12-Step programs are used worldwide to help people recover from addiction. There are various 12-Step programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), and more. These programs are designed for individuals to work the Twelve Steps with a sponsor, which assists in the recovery process. However, 12-Step programs are not for everyone, and you may be wondering if a 12-Step group is right for you.
What Are the Twelve Steps?
The Twelve Steps originated from AA but are now used by all 12-Step programs. The Twelve Steps are as follows:
#1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.
#2. Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
#3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
#4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
#5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
#6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
#7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
#8. Made a list of persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
#9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
#10. Continued to take personal inventory and, when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
#11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”
#12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
How Do I Know a 12-Step Program Is Right for Me?
The Twelve Steps are used to treat addiction of any form. Addiction arises from a consistent tendency to engage in damaging behavior. It takes time for addictions to set in and become not just a want but a necessity. These steps help counteract that addiction by finding faith and hope in a Higher Power and admitting that you cannot push past the effects these behaviors can bring into your life.
Many of these steps focus on the belief in God. Whether you believe in God or not, these steps still formulate to focus on the energy of influence beyond your control. 12-Step programs encourage you to find a God of your understanding, whether that be a religious deity or nature. However, despite the non-religious nature of 12-Step programs, many people are still uncomfortable with the word God and the concept of a Higher Power.
Narcotics Anonymous recommends that you follow a set of guidelines when working a 12-Step program. First, you should always have at least one other person going through the process with you. Following these steps alone can cause you to lose sight of the big picture and quickly become sidetracked. It is also recommended that you work with at least one other individual of the same gender. This step is not essential to follow; however, if you have negative past experiences with a member of the opposite sex, it may be best to follow this guideline.
12-Step programs are designed to be worked on with a group. If you typically do not work well in group settings or feel uncomfortable sharing your progress with others, a 12-Step program may be challenging for you to engage in. Typically, it is also recommended while working the Twelve Steps to find a sponsor. This sponsor is an external resource available to you to reach out to with questions or for guidance during your recovery process. The primary goal of your sponsor is to work you through the Twelve Steps; however, they are also in recovery and most often understand the very specific struggles you may be going through. As a result, a sponsor usually does more than just take you through the Steps; they also lend advice and a listening ear.
Finding a 12-Step Program Near You
If you think a 12-Step program may be what you are looking for in your recovery, there are millions of meetings nationwide that you can attend. A meeting is where individuals who work the program get together to share their experience, strength, and hope to help others recover. A simple Google search for AA, NA, or any other 12-Step fellowship meetings near you can help point you to a meeting.
12-Step programs have a significant number of benefits for those in the process of addiction recovery. However, how do you know if a 12-Step program is right for you? Observing each step and seeing if the steps provided motivate you and your goals is the first aspect to look at. Consider what methods have worked for you in the past. This program focuses on working with other individuals going through similar situations. Having other community members to relate to and help work through your recovery process has many benefits and creates a long-term support system. It also allows you to be a support for other individuals during this time, which can help you feel validated in your recovery process. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Dream Recovery is here to help. Our Costa Mesa, California, outpatient program can help you find healing and the best avenue of recovery. Call us today at (949) 732-1960.
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