Why The 12-Step Recovery Method Still Matters, Today
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a primary, chronic disease of the brain that manifests biologically, psychologically, and socially. Addiction isn’t simply a social issue – it’s also a medical and public health problem. And, like any other health problem, getting a diagnosis is crucial in receiving treatment. Because, and it’s important to stress this: with proper treatment, recovery is entirely possible for those suffering with addiction.
The nature of recovery not only implies improvement, but also remission. And, at the center of any recovery process is, typically, the concept of hope. There’s a hope for healing, and one recovery activity that employs hope is the 12-step recovery process.
If you or someone you know are ready to take the first step toward recovery, read on for why a 12-step program is one of the key methods. You may be surprised at just how much a 12-step program will benefit the individual and those around them.
The importance of seeking treatment for addictions
The American Society of Addiction Medicine has endorsed the fact that addiction treatment truly saves lives. Whether physically or socially, the effects of seeking and completing treatment for an addiction can restore your life to a healthier, more rewarding state. And, while medical treatments can certainly help when coupled with psychotherapy, experts maintain that psychosocial interventions are the basis for successful treatment.
The origins of American addiction treatment
In America, traditional addiction treatment originates from chronic mental disease treatment as well as peer-support programs. Even though the 12-step method originated almost a hundred years ago, it remains a tried-and-true method for treatment to this day.
In the 12-step program, the facilitating therapist actively encourages not just attendance, but meeting participation. These programs also promote sponsorships, explore problems or psychological resistances, and promote volunteer service.
What specialists conclude about the 12-step approach
Countless addiction specialist physicians maintain that recovery treatments rooted in psychosocial therapy are most effective. While modern and novel breakthroughs in treatment, especially biological, can be effective, some addiction medicine physicians remain concerned.
12-step recovery targets the psychology of the individual
A 12-step recovery activity focuses on the person’s psychology, in addition to their values and relationships with others. Change starts with the person accepting that something is not right in their life, and being willing to work to correct it. Twelve-step programs also emphasize that seeking help and asking questions are key parts of healing.
Listening and taking guidance are key in recovery
Twelve-step programs are all about listening and being receptive to guidance from a peer or mentor. These programs focus on values and acknowledge that addiction is a disease and not a weakness. People in the program are encouraged to review their lives and past actions in order to make amends when appropriate.
It’s all about being better when it comes to recovery
The main goal of recovery is to change a person’s life for the better, increase functionality, and gain stability. Recovery includes developing responsibility, increasing interest, becoming more reliable, and becoming a loving person.
Ready to take your recovery to the next level? Reach out to us at Serenity Springs Recovery Center, and ask about our 12-Step program. With nearly a decade’s worth of experience and a well-rounded recovery system, hope is just a few clicks away, at Serenity Springs.
