February 14 2019
The 12 step model of recovery is the highest standard in treating addiction. It is clinically supported, widely embraced and continues to be the dominant method for helping addicts around the world.
Here are the top 5 reasons it works.
1. Acceptance of the problem.
- It sounds obvious and it sounds easy, it is neither. Addiction thrives in states of denial. And denial is a powerful and persistent emotional mechanism. Denial reinforces an illusion of control. This sense of control makes recovery impossible because it prevents the growth of honest vulnerability and awareness which are essential in creating meaningful change.
- The 12 step model makes acceptance of the problem a core aspect of the system. It is important to underscore here that the acceptance we are referring to is not just a logical and rational acceptance of the situation, it is a deep and emotional acceptance. It is a form of surrender and letting go of excuses, control and denial which creates a fertile ground for authentic progress.
2. Accountability
- Accountability is all about putting structures in place to help support recovery. The 12 step model incorporates accountability by encouraging honest communication in the group, by the written and oral expression of goals and behavioural changes, and by focusing on how the individual is responsible for their actions.
- Accountability promotes connection and bonds of community. Because addiction thrives in isolation, creating accountability helps reinforce important social and emotional bonds which protect against challenging moments.
- Accountability is a double edged sword, as we are accountable for our challenges and our actions, so we are also empowered to become accountable for our success. The upside of accountability is the positive sense of accomplishment and well-being when we achieve.
3. Spirituality
- Spirituality is helping to see yourself as part of something bigger. It helps to create a more rewarding context for you to see yourself as existing within. In the 12 step system, spirituality is self-defined, so it isn’t religious unless that’s what appeals to you. It can be a sense that there is a moral framework in our world, that there is a creator, a unifying intelligence or anything that gives you more meaning.
- The development of a spiritual practice and spiritual reflection helps the individual gain perspective on their actions. It helps the individual develop a sense of purpose and strength. Humans have a deep and powerful need to be part of something bigger than themselves, and the spiritual work helps create an environment where that process can begin.
4. Self-reflection
- The 12 step model incorporates self-reflection at all stages and in all steps. Self-reflection is the very important inner work of looking at our actions and patterns in a thoughtful way. This process of self-reflection helps you notice how certain patterns might manifest in your life or how triggers develop and work against you. Self-reflection allows you to really see the ways in which you struggle with addiction, the areas that might link with addictive behaviour and as a result ways to address them.
- Self-reflection promotes inner strength and conviction because it helps you develop a healthier relationship with truth. Self-reflection allows us to learn from our mistakes, it makes it easier for us to communicate our inner life, it teaches us important things about ourselves, and it even improves empathy for others.
5. Giving Back, and Purpose.
- Supporting others on their journey is an essential aspect of all 12 step programs. This process of being supported and supporting others creates powerful relationships and social, emotional bonds. This formation of community serves to feed the inner life and emotional needs of people in recovery. Science has proven how important positive relationships are for our well-being. By making giving back an important component of the system, the 12 step model supports this aspect of emotional health.
- Giving back is also profoundly empowering. The act of helping others reaffirms your value, it provides positive psychological encouragement, it tells you that you matter and that you have an important role to play. All this helps develop positive responsibility and purpose, which in turn support healthy and positive emotions.
Each of these factors is a powerful tool for creating change. In a successful program these core aspects work together and support each other synergistically to build a powerful healing environment.
Drug and alcohol addiction is an equal-opportunity destroyer. Since 1990, the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) clinical team have excelled at helping adolescents and their families find their way out of the desperately hopeless pit of addiction. A leader in the field of addiction recovery, AARC continues to help youth and restore families through our fully accredited and internationally recognized treatment program in the heart of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.