Working the 12 Steps

Most people are somewhat familiar with the phrase ‘working the 12 steps’. However, you may not fully know each individual step or understand how this method of addiction recovery actually works. The 12 Step Program is offered by most addiction rehab programs in Jacksonville, FL. It is a completely voluntary and anonymous program. If you or a loved one are searching for a 12 step recovery program in Jacksonville, FL, there are many to choose from. Help is out there for any type of addiction as well as support groups for the loved ones of addicts.

The 12 Steps

Although the 12 Step Program is not new, it has branched out from its original purpose of alcohol addiction. Currently, it is being used for narcotics, prescription drugs, eating disorders, and other addictions. It is one of the most successful and long-lasting addiction recovery methods. There are meetings are all over the place so finding a group is easy. Local meetings can be used as an ongoing way of continued freedom from addictions.

History of the 12 Steps

• Initiated by Bill W. and Dr. Bob in 1935 at the first AA meeting
• The 12 Steps are used to assist in building character, self-awareness, and the ability to see that you can become free from addiction. The chance to talk about why you became addicted and what the triggers are, is key to healing. The feeling of being out of control and needing order to be restored, is remedied with these steps.
• Group and leader acceptance is restorative in and of itself.
• Admitting you are an addict and seeking help brings power to your life

Working the 12 Steps includes:

1. We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable

2. We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity

3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him
4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves
5. We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character
6. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings
7. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs

8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all

9. We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others

10. We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it

11. We 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
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs

Although the order and wording of these steps do vary from source to source, the message is the same. Many times the word God or Him is changed to ‘a Higher Power’ for those who do not have a belief in God.

While there are alternative approaches like SMART Recovery and other diverse recovery groups, the 12 steps remain a prominent part of addiction treatment programs.

How Long Will It Take To Complete?

The amount of time needed to work the 12 steps is not a set amount. Some clients require longer on certain steps or need to take a break as it can become emotionally draining. The fact is that the steps should become part of your life to continue growing and to help stay on course.

Are you weary and worn from your addiction? It is time to take control of your life and get on a road to recovery. Call Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, FL today to discuss your needs: 866.605.0532