12-Step Recovery Program: A Spiritual and Clinical Path to Sobriety
Find Community, Connection, and Lasting Recovery
You Don't Have to Do This Alone
Addiction thrives in isolation. But recovery from that addiction works best when you are a part of a community. The 12-step process of recovery has been in use since the 1930s and has aided millions of individuals in overcoming their substance use disorder through support from other individuals who know the exact feelings that you are experiencing.[1]
Agape Treatment Center uses the 12-step recovery process in conjunction with our problem/solution-focused, comprehensive treatment of addiction. In addition to providing you with the structure and support of a full continuum of care, we also provide the spiritual foundation necessary to succeed in your long-term recovery.
What is the 12-Step Program?
The 12-step program is a guideline originally published by Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1930s, designed to aid people in overcoming their addiction to alcohol. The basic guidelines have now been adapted for use by organizations such as Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, AI-Anon, and Gamblers Anonymous. Nearly 70% of addiction treatment centers currently use the 12-step process as a part of their treatment programs.[2]
The primary focus of this program is that almost every individual struggling with addiction has a support network; however, in order to start the recovery process, the addicted individual must first surrender their addiction to a higher power (which could be God, the group as a whole, or any other higher power of your understanding).
While the majority of the philosophy behind the 12-step program is spiritual, there are many non-spiritual individuals who have found value in the 12-step process. The terminology used in the 12-step program allows for many interpretations, so someone from any belief system can feel comfortable attending. During 12-step meetings, peers offer self-help in a free, peer-led manner, making the program accessible at all times.
The 12 Steps of Recovery from Addiction
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
How Does a 12-Step Program Work?
The program works through regularly attending meetings, working through the twelve steps with a sponsor, and continuously participating in the recovery community. Attending meetings is essential. Meetings are a safe place to share personal experiences and generally follow a consistent format, which includes Big Book readings and participant sharing.
Sponsorship is a critical element of the twelve-step program as well, as the sponsor guides and supports a newcomer through the twelve-step process.[3] A meeting is either open or closed; many communities have meetings throughout the day, as well as offer online twelve-step meetings. The twelve traditions govern the function of the groups, stressing the importance of anonymity within the group and making meetings accessible to everyone.
Efficacy of 12-Step Programs
Since the early days of twelve-step programs, much research has been conducted regarding the effectiveness of these recovery programs, and the results are significant.
Some key findings are:
Higher Rates of Abstinence
Numerous studies show that individuals who actively participate in twelve-step groups have higher rates of continued abstinence.[4]
Cost-effective Support
Twelve-step meetings are led by peers and offer free ongoing support, meaning there are no financial barriers.
Complementary to Professional Treatment
Studies show that combining twelve-step program participation with evidence-based professional treatment has much better results than either intervention independently.[5]
While some members prefer alternative recovery options, such as SMART Recovery, the historical evidence supports that, for many, the twelve steps help them achieve long-term recovery.[6]
Agape Wide Range of Treatment
12-Step Programs at Agape Treatment Center
At Agape Treatment Center, we incorporate the twelve-step program as part of our comprehensive evaluation and treatment of addiction. We believe that the clients we serve will benefit from the integration of evidence-based clinical treatment with the peer support twelve-step groups provide.
Different groups within our center incorporate different aspects of the twelve steps and their principles into our treatment programs. Regardless of where you are in your recovery journey, we will help you develop a relationship with the twelve-step community that best fits you.
Our Approach to 12-Step Integration
As part of our program, we believe that participating in both professional treatment and 12-step programs provides the most benefit.
Our approach includes:
01
12-Step Education
You will receive education such as the history, philosophy, and process of 12-step programs so you can understand how it works and what to expect when you attend meetings.
02
Step Work in Therapy
Your step work will be acknowledged in both group and individual therapy with clinical support.
03
Sponsor Connection
You will receive education regarding the importance of sponsorship, so when you are ready, you will be able to choose a sponsor.
04
Family Involvement
Your family members will be encouraged to attend Al-Anon meetings to assist them in their healing process and support you in your recovery.
Building a Foundation for Lasting Recovery
At Agape we believe that the 12-step program includes all of the building blocks necessary for building a lasting recovery. The elements of personal responsibility, a spiritual foundation, service to the community, and service to others, provide a holistic approach in which to build sobriety, continue to be sober, and develop a fulfilling life in recovery.
Recovery doesn't happen in isolation. Join a community that understands, supports, and walks alongside you.
Create Your Way to Freedom
You’ve spent enough time keeping your pain locked inside. It’s time to express it, release it, and transform it into something beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 12-Step Program
Do I have to believe in God to participate in a 12-step program?
No. The term “God” or “higher power” is mentioned in the 12-step process, but every participant will have their own interpretation of either of those terms. Agnostic or atheistic participants often use the entire group’s strength, the strength of human connection, or something else that is “greater than me”, as their “higher power”. You only need a desire to acknowledge that you can’t recover from your addiction by willpower alone.
Are 12-step meetings really free?
Yes, all 12-step programs (AA and NA) are free to attend. AA, NA, and other 12-step support groups typically have a donation basket passed around during each meeting to collect voluntary donations for coffee or rent for meeting space, but no one is required to donate anything, making 12-step programs available at no cost to everyone, regardless of your financial or insurance situation.
What's the difference between AA, NA, and other 12-step groups?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provides support for alcoholics, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provides support for individuals with narcotic problems, Cocaine Anonymous provides support for those who use cocaine, and Gamblers Anonymous provides support for gambling-related issues. Family members or significant others affected by someone’s addiction should consider attending Al-Anon. All groups use the same 12 steps, but who they are focused on is different. Typically, people participate in multiple 12-step groups to meet their needs.
How do I find a sponsor?
You can find a potential sponsor by regularly attending meetings and connecting with someone whose story resonates with you or whom you admire. After the meeting’s end, approach that person and ask them to be your sponsor. The recommendation is to select a sponsor of the same gender (if that is important to you) with at least one year sober and who has completed all 12-steps. Your sponsor should be trustworthy and comfortable enough for you to be honest with.
Can I participate in 12-step programs if I'm also in professional treatment?
Yes. Studies have shown that an individual in a professional treatment program and attending a 12-step program will achieve the greatest level of recovery success. Professional treatment provides evidence-based treatment options and holistic medical treatment, while a 12-step program provides ongoing community and peer support. At Agape Treatment Center, we predominantly encourage and promote 12-step participation as a part of your comprehensive treatment plan.
Sources
[1] Donovan, D. M., Ingalsbe, M. H., Benbow, J., & Daley, D. C. (2013). 12-step interventions and mutual support programs for substance use disorders: an overview. Social work in public health, 28(3-4), 313–332. https://doi.org/10.1080/19371918.2013.774663
[2] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS): 2020. In Data on Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt35313/2020_NSSATS_FINAL.pdf
[3] Tonigan, J. S., & Rice, S. L. (2010). Is it beneficial to have an Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor? Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 24(3), 397–403. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019013
[4] [6] Kelly, J. F., Humphreys, K., & Ferri, M. (2020). Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs for alcohol use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012880.pub2
[5] Ouimette, P. C., Moos, R. H., & Finney, J. W. (1998). Influence of outpatient treatment and 12-step group involvement on one-year substance abuse treatment outcomes. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 59(5), 513–522. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsa.1998.59.513
