If you are in recovery, the right type of therapy can make all the difference in how you achieve your wellness goals. The 12-step program is commonly integrated into the therapy process. It outlines the 12 steps you must take to overcome addiction.
But what exactly do those 12 steps entail?
This article will answer the question, what are the 12 steps, so you can decide if it’s the right treatment for you.
What is a 12 Step Program?
The 12-step program was developed by Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, in 1938. It was inspired by The Oxford Group, a religion-focused group that helped Wilson get sober. It is the cornerstone of AA teachings, but it has been adapted by different facilities and can be customized accordingly.
12-step programs are usually integrated in a group meeting setting. The meetings can be structured in various ways, and many say no two are alike. However, here’s a general idea of how they will be conducted.
The meetings begin with the chairperson reading the AA preamble and then leading the group in a Serenity Prayer. Then different members of the group will read sections of AA literature, including the Big Book, which contains the ‘Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
After introductions, then they have a chance to share stories about their addiction and progress with the group. This is meant to forge a connection and make group members feel like they are not alone.
The meeting concludes with everyone holding hands in a circle and saying the Lord’s Prayers.
Socialization is encouraged after the meeting. Members of the group may also choose a sponsor who will personally help them stay sober.
What are the 12 Steps?
While we won’t list each of the 12 steps, we will provide a synopsis of what they are about.
They involve admitting you are powerless over alcohol and giving yourself up to God. They require you to take account of your moral inventory, so you become accountable. They ask you to ask God for help in removing shortcomings.
They also require you to make a list of the people you have harmed due to addiction and to make amends with those people if possible. They encourage you to pray and meditate. These actions are believed to cause a spiritual awakening that allows you to overcome addiction for good.
What are Examples of 12 Step Programs?
Alcoholics Anonymous was the first of the 12-step programs to address addiction. Since then, many others have been developed, including Gamblers Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Overeaters Anonymous. Although they focus on different addictions, they all use the 12-step program as a guideline.
There are also 12-step programs that are non-religious. For instance, there are 12-step groups available for agnostics, Native Americans, humanists, free thinkers, and atheists.
How to Find 12 Step Groups in Malibu, CA
There are several ways you can go about finding 12-step groups. One is to look for AA meetings in your area.
You can find AA meetings on the AA website. They are free to attend, and they take place at community centers throughout the country. You can also find a rehab center that offers 12-step programs as part of their treatment. In addition to 12-step therapy, they will also offer other types of therapy as well as detox and aftercare in Southern California. They may be outpatient or inpatient programs.
If you are looking for 12-step groups in Malibu, Rise in Malibu is highly recommended.
Rise in Malibu is a luxury treatment rehab in Malibu offering private en-suite rooms with scenic ocean views. We are an inpatient center that takes a customized dual diagnosis approach that simultaneously addresses addiction and its underlying cause. We integrate a variety of therapies, including 12-step methods.
Don’t let addiction take over your life. Contact Rise in Malibu, so we can work out a Malibu treatment plan that’s right for you. We look forward to helping you get past your dependency issues so you can achieve a higher quality of life.
