When most people think about a 12 step recovery program, people who struggle with alcohol addiction usually come to mind. While it’s true that a 12-step program helps them, it can also help those with any form of addiction. In fact, the versatility of the 12 Steps is what makes the program helpful. However, what are the 12 Steps?
What Is the 12 Step Recovery Program?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) describes its 12 Steps as a program to help people learn to live without depending on alcohol. Since AA celebrated its 75th anniversary of helping people become sober in 2010, it’s clear that this system works.
The 12 Steps are great for AA and are adaptable for other drug addictions. However, AA doesn’t help people who have other drug addictions. It’s unfortunate since many people in the United States struggle with opioid abuse. Thankfully, other programs use 12 step recovery methods for more than just alcohol abuse.
What Are the 12 Steps?
The 12 step recovery methods that a rehab center will use can vary slightly from other facilities. However, there’s a general guideline that all of them follow.
Admit Powerlessness
The first step is for people to admit that they’re powerless against addiction. This disease affects their ability to choose. As a result, they’re no longer in control of their own actions.
Accept a Power Greater Than Oneself
It’s also important for people to see that they can’t overcome addiction alone. For that reason, they have to put their faith in a power that’s greater than themselves.
AA is a spiritual organization, and this step usually involves accepting God. However, a rehab center allows people to believe in something other than themselves whether or not it’s religious.
Agree to Live for or to Turn Life Over to That Higher Power
After finding a higher power to live for, people have to give up their lives for that higher power. Having something else to live for is an important part of overcoming addiction. Because of that, a 12 step recovery program incorporates it into the steps.
Take a Moral Inventory
With a higher power all set, people have to reflect on themselves. For 12 step recovery, this usually involves taking a moral inventory. They have to push past their fears in order to see their shortcomings. Then, they gain a clear road map to the areas of their lives that need improvement.
Admit All Wrongdoings
Next, people have to make right their wrongdoings. It usually starts with admitting that their behavior and actions have been wrong. They have to admit these wrongdoings to not only themselves but also their higher power.
Allow the Higher Power to Change Defects
During a 12 step recovery program, people see their own wrongdoings and defects. They have to allow the higher power to help them change these issues. Some of them look at all of their wrongdoings as a place to start.
Ask the Higher Power to Remove These Defects
Once again, people have to admit that they can’t change alone. For this reason, they have to count on the higher power to remove these defects. Before that’s possible, though, they have to ask for help.
Other Steps
The remaining steps help people right wrongs that they’ve made. It includes apologizing to those who they’ve wronged because of addiction. These steps can also help them improve their relationships with others and their higher power. A rehab center can better outline these steps once they enroll in treatment.
Memphis Recovery Can Guide Your Steps and More
Are you looking for a 12 step recovery program in Memphis? If so, consider coming to Memphis Recovery. We help people just like you overcome many addictions, including alcohol addiction.
As part of our ongoing plan to help people, Memphis Recovery uses a number of programs. Some of these and our services include:
- Individual and group therapy Memphis
- Residential rehab
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Trauma therapy
- Aftercare rehab
- Dual diagnosis program
Don’t waste your time with programs that don’t have a proven track record. Find out if a 12 step recovery program is right for you. Call Memphis Recovery today at 901-272-7751 to take your first step toward a drug-free life.