There are many types of therapies that can be used to treat addiction. A 12-step program is one of the more popular solutions. This article will answer the question, how are 12 step programs used in rehab so you can determine if they are the best option for you. 

What are 12 Step Programs? 

12 step addiction treatment involves following 12 steps defined by Alcoholics Anonymous. It is believed that following these steps will help you achieve sobriety. 

The steps are religious in nature. They involve the person turning themselves over to God and taking a moral inventory of all the wrongs they had done when they were using. The last step is a spiritual awakening and a promise to try and help themselves and their peers dealing with addiction. 

When Did 12 Step Programs Begin?

12 step programming was established by Bill Wilson, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. 

Wilson was dealing with alcoholism. He had gone to several rehab facilities, and he felt he needed something more to treat his addiction. He turned to the Oxford Group, a Christian group that helped men overcome character flaws.

Wilson continued meeting with the group as he felt his time with them was crucial in helping him get past his dependency issues. He began integrating their standards for selflessness, purity, love, and honesty into his life. These allowed him to get sober and stay sober. 

But Wilson’s life really hit a turning point when he met Dr. Bob Smith, a physician, and surgeon. The two began a professional relationship which led to the start of Alcoholics Anonymous. He also created the Big Book, which outlines the program’s 12 principles and 12 steps for getting sober. 

The 12-step addiction treatment has since gone beyond AA and is also used for other groups that treat addiction, including Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, and more. 

How are 12 Step Programs Used in Rehab?

Today, 12 step addiction treatment is used by various rehab programs and facilities. The steps serve as the backbone for therapy at rehab centers and at group meetings. People that attend these programs are encouraged to follow the steps in the recovery process. 

As they go through the steps, they are motivated to turn control over a higher power. This leads them to let go of the idea of having self-control over their addiction. It allows them to recognize their wrongs and make them accountable for using. 

How to Find 12 Step Programs Near Me

12 step programming is a popular therapy, and finding a program near you is not difficult. One option is to attend group therapy meetings that offer 12 step treatment. 

You can simply google the ‘anonymous’ group that’s best for you and find out when meetings are held. They take place in various locations in cities around the country and are free to attend. 

If you prefer to get help in a rehab facility, you can choose one that offers 12 step addiction treatment. Many centers provide this type of therapy and other types of therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivation enhancement therapy, alternative therapies, and more. 

How Prevail Recovery Center Can Help

It’s not easy to find the recovery center that’s right for you. You can spend hours researching the perfect solution, or you can save yourself time by contacting Prevail Recovery first.

Prevail Recovery is a drug rehab located in sunny Ft. Lauderdale, FL. We offer a variety of outpatient treatments, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. Patients that attend can recover from addiction without taking precious time away from their everyday lives. 

We offer a dual diagnosis approach that simultaneously treats addiction and its underlying causes. We integrate a variety of therapies, including 12 steps, family therapy, integrative medicine, and nutrition. We follow up with relapse prevention aftercare that ensures patients maintain sobriety. Addiction is not easy to overcome. Fortunately, there are many treatments available, including 12 step programming. If you are interested in this therapy, call Prevail Recovery today. We will get you on a path for improved wellbeing and a happier existence overall.