When people think of addiction treatment, especially for those with alcohol addiction, the 12-Step program and 12-Step support come to mind. It's because they are often parodied in popular culture, especially when a character is engaging in an addictive behavior that is worrying their loved ones. However, a 12-Step program is not a joke or a punchline but instead an effective form of support for those struggling with alcoholism.
The 12-Step program was created by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a peer support group that helps people recover from various forms of addiction and substance use disorders (SUDs). When it comes to substances, the most common addiction that is addressed in a 12-Step program is alcohol. However, they can also support people with other chemical addictions, behavioral addictions, and sometimes other co-occurring mental health disorders.
12-Step support is offered as part of addiction treatment in many mental health care facilities, including Pathways Wellness Center. This is a program that allows someone to receive the same principles and guidance as a 12-Step program as part of their treatment plan. By offering their clients the power of choice, they become engaged in their recovery and learn how to make healthy, long-lasting life changes.
When people join 12-Step support, it doesn't stop when treatment is over. It gives those in recovery a support network that is with them for life. Many are proud to be part of 12-Step support and work to help give back to their community after they have achieved recovery. This is done by helping others with their recovery, spreading addiction awareness, and promoting sober living.
A 12-Step support group is not the same as group therapy. Group therapy is overseen by a licensed therapist to teach life skills and encourage change. A support group is different and is made up of fellow peers who struggle or have struggled with the same conditions as you.
When it comes to 12-Step support, it means interacting with peers who know what it's like to struggle with addiction. Many are in recovery and can offer advice and mentorship to those seeking recovery. The goal is to help someone maintain abstinence from their substance of choice or behavior by offering support in times of personal struggle.
12-Step support has a specific take on recovery that can be appealing to many people. These are known as “steps” (hence, the 12-Step program) and can be summarized as follows:
Otherwise, 12-Step support is like any other support group. Members meet to discuss their struggles, their experiences, and their triumphs. Senior members will advise others on how to manage their cravings and stay sober. Some will directly sponsor other members so they can be contacted during times of temptation and distress. It's not uncommon for a sponsor and support member to become life-long friends.
12-Step support is also a place to learn new coping skills and become part of a community. Many times 12-Step support members will go on trips or sponsor community events to show that it's possible to live a joyful, exciting life without the need for drugs or alcohol.
A short answer is no. The long answer is that forced mental health care never works. When someone can't make choices in their care, it prevents them from becoming an active participant in their treatment. It doesn't allow someone to form that important inner need and drive to make healthy life changes. It's why facilities like Pathways Wellness Center make sure that their client always has the right to make choices.
A mental health care professional can only make suggestions on what treatments and support can be effective for their clients. It's encouraged that people give some different treatments a try. If you try 12-Step support and don't like it, you can stop attending at any time you choose.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or its co-occurring mental health disorders, it's time to get help. Start by reaching out to your local mental health care facility. Some mental healthcare facilities are specialized and only treat specific addictions and disorders. If that particular facility cannot help you, they will help you find somewhere that will.
It's important to understand that everyone, no matter who they are, is worthy of compassionate and quality mental healthcare. That includes yourself and those you deeply love. Struggling with addiction does not make someone a bad person. It makes someone a person in need of help and understanding. Recovery is possible for anyone with the right amount of support, treatment, and inner will to make lasting life changes.
For those struggling with alcoholism and other forms of addiction, a 12-Step program can offer the support a person needs to overcome them. However, sometimes a person may need other forms of treatment at the same time, such as supervised detox and psychotherapy. 12-Step support allows someone to receive treatment as well as engage in peer support through a 12-Step program. Here at Pathways Wellness Center in Glendora, California, we offer 12-Step support to all of our clients. Everyone is capable of achieving recovery with the right tools, support, and self-change. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don't delay in seeking help. Call us today at (888) 771-0966.
