Most people have heard of Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, and its offshoot, Narcotics Anonymous, or NA. With their vast presence in the media representation of addiction recovery, 12-step programs for addiction treatment, like AA and NA, are significant contributors to people seeking to overcome an alcohol or substance use disorder. If you are looking for a 12-step program in Texas, this program is offered at Fort Behavioral Health in Fort Worth.
Fort Behavioral Health provides safe and welcoming rehab facilities for adults and teens seeking to overcome addiction. Our wide variety of programs, services, and therapies can be tailored to each client’s unique needs, ensuring holistic recovery and long-term sobriety. If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol use disorder, contact us at 844.332.1807 to learn about what we can offer.
What Is a 12-Step Program for Addiction?
A 12-step program for addiction is a mutual support program for people dealing with addictive and dysfunctional behaviors. The goal of the program is for members to achieve personal changes that are needed in order to overcome addiction. 12-step programs are:
- A group activity – Usually composed of peers going through the same kind of addiction, it aims to provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment to maintain sobriety, share knowledge, and create bonds.
- Members are encouraged to share their experiences and feelings as they work on their recovery. Meetings are often led by a member of the group that has been in long-term recovery for a while.
- Sponsor relationship – More experienced members of the group serve as mentors to newer members. These sponsors provide guidance and even emergency support to their mentees.
The 12 Steps
As the name indicates, the program follows a set number of steps as members progress through their recovery journey. Those 12 steps are:
- Admitting powerlessness over addiction
- Believing that a greater power can help with healing, though this power can be the universe in general and is not necessarily religious in nature
- Deciding to turn over control to that higher power
- Taking an honest and complete personal moral inventory
- Admitting wrongdoings to the greater power, their own self, and to other people
- Being ready to change and heal
- Asking the greater power for help in removing personal shortcomings
- Making a list of people that have been harmed because of the addiction and being willing to set things right
- Making amends to the people that were hurt, except when doing so would bring that person or their own self more harm
- Taking continuous personal inventory and admitting when there are wrongs
- Regularly connecting with the greater power for strength, either through meditation or prayer
- Helping other people struggling with addiction by sharing these 12 steps
What Are the Benefits of Joining Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous?
In 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous was the first to develop and use the 12-step program as a way to overcome addiction. Eventually, groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and others were created to address other specific compulsions. Joining a 12-step program, such as AA or NA, can be a helpful and powerful tool for people struggling with addiction due to the following benefits:
- Accessibility – There are many groups in different locations that provide 12-step programs. Meetings are held multiple times a week at many different times of day, making it possible to find a meeting that suits any schedule.
- Community building – Attending meetings and finding a group and sponsor can provide a sober community, which is essential for people transitioning back into their normal life after detox. Recovering patients can find fellowship and friendship with people who understand exactly what they are going through. Over time, they can also be in a position to mentor others, which contributes to increased self-esteem.
- Provides structure – Attending regular meetings can help people in recovery to develop and maintain a schedule, preventing loneliness and boredom, which can lead to a return to use.
- Encourages accountability – The program encourages self-reflection and taking responsibility for past actions and decisions.
It is important to note that a 12-step program is not therapy, as it is not conducted by a licensed medical professional. However, attending a 12-step program, in conjunction with therapy and any necessary medical treatments, can be instrumental to successful recovery and lifelong abstinence.
A 12-Step Program in Texas at Fort Behavioral Health
Recovering from addiction is a difficult task, and people may feel isolated on their journey. Finding a group of peers that can support and understand the experience can be beneficial to someone’s treatment. At Fort Behavioral Health, we provide 12-step programs and other therapies that can give each patient the right guidance and support for each stage of recovery. You don’t have to face addiction alone. Contact us at 844.332.1807 today to learn more about how we can help.
