What Are Twelve Step Programs?
March 11, 2008
Twelve-step programs are one of the most common forms of addiction treatment for alcoholism and drug abuse. Alcoholics Anonymous is probably the most widely recognized name in addiction treatment, but there are many other groups and treatment facilities that use this philosophy, as well. Many rehab facilities employ the twelve steps to help their patients. In addition, many support groups that focus on other conditions, such as mental illnesses or gambling, use a twelve-step program.
The process of working on the twelve steps involves admitting that one has an addiction they can’t control, receiving strength from a greater power, working with a more experienced member of the group, making amends for past mistakes, learning how to live a new lifestyle, and finally helping other people who struggle with the same addictions.
The goal of a twelve-step program focused on alcoholism or drug abuse is to overcome those addictions through focusing on the physical, spiritual, and mental aspects of one’s life. They focus on giving one’s life over to a higher power, which doesn’t necessarily have to be the Christian God that most people immediately think of. Being self-centered in a lifestyle of addiction should be replaced with being more aware of and helping other people. They consider drug and alcohol addiction a life-long disorder that never goes away. Instead, it is managed throughout the lifetime with the help of the treatment program.
According to one study’s findings, the most effect addiction treatment plan consists of a stay in a residential rehab facility followed by continued use of a twelve-step program afterwards. However, many people have criticisms of using twelve-step programs for addiction recovery. Some of these include the religious aspect of forcing belief in a higher power and the idea of labeling oneself with a lifelong disorder. The effectiveness of a twelve-step addiction treatment program varies greatly from person to person.
Comments
Got something to say?
Contact Us