The founders of Alcoholics Anonymous created the 12 Steps as guidelines for the best way to beat alcohol addiction. Because the program was such a success, other groups adapted the steps to guide individuals with various addictions. Rehab centers followed, adjusting treatments to include variations of 12-step recovery programs. These addiction therapy programs are incredibly beneficial for people with addictions, which is why we use them at Crestview Recovery.

The Premise of 12-Step Recovery

The basis for the 12 Steps is that people can help each other achieve and sustain sobriety. This is possible through meetings where they’re able to share experiences and offer ongoing support. The 12-step model provides a foundation that helps individuals surrender to their addiction, accept their experiences, and work for change. It helps people sustain their recovery by helping them build upon life-changing practices and tools.

The first practice is recognizing and admitting that they have an addiction. Next, people with addiction surrender to the realization and decide to regain control with help from others. The model helps them see the behaviors that caused their addiction in the first place. Additionally, it can also help them pinpoint any actions that arose as a result of the addiction. Maybe most importantly, it brings behaviors that promote self-control to the forefront.

12-Step Recovery at Crestview Recovery

By learning the foundations of 12-step recovery at Crestview Recovery, clients can process their emotions and feelings. As they enter the early stages of treatment, they recognize their confusion, resentment, and uncertainty. They also learn about the spiritual underpinnings of the concepts that the 12 Steps promote.

Along with the 12 Steps, Crestview Recovery uses other evidence-based and holistic addiction and mental health disorder treatment methods. Some of these addiction therapy services include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify, understand and change their damaging thought patterns and behaviors related to substance use and addiction.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment is an integrated approach to treating substance use disorders that also addresses underlying mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

Family Therapy Program

Family therapy programs typically involve individual, couples, and group sessions where clients and their families learn communication skills, healthy coping strategies, and other tools for managing cravings and preventing relapse.

Individual Therapy Program

Individual therapy helps individuals identify and address underlying causes of their substance use disorders. Clients work one-on-one with a trained therapist or counselor to understand how their environment, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors may be contributing to their addiction.

Group Therapy Program

Group therapy helps individuals understand and address their substance use disorders in a supportive, nonjudgmental setting. Participants learn new skills for managing cravings and preventing relapse, and develop better communication and problem-solving strategies.

Mindfulness Meditation Therapy Program

Mindfulness meditation therapy helps individuals cope with cravings and reduce stress. During mindfulness meditation sessions, clients learn how to observe their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment or attachment.

12-Step Meetings in Portland

Following these guidelines gives individuals dealing with addiction structure to practice restraint and build their self-esteem. Although many people learn this model in a residential and inpatient treatment program, they can continue to use it for the rest of their lives. This is especially true if they join support groups after completing an addiction program. The majority of these groups use some variation of the 12 Steps. If you are looking for a 12-step meeting in the Portland area, contact Crestview Recovery to get information.

How Spirituality Is Part of the 12 Steps

The 12 Steps focus a lot on spirituality. However, you don’t need to be religious to follow the program. Instead, it correlates with a range of personal beliefs such as a disembodied or an embodied higher power. This higher power is the presence of God as each individual understands the concept. Some other correlations to spirituality include:

• The sense that life has a specific purpose
• An inclusive view that encourages social interaction
• Support for mental growth and evolution

Since these beliefs are spiritual rather than religious, many nonreligious people find 12-step recovery very helpful. It also allows various religions to interpret and adapt the model to their own needs.

Do the 12 Steps Work?

One of the reasons why the 12 Steps are so widely practiced is because they do work. Research shows that practices that support abstinence improve mental health. In turn, this improves the rate of recovery and prevents relapse. Having a group of people to support you in your recovery is essential.

Studies also show that such programs contribute to recovery over the long term. This is partly because rehabs and group therapy programs that use the 12 Steps give people somewhere to go when they need help. Although individuals with addictions learn the model during rehab, it can be hard to follow when they’re thrown back into the real world. Support groups that use the steps give them a place to get support so that they stay on the path of abstinence.

Stop letting addiction control your behaviors and decisions. You can take back control and live a healthy, sober life again. Call Crestview Recovery at 866.262.0531 to learn more about our addiction treatment programs.