Addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of people in the United States. There are many different ways to treat addiction. Typically, recovery is achieved by combining multiple different treatment methods. 12-step programs are one of the methods that we’ve used to help thousands of people on their roads to recovery.
In this blog post, we’ll explain more about 12-step programs, how they work, and how they may be used to help people overcome addiction.
What is a 12-step program?
A 12-step program is a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other problematic behaviors. 12-step programs are most famously associated with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), but there are many other variations of groups available for people struggling with different types of addiction and issues.
At Isaiah House, we use the Celebrate Recovery program. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. It is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling an addict’s life.
The 12 Steps of Celebrate Recovery:
- We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.
- We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God.
- We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- We humbly asked Him to remove all our shortcomings.
- We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
- We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- We continue to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
- We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us, and power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and practice these principles in all our affairs.
How 12-step programs work
12-step programs use a group format, with meetings that provide support and accountability for participants. In 12-step groups, members share their stories and experiences with addiction, offer advice and support to each other, and help newcomers get started on their own 12-step journey.
In order to work, these programs require participants to:
– Admit that they have a problem and need help
– Be willing to change their behavior
– Take responsibility for their own recovery
– Make amends for the harm they’ve caused
– Help others who are struggling with addiction
These requirements might seem daunting, but they’re actually quite manageable with the help of a committed group.
Effectiveness of 12-step programs
12-step programs have been shown to be effective in treating addiction and helping people maintain sobriety. One study found that 12-step programs are effective in a variety of ways. These ways include:
- As a standalone intervention,
- When integrated with other treatments such as CBT,
- A distinct component of a multi-treatment package, and
- As a modular appendage to treatment.
However, it’s important to remember that 12-step programs are just one tool that can be used in the fight against addiction. No single approach is right for everyone, so it’s important to find a treatment plan that is right for you.
Isaiah House and 12-Step Programs
While 12-Step programs are not standard at Isaiah House, we do have AA books available for clients to use on their own time. Our program specifically includes Celebrate Recovery meetings.
Our clients may decide to participate in 12-step meetings after residential treatment when they are in sober living. Our transitional living program offers living arrangements for both men and women once they have completed a residential program.
We have multiple transitional living facilities located throughout our region. You can learn more about these facilities and where they’re located on our locations page.
Achieve Recovery with Isaiah House
Isaiah House is a faith-based non-profit that has helped thousands of men and women achieve recovery. We do this using a holistic approach to recovery that addresses every aspect of our clients’ lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, recovery is possible. We would love to help you take the first step and walk with you through your journey.
