The 12-Step Treatment Program is an effective option for those seeking help with addiction, including substance use disorders. Addiction can have devastating consequences for those caught in its cycle. If you’re suffering from addiction, Banner Health’s experienced, compassionate mental health care team can help you overcome triggers, learn new ways to cope and begin your recovery journey.
Each Banner Health patient receives an individual treatment plan to ensure they get the right care for their specific needs. We work with you to set goals, build skills and manage challenges throughout your treatment.
We offer many types of behavioral health therapy, community resources and support groups, including 12-step programs, to help patients understand the role of addiction in their life. Smart recovery is another evidence-based approach that focuses on self-empowerment and balanced living. We can discuss this option with you to determine the best fit for your recovery goals. If you or a loved one needs help, start by calling Banner Health’s Appointment Line at (602) 254-4357.
To find free, confidential referral and information for substance abuse and mental health treatment, you can call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
A 12-step program is a peer-based mutual help program for alcoholism, drug abuse and other addictive and dysfunctional behaviors. The steps are guiding principles that outline how to overcome addiction, avoid triggers and live a healthy, productive life.
The group provides an anonymous, safe and supportive environment to share knowledge, build bonds and maintain sobriety with others in similar situations. It’s led by a member of the program, often someone who has been in recovery for a significant time.
Members encourage one another to share their feelings and experiences with addiction as they work through each step of the program. The goal is to help members experience a “spiritual awakening” or make the personal change needed to overcome addiction.
Programs can differ but some common steps in the 12-step process include:
While 12-step programs are based in spiritual principles, the language of God as a “higher power” emphasizes how each member recognizes it, allowing for different interpretations and beliefs. While some members do believe in a traditional God, others believe in karma, earth, science, mother nature, the universe, humanity at large or even their recovery fellowship as a healing power.
For more information, visit www.12step.org.
The following is an example of the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous:
There are many 12-step treatment programs available for various addictions and compulsive behaviors, including:
Additionally, there are 12-step programs available to those who have been affected by an addict’s behaviors, such as family and friends.
For more information on a specific 12-Step Treatment Program, visit:
Anyone motivated to recover and maintain sobriety can benefit from a 12-step program. If you regularly attend, participate and engage in meetings, you’re more likely to experience success with the program. Staying involved with a 12-step group on a long-term basis helps ensure the program works for you.
For people in early stages of recovery, you may need to attend multiple meetings per week. As you progress through your recovery, how often you attend may change.
While each group is different, a member of the group leads participants through the following during a meeting:
Sharing during a meeting is voluntary. Participants are not allowed to give advice or discuss what a member shares outside of the group.
People attending a 12-step meeting are in all stages of sobriety – some only a few days, others many years. The program is designed to be a continuous and repetitive process to help strengthen recovery. Many people continue participating in meetings once they finish the steps because it helps them stay focused on sobriety.
The 12-step program uses a peer-based, mutual help model. There are no health care professionals leading or overseeing the group. Members support, encourage and learn from one another.
Additionally, each member has a sponsor – someone who supports sobriety and guides the member through the 12 steps. The sponsor offers one-on-one recovery support separately from group meetings. Sponsors are not medical professionals. Usually, they’re recovering addicts themselves.
12-step programs provide peer support, encouragement and accountability for people who want to overcome addiction. Through sponsorship and meetings, members get social support to help them stay clean.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), people with alcoholism who receive formal treatment and participate in AA have a better chance of staying sober, compared to those who only receive formal treatment.
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