Group therapy is a critical component of addiction treatment and recovery. By sharing personal experiences with others who suffer from addiction, individuals can develop a support group that can help sustain long-term sobriety. Though group therapies take many forms, the most popular group therapy for addiction and substance abuse is the 12-Step program.
What are 12-Step Program?
The 12-Step program is best known and was originally created as part of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The 12 steps create successive goals for recovery that individuals can engage in with the support of others in the program. The program emphasizes personal and peer accountability that can be maintained through regular meetings and a relationship with a sober sponsor.
The ultimate goal of the program is to heal through faith in a higher power. Though the ideals of the program are faith-based, 12-Step programs have been shown to be effective in treating substance abuse and addiction regardless of religious beliefs. The programs can be adapted to various religions or de-emphasize the religious component altogether.
The purpose of the 12 Steps
Research has shown that the effectiveness of 12-Step programs is owed in part to the cognitive components of the program. The 12 steps are designed to slowly change unhealthy and maladaptive ways of thinking and behaving. This can help modify the relationship individuals have with drugs and alcohol or other addictive behaviors such as gambling.
Another crucial element of 12-Step programs is their focus on important relationships since addiction can easily strain romantic and social relationships. Through the 12 steps, individuals are able to repair these relationships by taking responsibility for the hurt and distress they have caused others. Additionally, some 12-Step groups are designed for family members or children of people with substance addiction.
Like any substance and addiction treatment, the success and effectiveness of 12-Step programs hinges on an individual’s motivation to recover. Motivation is highly correlated with prolonged 12-Step success. Since the program includes multiple helpful components including developing a sober social circle, repairing interpersonal relationships, and helping individuals get in touch with a higher power, there are many ways in which the programs can be beneficial. In this way, even those who are not religious can still benefit from 12-Step programs.
The programs are also helpful in providing structure and successive goals to work toward, which can help keep people engaged in their long-term recovery. Continued engagement is one of the crucial components of recovery since addiction is a chronic illness that requires ongoing care. 12-Step programs can provide a framework through which individuals can remain engaged.
Though many variations of 12-Step programs exist, the original 12 Steps which were designed by AA are:
- We accept that we are powerless over our addiction.
- We believe that God or a power greater than ourselves can help us overcome addiction.
- We decide to turn our lives over to this higher power.
- We take a personal moral inventory of our lives and our choices.
- We admit to ourselves, to another human being, and to a higher power that we have wronged.
- We ready ourselves to let God or a higher power remove our shortcomings.
- We ask that higher power to remove our shortcomings.
- We list everyone that has been wronged or harmed by our addiction and resolve to make amends with them.
- We make amends to those who have been wronged or hurt by our actions.
- We continue taking personal inventory and admit our wrongs.
- We seek to connect with a higher power through prayer and meditation.
- We help others who suffer from addiction to practice these principles.
12-Step Program Variations
12-Step programs have many variations. Since many people are uncomfortable with the religious or spiritual aspect of the program, some versions of the program have de-emphasized these elements to provide secular 12-Step treatment. Other variations of the traditional program are designed for individuals who abuse a specific drug or substance. Some examples of these groups include Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA), and Marijuana Anonymous (MA).
What you can expect from a 12-Step meeting
12-Step meetings are typically led by one of the members of the group. This can be someone who has already been chosen in advance or someone who volunteers on the day of the meeting. Meetings typically begin with a round of introductions and a short meditation or prayer.
Following introductions, the leading member introduces the topic of discussion. They may present an accompanying reading related to the topic. Then members take turns sharing their personal experiences. New members are encouraged to participate and share, but participation is optional. At the end of the meeting, the leader once again shares a prayer or meditation with the group.
Some meetings may be modified to accommodate a special topic or a guest speaker, but this is the general structure of 12-Step meetings.
12-Step Program FAQs
Will the program be beneficial to me if I am not religious?
Research has found that 12-Step programs are effective even for non-religious individuals because it has other important components like the social aspect. However, secular 12-Step groups exist that don’t emphasize the spiritual aspect as much.
What is a sponsor?
Sponsors in a 12-step program are senior members who can guide new members on the path to recovery. In addition to being there for you during meetings, sponsors can be a source of encouragement during tough times outside group sessions.
Do I always have to talk in a 12-Step meeting?
Though talking is certainly encouraged, talking during meetings is not required. If you are shy, you can sit in on meetings at first before you open up and share your own experiences.
Effective substance use treatment requires a careful assessment of each person’s needs and recovery goals.
At Austin Pines Ranch, we offer an extensive array of programs and services to accommodate those needs, taking into account personal and professional obligations and time commitment. With the help of a professional team, we will evaluate substance abuse history, mental health, and psychosocial status to determine the level of care that’s best suited for you.
