Twelve step programs that are used to guide those with substance abuse issues to recovery have become the cornerstone to effective treatment. Initially launched as a program by Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1930s, this style of treatment focuses on treatment as a process—as a journey toward complete recovery.
Each step is uniquely tied to psychological and emotional underpinnings of substance abuse that can help those undergoing treatment to overcome barriers. The process, and the multiple steps lead to some of the most powerful healing tactics to take hold. Namely, sharing, belief, surrender and paying it forward are a number of strategies that, over time, allow participants to truly heal from substance abuse.
The benefits
There is no judgment. A 12-step program encourages a sense of community in a judgment-free zone. Sharing stories and emotions, especially painful memories or past behaviors that we are not proud of, can be difficult. But the beauty of a 12-step treatment program is that all participants are going through, or have gone through, the same steps. The stories told and the emotions shared are all understood and appreciated for others who may have had similar experiences or can relate to the impact substance abuse has had on others’ lives.
There are many techniques to learn and share. Others in the program can not only be mentors and peers for emotional support, but they can also be valuable resources when it comes to developing strategies for successful recovery. The 12-step group is a living organism with ideas and tactics for every participant to both share and learn from.
Participants become mentors. The communal environment of the program is one of its greatest strengths—encouraging openness, truth-telling and emotional healing, and allowing those at the end of the program to guide those at the beginning. That capstone of such a transition can help bring the
The steps
Admitting powerlessness is a critical first step. This is critical in the journey of recovery because it ensures that the client has released attempts to control their substance abuse issues and the recovery process—allowing the treatment to fully take effect.
Participants are asked to believe in hope. Once a client truly believes that he or she will be able to achieve success and sobriety, only then is the transition possible. This portion of the program verifies self-confidence throughout the program.
Then participants surrender to the healing process and are called to have faith that forces beyond control can guide recovery. They’re asked to take inventory of their lives without excuses or hiding from the truth, and then admit to any wrongs that have been done, readying themselves for healing.
Making amends to those who have been harmed is a major part of the 12-step recovery process. Prayer and meditation are also critical to complete the process of recovery.
Finally, participants become mentors for others just beginning or in the middle of their recovery. This step is essential to completing the necessary emotional transition—practicing selflessness and compassion for others during this difficult time.
Each step in the recovery process is essential to the entire recovery, and the community of peers, counselors and mentors that help participants through the program is vital to its success.
To learn more about the 12-step program offered at the Genesis Project, please give us a call at (408) 500-6229 (all our calls are confidential).
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