How Does the 12 Step Program Work?

After seeing patients complete treatment for substance abuse, rehab counselors and clinicians send patients out into the world to test their sober wings. If they are fortunate to have received treatment from a premier rehab facility like Beaches Recovery, patients should be heading out with a number of aftercare tools at their disposal. At the most basic level, the 12 Step program stands as the most easily accessible tool in the toolbox.

About the 12 Step Program

In the late 1930s, a group of recovering alcoholics introduced the 12 Steps of AA to a group of other recovering alcoholics in the form of peer meetings. Each of these meetings offered its members an outlet to come together and discuss personal issues and review member testimonies. The program spread like wildfire, which led people with other addictions to develop similar programs. Throughout the world today, addicts of almost every kind can find access to the 12 Step program that best addresses their addiction.

Does the 12 Step Program Work?

It would be nice to report that 12 Step programs work for all addicts. Unfortunately, it’s not true. The fact is each individual has to do the prescribed work in order to derive the maximum amount of benefit from the program. Those people who are able to commit to the program and do what’s asked will generally be able to stay on the road to addiction recovery.

The emphasis of the typical 12 Step program is built around each member identifying themselves as alcoholic or drug addicts. This is necessary as a reminder of where they have been and what awaits them should they suffer a relapse. The rest of the program rests on the notion that one addict is able to help another. Through sharing and caring, the 12 Step programs serve as ultimate support groups. Members at local meetings can build relationships and come to count on each other in times of need.

Aftercare Programs at Beaches Recovery

At Beaches Recovery Center in Jacksonville, Florida, we advocate for all kinds of aftercare programs, including 12 Step meetings. Upon leaving our facility, we provide our patients with access and information regarding 12 Step meetings, transitional, and sober living arrangements. Along with residential inpatient treatment, our custom treatment includes:

• Detox programs– remove the toxins from your body
• Intensive outpatient program– rehab programs where you return home
• Partial hospitalization program– medical staff are available on-site
• Extended care– continued programs to reduce the risk of relapse
• Family counseling– rebuild your relationships and understanding of one another

We know that alcohol is not the only substance people struggle with. At Beaches Recovery, we treat a wide range of addiction in addition to alcohol addiction. For instance, our treatment programs include:

• Heroin addiction treatment 
• Meth addiction treatment
• Cocaine addiction treatment
• Opiate and opioid addiction treatment
• Prescription pill addiction treatment
• Benzo addiction treatment
• Xanax addiction treatment

Final Thoughts on How Does the 12 Step Program Work?

If you are interested in getting help for your addiction and would like more information about 12 step programs, the time might be right for you ask for that help. Contact Beaches Recovery to learn for yourself how the 12 step program works. You’ll benefit from the same step as your peers and mentors. However, your individual steps will vary as you accept your experiences and make amends with loved ones.

You can start the recovery process by calling an addiction specialist or clinician at 866.605.0532. Step up and get the help you need. You have every opportunity to put yourself on the road to recovery. From there, 12 Step meetings can be the difference between staying clean or going through a series of relapses.