12 Step Program

First developed and used by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to help people with alcoholism, the 12 step program is used to help people overcome addictions and compulsions. Since its creation in the 1950s, it’s since been expanded to help people with all types of substance use disorders achieve long-term sobriety. The 12 step philosophy is that people can help one another reach and maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol. We strongly believe in the efficacy of peer support, which is why we offer 12 step programs at Clearbrook Massachusetts and Clearbrook Pennsylvania.

 

Why Do 12 Step Programs Work?

One of the most commonly used addiction therapy programs is the 12 steps of NA and AA. Twelve-step programs are often incorporated into various levels of substance abuse treatment as a complementary form of care.

Individuals in these programs attend group meetings to discuss their struggles and achievements with other people in addiction recovery and to receive guidance from a recovery advocate or counselor leading the meeting. To complete the program – and achieve full recovery according to the 12 step founders – members need to complete each of the 12 steps, which are as follows:

  1. Admitting powerlessness over the addiction
  2. Believing that a higher power (in whatever form) can help
  3. Deciding to surrender to the higher power
  4. Taking a personal inventory of one’s wrongs
  5. Admitting to the higher power, oneself, and another person one’s wrongs
  6. Being ready to have the higher power correct or remove any shortcomings in one’s character
  7. Asking the higher power to remove those shortcomings
  8. Making a list of wrongs done to others and being prepared to make amends for those wrongs
  9. Connecting with those who have been hurt, unless doing so would harm the person
  10. Continue to take personal inventory and admit when one is wrong
  11. Seeking enlightenment and connection with the higher power through prayer and meditation
  12. Spreading the message of the 12 Steps to others

 

Although there are numerous reasons we could give, 12 step programs work because they encourage accountability, independence, motivation, and respect. By offering a literal step-by-step guide on how to overcome the emotional and spiritual impact of addiction, patients will have a better chance at maintaining their sobriety for the rest of their lives.

 

Our 12 Step Treatment Facilities

Our 12 step programs are offered at our two Clearbrook rehab facilities, one in Massachusetts and the other in Pennsylvania. During 12 step meetings, peers will gather to discuss their struggles and achievements in recovery so far.

Peer support is a significant contributing factor to recovery, so we prioritize connecting people in recovery to promote community and offer them another avenue of support. Because everyone is different, patients participating in our 12 step programs can meet with others who are in different stages of recovery so they can learn skills they can adapt to their own journeys and be motivated to stay on track.

Along with creating a community of support, the 12 step programs offered at our Northeast addictions treatment centers also help patients develop valuable life skills needed to maintain a sober lifestyle. We understand the transition from rehab to everyday life can be stressful and even intimidating, so 12 step group activities prepare clients for maintaining drug-free lives.

Patients in our twelve-step programs will also come to recognize their wrongdoings and the impact of their drug and alcohol use on others, breaking down denial and preparing them to make amends and rebuild relationships as they heal from addiction. At Clearbrook Treatment Centers, we believe that two are better than one, which is why we encourage patients to partake in our 12 step programs so they may be prepared to reach out to loved ones who were affected by their drug-taking behavior and develop a strong support system at home.

 

How to Get Started

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, Clearbrook is here to help. We believe that recovery from any substance use disorder is possible with comprehensive care.

While drug addiction is recognized for its physical impact, it also bleeds into other areas of a person’s life, affecting their relationships, career, finances, and more. Rehab programs need to utilize both therapies, as well as addiction counseling to assist patients in their psychological recovery from substance abuse, as well.

For more information about our addiction treatment services or special programs and therapies, contact Clearbrook today. Our specialists are on standby 24/7 to help.