As you dive into the 12 step treatment approach in your rehab facility, you’ll find that it helps you to concur a lot of internal traumas that kept you rooted in your addiction. By working through the 12 steps, you’ll better prepare yourself for the long road known as sober living.

We all know what the 12 step rehab program is and where it originated from, but what exactly does it entail once treatment begins. If you’re reading this chances are that you’re about to begin your journey through the 12 steps of recovery and want to know what you’re getting into before things get started.

How Does It Work?

Typically, when you think about the 12 step model of treatment for addiction program, it happens after you’ve left treatment. But, when you’re still in treatment, it may work differently than you imagined. Instead of attending meetings and finding a sponsor that you can call during your day to day lives, you’ll be meeting with a counsellor.

The group meeting aspect of the program will not change, but you’ll work the 12 step program at the same time that you’re working other rehabilitation programs that are outlined in your treatment plan. In your group meetings, you can still expect to share your experiences with others that are also in recovery.

By hearing the stories of others that have been where you’ve been, you’ll be able to learn and grow as you continue on your own journey. After you’ve completed treatment, your counsellor will encourage you to attend meetings that also focus on the 12 step rehab program.

In these meetings, you’ll find a sponsor, that you continue working through the 12 steps with. Here are some commonly known meetings that are available to those in recovery after they’ve left treatment.

SLAA

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous is for those that struggle with sexual addiction. It’s not just for those that are recovering from sexual addiction, but love addiction as well that causes you to behave in ways that may not necessarily be deemed acceptable.

This program was founded in 1976 by someone that was also a member of alcoholics anonymous.

AA

Alcoholics Anonymous is a meeting where those that suffer from alcohol addiction seek help from others. You’ll get to share your stories and experiences with those that are struggling with the same addiction that you’ve been struggling with.

The 12 step program originated within this group and has been adapted and used to fit the needs of other groups like SLAA.

NA

Narcotics Anonymous is for those that are suffering from drug addiction of any kind. This program was founded in 1953 and also used the 12 step model of treatment as a guide for those looking for long term recovery.

These are just a few of the meetings that you might attend following recovery, but now it’s time to look into how the program will work when you’re still in the recovery facility.

Acknowledgement

The first step of the 12 step treatment program that your counsellor will emphasize on in your individual and group sessions is admitting that drugs or alcohol is in control. You can not truly move forward with the healing process if you don’t acknowledge that you’re completely powerless when it comes to your addiction.

Begin Believing Again

The next step in the program is restoring the hope that you once lost. When you’re in the midst of addiction, it can seem like you’re falling into a pit with nothing to look forward to. Still, as you continue through treatment, you’ll begin to realise that there is something bigger than yourself motivating you to continue striving for sobriety.

Turn Over Your Will

Don’t try to focus on every aspect of your life that is yet to come. Release your will to a higher power and understand that they are in control, and that’s okay.

Life’s Inventory

This is one of the most challenging steps that people find themselves faced within all the 12 steps. It’s important, to be honest during this step because this is where you’ll ask for forgiveness.

Share the Inventory

Another challenging step is sharing this list you’ve created with others. The people you share it with will include your treatment counsellors for the most part as they will help you work through your inventory.

Facing those you’ve done wrong will be hard, but it’s essential to recovery.

Recovery

After all of that, the hard work can now focus on moving forward. And with knowledge, you can begin to forgive yourself and continue healing from your past.

List Your Amends

This is one of the most challenging steps that people find themselves faced within all the 12 steps. The reason being is that during this time, you’ll take a personal inventory of the things that you’ve done to hurt yourself or others when you were deep into addiction.

Apologise

Apologising for the things you’ve done wrong that has harmed others is challenging. But, it’s an essential part of recovery and will help you as you continue to move forward in your sobriety.

Even after you’ve left treatment, it will be helpful to continue taking inventory to hold yourself accountable for the things that you do.

Prayer and Meditation

Staying grounded through prayer and meditation is going to help you as you continue sorting through the chaos that was your addiction. And it will help you on days where you feel like you’ve had enough.

Reach Out to Others

Once you’ve reached a point in your recovery where you’ve got time under your belt, you can then begin helping others. You’ll be able to share your story and experience to give those that are starting their recovery journey the hope to continue.

12 Step Rehab: Treatment in Treatment

The 12 step rehab program isn’t just for after you’ve left treatment; it’s a massive part of your routine during treatment. The thing is finding a place that offers other programs along with the 12 step program, and that’s why you need to contact the Rehab Guide.

Our counsellors can guide you through the 12 step alcohol treatment programs while helping you address other issues like trauma and emotional scars. Please don’t waste any more time let us give you the step up that you need.

Jason

Jason has been writing expert articles and blog posts on issues related to addiction and mental health for Rehab Guide.
Jason has a BA in Psychology, a Masters of Social Work and is currently working on his doctorate in social work.

About the author

Article author

Jason

Jason has been writing expert articles and blog posts on issues related to addiction and mental health for Rehab Guide. Jason has a BA in Psychology, a Masters of Social Work and is currently working on his doctorate in social work.