What Are the Benefits of a 12 Step Recovery Program?

If you or someone you love has struggled with addiction, and maybe even a relapse or two, the 12-step recovery process might be a useful therapy to incorporate into your ongoing sobriety. Used regularly for decades, the 12-step addiction program offers a social program where you attend group meetings and find support in others who have similarly struggled with addiction. 

What is a 12-Step Recovery Program?

The most well known 12-step recovery programs are AA or NA. A 12-step program for addiction is designed to provide peer support for people who are recovering from substance abuse or mental health issues. 

The 12-step addiction process can help you:

• Acquire new coping skills
• Enjoy support from others who have struggled with similar issues
• Foster long-term sobriety

The 12-step program for addiction centers on the idea that achieving sobriety long-term is better facilitated when you are around people who are fighting to overcome the same addictions and that all of you must surrender to a higher power.

It’s a common misconception that this higher power has to be the Christian version of God. In fact, the higher power can simply be your spirituality, the meetings themselves, and even the universe at large.

While it may not work for everyone, the 12-step recovery process is most successful when applied as part of your relapse prevention routine after completing inpatient or outpatient rehab. 

What Are the Benefits of a 12-Step Recovery Program?

12-step addiction programs offer many benefits. These evidence-based programs help you get sober and remain that way by providing you with a sober community, people who are committed to helping you with your recovery, no matter where you are.

Sober Community

With a 12-step recovery program, you get support from other people who have struggled with some of the same issues. This gives you a sober community of emotional support and social contacts.

A major contributor to relapse after completing any drug or alcohol rehab program takes the form of loneliness or isolation. These feelings can manifest easily, especially when you can no longer associate with the same social group.

Participation in a 12-step recovery program gives you access to new people, specifically, new people who share your goals and ideals of long-term sobriety. You won’t be invited to dinner parties with an emphasis on wine tasting or out to a bar. Instead, you might find new hobbies like hiking, rock climbing, or painting.

If you go on vacation, visit a friend, travel for work, or don’t want to attend a community group with people you might know, there are always meetings in nearly every city and every town. This makes it convenient, accessible, and easy to incorporate into your routine. Because of how prolific these meetings are, you can find a sober community and accountability no matter where you are. 

Accountability 

Accountability is a significant benefit of any 12-step program for addiction. It can be easy to start successfully on your path towards sobriety, only to find yourself waylaid by friends with whom you used to use or drink, the stress in your new job, difficult living arrangements, and so forth.

However, when you have a 12-step addiction network, you are always in touch with someone who can help keep you accountable, talk to you when you are stressed, and expose you to other coping mechanisms you might not have considered.

Are There Alternatives to 12-Step Programs?

Yes. Many recovery centers offer alternative 12-step recovery program options, particularly secular options that do not have the same elements of a “higher power.” 

1. NA, or Narcotics Anonymous, is technically an alternative to AA but designed for those addicted to drugs instead of alcohol. 
2. Eating Disorders Anonymous, or EDA, is an alternative to the 12-step recovery program for those with eating disorders. 
3. Gambling Anonymous has a similar structure and many of the same benefits as the 12-step recovery program, but for those addicted to gambling. 
4. Co-Dependents Anonymous provides group meetings for those addicted to unhealthy, co-dependent relationships. 
5. Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) is a similar program but for people with an addiction to sex. 

Prevail Recovery Offers 12-Step Recovery in Florida

Prevail Recovery specializes in relapse prevention services, including the 12-step recovery program. We understand that addiction is a chronic disease; as with any chronic disease, you need long-term management of your condition to avoid a relapse. Relapse rates are around 50% of people who complete any treatment program. But these rates can be controlled or reduced when you participate in ongoing relapse prevention. 

The 12-step program for addiction is a tried and true method of social support, one that helps you manage small steps and minor setbacks or victories. With this program, you can reap many benefits. Prevail Recovery can help you find local meetings where you are most comfortable. Once you complete your addiction rehab with us, we can help you design an ongoing relapse prevention plan that sets you up for success. 

Prevail Recovery Center is a South Florida treatment center. Let Prevail Recovery help you find a 12-step program for addiction today.