Turning Approach to 12-Step Integration
Uses a 12-step based philosophy, incorporating the principles of the steps, including powerlessness, honesty, and responsibility, into the client’s daily life while in treatment. Therapists often give assignments using 12-step literature, as well as encouraging them to get a sponsor and develop a support network.
Our clinical team collaborates with clients through the **12 steps** to identify how spirituality is connected to recovery and help guide them toward developing their own concept of a higher power. Many of our therapists and staff have personal experience with the 12-step method of recovery. Coupled with our other therapeutic modalities, the 12-step approach is another tool we use to give the client a well-rounded introduction to recovery.
What are the 12 Steps?
The 12-steps were created by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to establish guidelines to overcome alcoholism. AA’s 12-Step approach is to follow a set of guidelines or “steps” toward maintaining recovery. Members of the AA fellowship begin working these steps as part of their journey to finding lasting sobriety.
In the 1930s Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) became the first twelve-step program. AA helped to aid its members in overcoming alcoholism. AA is comprised of members all over the world. Each group utilizes a group approach to recovery known as a “home group”. In addition, peer support from other members, a “sponsor” (the person who guides the member through the steps), along with active sharing and participation are part of the power of the group. Becoming a member happens by self-declaration. There are no dues or fees to join AA, NA, or any twelve-step fellowship. Members hold each other accountable, and support continues throughout one’s entire recovery.
The steps have guiding principles. These principals are spiritual in nature and help someone suffering from alcoholism or addiction to find freedom and learn how to live without drinking or using drugs.
Many experience a new life and recover from their active drug addiction, compulsion, and alcoholism.
The 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous have been adapted to other programs such as:
- Narcotics Anonymous
- Marijuana Anonymous
- Overeaters Anonymous
- Al-Anon
- Nar-Anon
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