One of the most popular 12-Step programs (and the first) is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Originally, it began with two men who determined that they could only get sober if they worked with other people who also had the desire to recover. Since then, AA has branched into multiple other groups and has gone on to help millions of people and their families recover from addiction. This is because it offers a proven guide to recovery, which is now offered in many different mediums.
Better Understanding the Disease of Addiction
It is important to understand that addiction is a “disease.” Many people are under the misconception that addiction is some type of inevitability, moral failing, or “choice.”
The reality is that addiction has more in common with other chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer than it does with a choice. It is also what is known as a “family disease.”
A family disease refers to the fact that addiction affects many more people than just the individual who is struggling. It has often been said that addiction is like a tornado that destroys everyone and everything that gets in its way. The good news is that, though the family may be the most affected, the family often has the best chance at helping their loved one get sober. But, they must be able to spot the signs and symptoms of addiction for this to happen.
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of addiction are going to vary from person to person. However, there are some universal signs and symptoms of addiction that one can look out for. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Feeling overly depressed and worried
- When using alcohol and substances, not being able to stop once started
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Feeling overly “stressed out”
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including excessive sleep and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Experiencing trouble with both short-term and long-term memory
- Having feelings like one wants to commit self-harm
- Experiencing suicidal ideations
As one can see, addiction can cause some serious and even deadly symptoms. This is why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present, it is critical to seek professional help sooner than later. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term and long-term effects.
A 12-Step Guide to Recovery
AA and other forms of 12-Step recovery are now available in over 180 countries, and over 100,000 groups have formed. Also, the format of 12-Step recovery has barely changed since it was formed over 89 years ago.
12-Step recovery works by one person with addiction helping another. It also works when the individual accepts that they are powerless over alcohol and substances and require outside help for their problem. Many people choose this outside help to be a Higher Power of their own understanding. Attending 12-Step meetings is also a critical part of successful 12-Step recovery.
The Online Era: A Zoomer’s Guide to Recovery
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, many people in 12-Step recovery were unsure of how meetings were going to happen. Luckily, many groups acted quickly and formed Zoom meetings so people in recovery could still attend.
Zoom meetings are now a norm of 12-Step recovery. One can now attend a 12-Step meeting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A Psychological Guide to Recovery
Just as there is a 12-Step guide to recovery, there is also a psychological guide to recovery. Psychotherapy can help individuals get to the underlying issues of their addiction.
Many people think that addiction is just about taking the drink or the drug. In actuality, it is more about the feelings that lead to taking the drink or the drug. This is why many people in recovery say, “It’s more about the thinking than it is the drinking.”
A Holistic Guide to Recovery
There is also a holistic guide to recovery. This means that one should focus on all aspects of the capital “S” Self when trying to recover: the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
There are many types of holistic healing methods. Perhaps the most popular are yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation. These holistic modalities offer individuals an opportunity to find balance, serenity, and physical wellness.
Long-Term Success With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This includes 12-Step recovery and 12-Step meetings.
We also ensure that all of our recovery plans are individualized with a focus on the future. Recovery is possible. The keys are willingness and acceptance. From there, anything is possible.
In today’s world, one can get sober anywhere. This is especially true now that there are online meetings every hour of every day. There are also in-person meetings going on in almost every country in the world. There are also more treatment and recovery centers for those in need than at any other time in history. 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 long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through the treatment process alone. For more information about 12-Step recovery and 12-Step meetings, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
