Alcohol Addiction Recovery with 12 Steps

12 Step Programs for Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Perhaps you heard about 12 step programs and decided to finally seek help for your alcohol addiction. After all, trying to recover on your own just did not work out, even though you tried to quit drinking several times in the past. Receiving addiction recovery with 12 step program treatment became the answer for countless numbers of people over the years, since the publication of the first edition of the “Big Book,” in 1939.

Learn How Others Benefit from 12 Step Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Research demonstrates that a variety of treatment services proved successful over the past few decades. According to a report published by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “The peer-led, voluntary fellowship known as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) continues to be the most widely accessed resource for people with alcohol problems.”

Research also shows that addiction recovery with 12 step programs are often more accessible for many individuals suffering from alcohol abuse or addiction. When searching for treatment for alcohol abuse, the alcoholic or their loved ones often find other types of treatment programs inaccessible. Perhaps there is a long waiting list or maybe you just decide that a particular type of treatment does not meet your needs.

Another feature that may draw some alcoholics to participate in and do very well in their 12 step alcohol addiction recovery program is the fact that, as stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 12 step facilitation is an “active engagement” strategy, meaning that members actively engage with each other. You learn you are not alone and that others have the same or similar experiences as you in battling their alcohol addiction.

Will a Alcohol Addiction Recovery Plan with 12 Steps Help Me?

In Chapter 5 of the Big Book, the first sentence indicates it is rare that a person fails “who has thoroughly followed our path.” The first step of a 12 step program for alcohol addiction requires admitting that you have a problem. If you were not ready to admit you have a problem, you would not seek out a 12 step program for alcohol recovery. You admit that you lost control and cannot stop on your own. So yes, even people like you benefit from 12 step programs and have the potential to recover, to successfully work your program while in 12 step facilitation therapy and after you leave treatment.

Does my Co-occurring Mental Health Disorder Exclude Me from 12 Step?

The AA points to some of the myths and accusations made when an individual in 12 step has a co-occurring disorder, including:

• If you take medications you are not sober
• If you suffer from depression, you suffer from untreated alcoholism
• All the answers are in the Big Book; you do not need any other help

The article states, “All of these statements are opposed to AA’s principles.” Many people continue other types of treatment when participating in the 12 step process and successfully working their program.

Can I Just Attend Meetings?

While Alcoholics Anonymous meetings offer exceptional support for members, it is not a treatment program. Successful completion of a 12 step-oriented alcohol treatment program, along with aftercare, likely offers you the best chance of abstinence and continued sobriety once you return home. When attending meetings in your hometown, without actual treatment, you run a high risk of relapsing. You are too close to those tempting old people, old places, and old things.

Additionally, in “Outcome Research on 12-Step and Other Self-Help Programs,” researchers discovered that when individuals participate in both treatment and 12 step groups, “these two sources of help appear to strengthen or bolster each other.” Those remaining in treatment longer also demonstrated more long-term success, remaining active in AA much longer than individuals only attending meetings.

How do I get started? Alcohol Addiction Recovery with 12 Steps

Committing to ending your lifestyle of alcohol abuse and entering into 12-step treatment takes a simple first action. Make the call. When you call to get information and arrange for your treatment, you are treated with dignity and respect. Understanding staff can talk you through the process to start your journey to a better lifestyle with the help of services offered through 12-step treatment.

The Treatment Specialist will connect you to a treatment center to help guide you with treatment options. The treatment center will offer guidance for those suffering from addiction and dual diagnosis conditions and review what plan fits their specific needs.  The treatment center will provide a free confidential assessment and insurance verification.  For more information on treatment programs for yourself or a loved one, contact the helpline at (866) 644-7911.