People seeking recovery in West Palm Beach are probably looking at a variety of options including 12-Step programs. When looking into a treatment plan, it is important to consider all aspects of treatment. This includes not only initial treatment with detox and inpatient rehab but aftercare and maintenance too.
12-Step rehab programs benefit people during and after treatment. Many facilities in West Palm Beach offer treatment based on the tenants of the 12-steps and encourage active participation in these fellowships. These programs teach people important skills on how to get sober and help them build strong sober support networks. This makes maintaining sobriety easier and promotes life-long recovery.[1]
What are 12-Step Rehab Programs?
12-Step rehab centers around 12 different steps outlined in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that a person works through in order to recover from alcohol or drug addiction. They undergo these steps with the guidance of a sponsor. A sponsor is someone who has previously completed the program and now helps people who are new. Basically, people who struggled with addiction and successfully recovered now pass their knowledge and skills on to someone else who needs help.
There are a wide variety of 12-Step fellowships available. There are programs for people struggling with addiction as well as other issues, such as eating disorders. They are able to be used so widely because their methods are so effective in treating varying addictions like drugs, alcohol, food, and gambling.[1] Available programs for drug and alcohol addiction include:
- Alcoholics Anonymous [AA]
- Cocaine Anonymous [CA]
- Narcotics Anonymous [NA]
- Heroin Anonymous [HA]
Benefits of 12-Step Rehab Programs
Although these programs have different names, they all follow the same basic structure. That is to focus on addressing cognitive, behavioral, spiritual, and physical health in order to achieve recovery.[2] 12-Step rehab centers in West Palm Beach promote 12-Step participation and introduce clients to local meetings. Here are the different ways people can benefit from being introduced to the 12-Steps in rehab.
Community Support
Community support is a major benefit of participating in a 12-Step treatment program. It is essential in recovery to maintain abstinence and reduce the risk of relapse for long-term, sustained recovery.[3] Groups like AA and NA allow individuals to connect with other people in the community who have struggled or are currently struggling with the same addiction issues as them during 12-Step meetings. These meetings allow people to build strong sober support networks, which helps them maintain sobriety for long periods of time.
Coping Skills
Part of the 12-Steps of these programs is to teach useful coping skills. People learn to rely on a Higher Power and other people in the program instead of on drugs and alcohol to get them through difficult times.[3] The steps also give people the opportunity to work on past behaviors that fueled their addiction and change them to better, more positive behaviors.
This is done when working through the steps. People build spiritual foundations and are encouraged to act selflessly and help other people.
Accountability
When attending 12-Step meetings regularly, attendees get used to seeing certain people there. If a regular attendee does not show up for a meeting, others notice and will call or check on them to make sure they are OK. People are also encouraged to have something called a homegroup.
A homegroup is a meeting people agree to attend, participate in, and contribute to on a weekly basis. If a person misses a homegroup without calling or letting someone know they won’t be there, other members will check on them to make sure they are safe and didn’t relapse. This holds people accountable and encourages regular attendance at these meetings.
Acceptance and Understanding
12-Step meetings foster an environment of acceptance and understanding. This is very important for people in recovery. It gives them a place to go where they can meet other people like them and share their struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. They will meet other individuals that they relate to who will help them with ongoing problems in recovery. This connection promotes feelings of acceptance and belonging.
Long-Term Sobriety
All aspects of programs like AA, NA, and CA are meant to promote long-term sobriety. These fellowships provide individuals with all the tools that they need to be successful. When utilized in conjunction and as aftercare in addiction treatment, 12-Step rehab programs enable people to stay sober for long periods of time and in some cases, their entire lives.[2]
12-Step meetings promote community support and accountability, teach coping skills, and foster environments of acceptance and understanding in order for people to maintain sobriety. By encouraging people to continually work on their addiction issues after receiving higher levels of treatment, these programs help countless people recover from drug and alcohol addiction.
Getting Help for Drug and Alcohol Addiction in West Palm Beach
Many people find starting a 12-Step drug and alcohol rehab program to be intimidating and others need a higher level of care in order to achieve sobriety. At Mandala in West Palm Beach, Florida, we are here to guide you through the steps of recovery. People getting sober for the first time require a medical detox to make sure they quit safely. After detox, physical separation from drugs and alcohol in inpatient rehab is incredibly useful to get started on the journey to recovery.
The staff at Mandala in West Palm Beach take a whole-person approach when treating addiction. During inpatient rehab, our licensed counselors will provide individual, group, family, and holistic therapy to address the root causes of the addiction and help people heal. In the meantime, individuals are introduced to 12-Step meetings in the area to begin their recovery.
If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about treatment, speak with one of our dedicated treatment professionals today.