What is the 12-Step Program?
The 12-step program originated with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the 1930s. Since then, it has grown to become one of the most popular methods for overcoming alcohol and drug addictions. At Wasatch Crest, we use the 12-step program in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as dual diagnosis, cognitive therapy, and experiential therapy, to help individuals who struggle with addictions achieve lasting recovery.
What are the 12 Steps of the 12-Step Program?
The original 12 steps, as outlined by Alcoholics Anonymous, are as follows:
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Because we believe that all treatment must be tailored to each individual’s unique needs, we help our residents understand how the 12-step program can help them personally. While we do not promote any specific religion or spirituality, we believe that spiritual healing is an important component of physical and emotional healing, and the structure and support offered in the 12-step program has been beneficial to many of our residents. We invite you to contact us today to learn more about the 12-step program and to find out how we can help you or your loved one overcome addiction.
