12 Step Programs

12 Step Programs were first proposed by Alcoholics Anonymous as a method for recovery from alcoholism; however, many addiction support groups including those focused on drugs, sex, and gamblers have adopted the program. The program includes guiding principles and a course of action for recovery from addiction. The recovery process involves admitting an addiction, recognizing a higher power, examining past mistakes, making amends for these errors, learning to live a new life, and helping others suffering from the same drug addiction.

The first step is often the hardest as drug addicts must admit that they have a problem. Often, the addict is the last individual to recognize and face the addiction. Furthermore, addicts will often compare themselves to other users to show that they are not as bad as someone else. However, once acceptance has occurred overcoming the addiction becomes much easier. The second step is to come to terms with a higher power having the ability to give the addict the strength to overcome the addiction. Third, the individual must be willing to devote himself or herself to God.

Having given themselves to the care of God, the next step is admitting to those around them all of the mistakes made thus far in life. Then, the addict can seek forgiveness for their shortcomings as they focus on rebuilding their lives. To achieve a clear conscience, the addict must make a list of people that he or she has harmed and make amends to them. Through constant prayer and spiritual awakening the 12-step process can help drug abusers come to terms with the addiction.

Recovery from drug addiction is a multi-step process that includes focus on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual rehabilitation. Physically, addicts must overcome the initial desire to use drugs as their body goes through the detoxification process. For addicts requiring a constant supply of drugs the detoxification process is a challenge that tests their mental commitment to remaining clean. Mentally, the addict must accept the negative consequences of their drug use on themselves and those around them. Many addicts believe that drugs only affect their lives; however, the decision to use drugs affects family members, lovers, and friends. Addicts must stop being self-centered and begin recognizing the implications of their actions on those around them. The last step is a commitment to a higher power to continue staying clean while devoting their lives to helping others dealing with the same problem. Recovering addicts are encouraged to be role models for others seeking to begin the program.

12 Step Programs encourage members to regularly attend meetings with other addicts to share their recovery process. Each addict is encouraged to speak about their life story and how the rehabilitation process is going. At every meeting, members are required to introduce themselves by name and with the admission of being an addict. Consequently, by saying their name and that they are an addict, members are self-identifying and admitting that they have a problem. Many towns offers support groups for certain types of addicts including: women only groups, men only groups, and LGBT groups.

A common component of a 12 step program is to have each new member assigned a sponsor. The sponsor is someone who has already gone through the program and is a recovering addict. The sponsors share their stories and experiences to new members and help aid them in the recovery process. Often, a sponsor is a new member's first phone call when they find themselves desperately wanting to use drugs. A sponsor's role is to be a helping hand and a support system to the addict while they navigate the rehabilitation process.

12 step programs can be found nationwide and are an excellent resource for drug addicts wanting to become clean. Those searching for a program can find them online or by finding the next meeting location for Narcotics Anonymous. Often the local police department or Courthouse will have a publicized listing of the best rehabilitation programs. This program is a proven method of assisting people in becoming drug free; however, it requires commitment, perseverance, and struggle. The process will not be easy but for those that stay the course and complete all twelve steps the program will point them on the right track to having a drug free life.