who takes another individual through the Twelves Steps of a 12-Step program. Generally, it is someone who has already completed the steps themself and is “recovered” based on the criteria of the program. Now, this does not mean that a sponsor must have significantly more time in sobriety than their sponsor, it simply means that they have done the work that the program lays out. This is why many people in treatment find that they have sponsors with similar amounts of “sober time,” which can actually be very beneficial.
12-Step Programs While in Treatment
Treatment is an ideal place to begin working a 12-Step program because it allows for opportunity and time to focus solely on going through the Steps. This is also why many treatment programs make 12-Step work a central part of their recovery planning.
It is also very helpful to start the Twelve Steps right away in treatment because usually there is a greater willingness to get away from active addiction the closer one is to it. This means that the hopelessness, loneliness, and helplessness that active addiction can cause is still fresh in an individual’s mind. While there is most likely a significant amount of emotional, mental, and even physical discomfort, this “discomfort” can be the motivator an individual needs to recover and work a 12-Step program. When this happens, the benefits of the Twelve Steps tend to not be far behind.
The Benefits of 12-Step Programs
One of the biggest benefits of working a 12-Step program while still in treatment is that it helps individuals make critical connections outside of the treatment facility or recovery center. This is because these treatment centers ensure that clients get out and attend 12-Step meetings out in the community.
Now, this strong community will be waiting for an individual once they officially leave treatment to offer essential guidance and support. They also offer something else critical – help to better ensure that a relapse doesn’t happen.
Many people don’t realize just how common relapses can be in the U.S. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment.” Also, “For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment.” Engaging in a 12-Step program can reduce these statistics exponentially.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over “short-term” fixes. We also believe that the Twelve Steps can be highly beneficial in ensuring that long-term recovery is healthy and well-balanced.
Recovery is about the journey and taking it one “step” at a time. The Twelve Steps ensure that that journey is happy, joyous, and free. As is said in many 12-Step programs, it is important to remember, “It works if you work it, so work it, you’re worth it!”
There are many benefits of engaging with a 12-Step program while still in treatment. One of the biggest benefits is that connecting with a recovery community (like a 12-Step community) early can help individuals stay connected as they continue their recovery journey. This can greatly reduce the chances of relapse. Connecting with others can also make recovery more exciting and engaging. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right track to recovery, right away. For more information about 12-Step recovery while in treatment, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
