Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was the first 12-step program, and was founded in 1935 in Akron, Ohio. Since then, the program has helped millions of people achieve sobriety. The 12 steps are centered around one’s spirituality and giving control to a higher power in order to overcome addiction. The 12-step process adapts to one’s personal spirituality, and doesn’t need to involve any particular religion.
By navigating the road to addiction recovery with 12 steps, you can learn self-forgiveness, positive-self talk and expression of emotions in an environment of transparency and trust.
The 12-step treatment modality includes surrendering guilt and blame for past behaviors and shortcomings. Treatment involves repenting for previous mistakes, apologizing to those you have hurt and taking responsibility for the future.
Throughout the 12-step process, you’ll learn how to control your emotions, express anger, depression, and anxiety through positive outlets, and form lasting social circles. In order to create true change, the program requires profound honesty with yourself and your therapist.
The 12 steps demand introspection, swift conflict resolution, cathartic release, prompt admittance to wrongdoings, repentance and ultimately shepherding others with drug and alcohol use disorders through the 12-step process.
The 12 steps are as follows:
The 12-step program is lauded by thousands and widely practiced as an effective means of treatment for addiction. During therapy clients participate in group therapy, sharing traumatic life events, building community circles, and learn to engage meaningfully with others.
During treatment with Discovery Point Retreat, clients typically undergo inpatient medical detoxification upon arrival. During this time, you’ll go through the process of withdrawal and will receive treatment for any symptoms stemming from abstinence.
After this initial phase, you’ll begin the main branch of recovery in residential inpatient treatment for substance abuse. All of our clients meet with therapists on a one-on-one basis. Psychotherapy is a cornerstone of treatment and involves evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
As a complement to CBT and our other therapies, the 12-step program focuses largely on group connection. Group therapy elicits cathartic expression of current troubles, past traumas and the experience of addiction. The nature of sharing restores key functionality for interacting with others and maintaining healthy relationships after treatment. As you progress through the 12 steps you learn to avoid compromising sobriety at all costs.
By completing the 12 steps, you’ll find yourself deeply in tune with your immediate, ongoing, and future needs to live a healthy, productive life — without the use of addictive substances.
The 12 steps are most effective when paired with psychotherapy and pharmacology. Potential programs and therapies at Discovery Point Retreat include:
Through a combined approach of the 12 step program and evidence-based therapies, you can build a solid foundation for the future. We’re here to help you along the way.
