12 step Recovery Program Texas

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12 Steps for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

When someone enters addiction treatment with the goal of recovery in mind, supplemental programs exist to help avoid the pitfalls of falling back into substance abuse. These programs are vital when it comes to long term recovery, complementing treatment programs across the country for substance abuse.

Many of these programs and up becoming a part of everyday life and a vital tool in the addiction recovery process as one of the primary pillars of aftercare. One of the most widely adopted forms is a program designed specifically for alcohol, but it has been used in all types of addiction treatment since its inception.

Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the original 12-Step Program, is a supplemental form of addiction recovery treatment that’s been used to help clients remain successful and avoid the pitfalls of relapse. The 12-Step Program is one of the oldest used in the field of substance abuse treatment, with many even arguing the program is outdated and falling out of favor.

However, the numbers don’t lie, and the statistics show that this program is still extremely powerful for addiction recovery. In fact, it’s a vital part of our program at Resurgence Texas. If you’ve been curious about Alcoholics Anonymous and the power it can have in your personal battle for addiction recovery, this article provides valuable insight into the specifics and history of the 12-Step program!

How Does the 12-Step Program Assist in Treating Addiction?

Although the exact effectiveness of the 12-Step program is not known as widely as some forms of evidence-based treatment, it’s widely accepted that this is an effective model for addiction recovery. At Resurgence Texas, we’re a testament to this fact, having helped a continuously growing list of clients achieve success through the 12-Step Program combined with other elements of our addiction treatment center.

The model provides a variety of support and accountability programs that are designed to help people get clean. In addition to regular meetings, the program also features a sponsorship model that encourages a strong support system. Although not the only element in play, at the very least, the accountability factor involved with the 12-Step Program can be a very powerful tool when it comes to remaining sober post-treatment.

Alcoholics Anonymous: A Brief History of the 12-Step Model

Let’s take a look at the history of Alcoholics Anonymous. In fact, we’ll dive a little deeper than just the 12-Step Program – let’s look at where the true foundations were laid for the program initially.

In 1784, Dr. Benjamin Rush stated in a study that the presence of alcohol in one’s body and mind could result in various disorders. He then proposed the idea of sober houses as a way to help those struggling with this issue.

While Dr. Rush was laying the foundation for what would one day become AA, the 1800s marked the beginning of a movement that would lead to the prohibition of alcohol in 1920. These actions stemmed from growing public health concern about alcohol consumption – mostly because of growing domestic violence and other related incidents.

During the years that alcohol was made illegal, the upper and lower classes of society were affected the most. While the rich could afford to kick the habit in a sober living home, those who were caught consuming alcohol before entering recovery were sent to prison. Following prohibition, one person was inspired to create the world’s most prominent treatment center for alcoholism.

A Man Named Bill W and the Founding of AA

Bill Wilson was able to create Alcoholics Anonymous after realizing that alcohol was responsible for the unraveling of his life. He had been struggling with the disease for a long time and decided the only answer was to seek help from a Christian fellowship known as the Oxford Group. This organization was designed to help men overcome their flaws and sins in general – and not solely in relation to alcohol abuse.

After going through a spiritual transformation, Wilson became a regular at the Oxford Group meetings. This was an important step for him as it allowed him to immerse himself in the groups’ standards of purity, honesty, and newfound morals. He met Dr. Bob Smith in 1935, and the groundwork was laid for the 12-Step Program.

The “Big Book”, as it was originally known, was the initial offering from the creators of Alcoholics Anonymous. This outlined the program’s 12 steps and principles. This would eventually morph into additional programs that are used globally in support groups everywhere. Today there is a network of group therapy meetings for Gamblers Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, and a number of other peer support groups.

The Benefits of the 12 Step Recovery Model

Several benefits exist regarding the 12-Step Program. Although the 12-Step model outlines what seem to be 12 complicated steps and principles, there’s a simple undertone at work.

Whether achieving success over substance use disorder or alcoholism through the use of a higher power or otherwise, at the core of the 12 Step models, participants learn accountability. The program teaches the basic fundamentals of self-awareness and the acceptance and admittance of the mistakes you’ve made.

In the world of substance abuse, admitting to yourself that you have an addiction that requires the help of a drug rehab center is often the first and most important step in recovery. As you progress through the 12-Step model, the spiritual elements you learn – and your ability to complete a thorough moral inventory – when applied to other principles in life, become a powerful foundation to model your behavior and approach to nearly everything you do.

Another powerful benefit is the implementation of the sponsor, combined with the interaction of your peers. Taking moral inventory forces you to face yourself – however, the peer and sponsor dynamic forces you to face people you see on a regular basis fighting the same battle as you. This puts other moral and mental elements into play, as the average human in this position doesn’t want to let his peers down.

They are a part of your support system, as you’re an integral portion of theirs. The networking and friendships made in AA and the lessons learned through the 12-Step model often stick with a person for life.

Leverage the Power of the 12-Steps During Our Residential Treatment Program

At Resurgence Texas, we use the 12-Step model as a means to complement the powerful evidence-based practices we use during treatment. In combination with practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and other treatment models, we’ve found one strengthens the other, leading to a higher success rate for clients in treatment.

One speaks to the mind, as the other speaks to the spirit, giving our clients a chance to experience a holistic form of recovery. We use the 12-Step model as a supplemental form of treatment in our program, and clients have the option to attend meetings beyond their normal scope of treatment with individual counselors and other group meetings.

Our 12-Step meetings aren’t mandatory, and we offer other programs as an alternative or complement to the 12-step program. SMART Meetings are another form of supplemental peer support that we offer to our clients during their time in treatment.

Are the 12 Steps a Useful Tool for Recovery Programs?

At Resurgence Texas, we wholly believe that the 12-Step Model is just as effective as ever. Many claim it’s an outdated model – however, it’s difficult to write off anything as dated that teaches the basic fundamentals of accountability, spirituality, acceptance, and forgiveness.

Whether you believe the 12-Step model works because of a higher power, or forces you to take a personal inventory, or just helps you maintain accountability to yourself and sponsor, it’s hard to deny the fact that it’s a powerful when implemented correctly.

Using the 12 Steps to Your Advantage After Addiction Treatment at Resurgence Texas

We encourage all of our clients to participate in some form of post-treatment program to help maintain recovery. We can help you locate a location where a 12-Step group meets on a regular basis. There are also remote options for 12-Step models if you’re not able to make these meetings in person.

Don’t be afraid to use the internet to your advantage and explore options in adjoining towns or branch outward from where you live. You might find additional 12-Step groups that provide an atmosphere that’s more conducive to your recovery.

Long-Term Recovery Using the 12 Step Recovery Program and Resurgence Texas

As stated earlier, whether you believe in the force of a higher power helping you navigate recovery or otherwise, we encourage you to try at least one meeting during your time at Resurgence Texas. If it’s not for you, we have other options that might work better. However, you might find that it provides elements of support you require and weren’t receiving from other sources.

For more information about our 12-Step groups at Resurgence Texas or questions about our admissions process, contact a member of our staff today.