The 12 Steps are designed to help people who struggle with addiction by promoting spiritual and character growth. This will help them better understand themselves and the world around them, providing a framework for a sober, productive life. The 12 Steps were created for Alcoholics Anonymous but have been the direct inspiration of many other addiction recovery frameworks, like Narcotics Anonymous.
While Steps are not a cure for addiction, they can be essential to recovery. For many people, working through the steps is an ongoing process that helps them stay on track and maintain their sobriety.
What is the Philosophy Behind the 12 Steps of Recovery?
The philosophy behind the twelve-step program is that rather than targeting the immediate problem of dependence on a particular substance, it aims to reshape the individual into a more positive version of themselves.
The core basis of it has allowed the 12-Steps program to remain an effective tool over the years, despite criticism within the medical field. Its philosophy focuses on strengthening each individual to be better prepared against future temptations and reducing their risk of relapse.
Although the 12 Steps are often attributed to Bill Wilson, the initial steps or principles are said to be influenced by the founders’ experience with The Oxford Group. This Christian organization helped improve members by teaching a formula for spiritual growth.
The Oxford Group created these steps to help people overcome what they saw as destructive patterns of behavior and live more productive lives through a series of spiritual exercises that centered around confession, restitution, guidance, and fellowship with other members of their group who had also confessed similar issues in their lives.
Even though it’s not technically a religion, many people who practice 12-step recovery feel it can be spiritual at times. For those who struggle with this, the 12-Steps call to tap into a spiritual or Higher Power belief system. Whatever fuels you to do better tomorrow.
The Therapeutic Goals of the 12 Step Program
The 12 step program is a spiritual, not religious, program. In fact, the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. No fees are associated with this self-help group, and people can attend meetings as often or as infrequently as they like.
The 12 step program isn’t just about recovery from addiction but also about maintaining sobriety in general.
The steps are meant to help you build healthy relationships with others. At the same time, you work on rebuilding your own life and identity away from alcohol or drugs that may have been part of your problem behaviors before entering treatment programs.
How the 12 Steps Work in Alcoholics Anonymous
The 12 Steps aren’t meant to be followed blindly; each step is intended to be applied and understood individually before moving on to the next one. As you work through each step, you’ll begin recognizing your own attitudes and behaviors while reflecting on how they positively and negatively affect your life. This can help you figure out which changes need to be made for you to stay sober.
The philosophy behind the 12 steps will help you understand why they work so well – and how they can help you achieve lasting sobriety even if you don’t believe in God or any traditional deity (or aren’t sure what you believe).
It’s about recognizing how spirituality influences your journey toward sobriety and can improve it as well by giving purpose, direction, meaning, and hope to your life once again – a life free from alcohol addiction.
The 12 Steps Have Led To Many Successful Recovery Stories
In a world where people are constantly seeking new ways to improve their lives, it is good to know that there is something that has stood the test of time. The 12 Step Program has been around for over 75 years and has helped millions of people recover from addiction.
You should always focus on the recovery methods that work best for you.
While the Steps are not a complete solution on their own, they can be an excellent supplement to behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment. In fact, some studies suggest participation in peer support groups can help with treatment engagement, relapse prevention, and treatment completion.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider attending an AA meeting near you. That could be the first step in your road to recovery. Additionally, peer support groups work best when paired with behavioral therapy at a rehab facility, so consider speaking with an addiction specialist about your best options.
