Benefits of 12 Step Immersion
Most of us have seen the meetings or heard the phrase: “I’m Joe, and I’m an alcoholic.” It’s the common self-introduction at Alcoholics Anonymous groups around the world.
Why do we do it? Honesty, unity, humility, a plea for help, recognition we need help, a step toward recovery. All of these and more.
It’s the first step. At least in spirit.
At Heartwood Recovery, we use a 12-step immersion program in Austin. The 12-step program is an evidence-based, effective treatment for addiction treatment used around the world. But it can get even better. Here is a short rundown of the benefits a 12 step immersion program.
12 Step Program: What Is It?
A 12-step program is a structured approach to addiction recovery developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the 1930s. It is based on the idea that addiction is a disease that can be treated through group support and working through a series of steps. The 12 steps outline a path to recovery and are designed to help a person overcome their addiction and learn to live a sober life.
The 12 steps are as follows:
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being, the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and, when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and practice these principles in all our affairs.
The 12 steps are meant to be a guide for people in recovery, and they can be modified or adapted to fit the needs and beliefs of everyone.
Working through the 12 steps can help individuals develop a stronger connection to a higher power, identify and address problematic behaviors and root psychological issues, and build a network of support and accountability to help them maintain their sobriety.
Going Deeper With 12 Step Immersion
12 step immersion refers to a more intensive and focused approach to recovery that involves fully immersing oneself in the 12-step program. This might include attending multiple meetings each week, working with a sponsor, and actively working through the steps daily.
There are several benefits of a 12-step immersion program in Austin:
- Support: One of the main benefits of 12-step immersion is the support and encouragement. Sharing experiences and struggles with others in recovery can be a powerful way to stay sober and find hope for the future.
- Structure: The 12 steps provide a clear and structured route to recovery that can help a person stay focused and motivated. Working through the steps can also provide a sense of accomplishment and progress.
- Accountability: 12-step programs often involve working with a sponsor—someone with experience who can show the ropes. This can give a sense of accountability and help a person stay on track with their recovery.
- Community: 12-step programs are often a central part of recovery communities and participating in these groups can help a person feel connected and supported.
- Spiritual component: For some people, the spiritual component of the 12 steps can be a powerful source of strength and healing.
While the 12 steps are an important component of recovery for many people, it’s important to note that there are supplements to addiction treatment that can impact long-term recovery.
Does a 12 Step Program Work?
We know that the 12 steps are not a perfect fit for everyone. Sometimes you have to tweak things or even mix it up a little. But it is a powerful program. Experience and evidence show that 12-step programs are an essential part of recovery for a vast majority of people with SUD.
That said, the best option for sustained recovery is combination treatment. This involves using a combination of therapies, medications, and other interventions to address the complex needs of people with substance use disorders. These may include substance abuse counseling, group therapy for addiction treatment, and even family therapy.
Talk to our addiction treatment team at Heartwood Recovery to understand more about your multiple options at our treatment center in Austin, Texas.
Our alcohol and drug rehab in Austin is designed to give answers before we treat. Our plans are set up for the lasting success of our clients. Call today to talk about your next step in recovery treatment.
