12-Step Immersion
All of the treatment programs here at Arbor Behavioral Healthcare center around the 12-Step Approach to addiction recovery. 12-Step Recovery has been proven successful for more than 80 years. The 12-Step approach began in the 1930s with Alcoholics Anonymous. Over the years, this approach has proven successful for many different addictive behaviors. So much so the steps are often referred to as the “12 steps to freedom” from addiction.
The core premise of 12-Step Recovery is that addiction is a progressive disease that must be acknowledged. Acceptance allows the person to educate themselves and begin the process of healing. An admission that the disease and behaviors that flow from the addiction have made your life unmanageable is the first step.
Participation in the 12-Step Recovery process includes:
- Recognition that a “higher power” gives you strength
- Studying your past wrongs and taking responsibility for them
- Making amends for past wrong where possible
- Learning to ask for help when needed
- Development and learning to live with a new code of behavior
- Contribution to the greater community by helping others who suffer from addictions
The “higher power” step is a sticking point for many people because it sounds religious and they may not practice any religion. However, there is no requirement that a “higher power” be a religious entity. There are many non-religious ways to interpret the concept, such as the power of the collective group. The important thing to remember here is that the 12-Step Recovery process works; it is possible to commit yourself to this belief process without a religious focus.