People have struggled with various types of addictive behaviors for centuries. Many, such as substance abuse disorders with drugs and alcohol, have devastated lives. If you are someone who struggles with drugs or alcohol, you may feel as if there is no hope.
However, there is hope for you as there has been for millions. Hope is available through recovery. Different theories and treatment ideas have been practiced over the years to help a myriad of addictions and emotional challenges.
One method that has endured the test of time is the twelve-step idea. Alcoholics Anonymous is credited with showing how tremendously successful their twelve-step program can be. The founders of AA incorporated a number of ideas from other organizations.
The idea has morphed into dozens of similar twelve-step models for all kinds of addictive behaviors. So, what is a twelve-stepa program? Let’s look at some basic principles of the twelve-step program.
Twelve Step Program Basics
The first thing to share about a twelve-step program is that there is no predetermined timeline or manner in which you practice these steps. Each person works the twelve steps according to their own circumstances.
You cannot skip over or omit any of the steps. They do function as a unit to help induce changes in your life that help you live without being controlled by an addiction. Another basic principle of twelve-step programs is the suggestion that we cannot successfully benefit from them alone.
AA, for instance, suggests that the twelve steps are worked with someone who has worked the twelve steps, who in turn has worked the twelve steps with someone else who has worked them. What may seem like a redundancy is on purpose.
The twelve steps of any addiction recovery fellowship can appear overwhelming at first glance. When you progress through the steps with a guide who has the experience, you can avoid a number of the pitfalls that befall addicts and alcoholics.
There is no easier and softer way. The twelve steps were not designed to be hard. However, there are challenges within each step. Some steps prove more challenging to people in recovery for different reasons.
The twelve steps are also not a series of tests or a lengthy quiz. Twelve-step programs based on the principles of AA’s twelve steps are a design for living. The idea that working through the twelve steps once and becoming magically cured will get a smile from someone who has been through the steps at least once.
Why Twelve Step Programs Work
If we look at the three important basic principles inherent in the twelve steps, you will begin to realize why they’ve proven so successful. There is no predetermined timeline for completing them. There are no rigid rules on how you must practice each step.
It’s strongly suggested, sort of like pulling the cord on a parachute, you should work through the steps initially with someone who has worked them previously. The final principle may the key to why the twelve-step theory has helped so many.
They are a design for living. The twelve steps are not a test. People share that they revisit various steps during their life as situations warrant. Many will proclaim lessons learned from the twelve steps have helped them deal with a multitude of life challenges.
The twelve-step principles help people recovering from a substance abuse disorder to appreciate how recovery is a lifelong process. It isn’t some type of grind. If we become dull, boring, and miserable from living clean and sober, why would we?
Though practicing the twelve steps is an individual and unique process for everyone, it is a lifelong process for all of us as well. By understanding these basic principles, which explain why twelve-step programs are so successful, it should take a great deal of pressure off you.
You only have to do the best you can. Each of the steps is designed to help you make subtle changes in your life. Through the awareness of what caused you to abuse substances, you can arm yourself with the tools necessary to live clean and sober.
The twelve steps help you rediscover the wonderful person you were always meant to become. Crippling guilt and resentment gradually wash away. Through an open-minded willingness to change, any who suffers from a substance abuse disorder can begin a new journey.
This journey is recovery, and the twelve steps have helped millions to experience it. If you feel you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, please reach out for help. There are other methods to living clean and sober that work.
Not everyone must work a twelve-step program to recover. However, asking for help is something that must be done. Reach out to a caring substance abuse specialist today. There are a number of programs available that can point you in the right direction.
The decision to ask for help may seem like a weakness. It is not. Asking for help is a sign of strength. Reach out for today at 844-844-3463 and begin a wonderful new journey in recovery. When you do this, you’ll already have a handle on the first step.