What Are the 12 Steps of Recovery?

One of the biggest challenges in recovery is understanding the process and what it entails. The 12 steps of recovery are a framework that offers guidance on this journey. For some, working the steps is a lifelong commitment. For others, however, it may be a shorter process. But regardless of how long it takes, these 12 steps can provide a roadmap to a life in recovery.

The 12-step rehab program at Red Oak Recovery^® is a vital part of our program and is designed to help our clients overcome their addiction, achieve sobriety, and live a healthy and worthwhile life. Call us at 866.457.7590 today to learn more.

What Are The 12 Steps of Recovery?

The 12 steps of recovery are a structured set of guidelines initially developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), founded by Bill Wilson, as a means to help individuals struggling with alcoholism to recover from their addiction and achieve lasting sobriety. These steps entail a comprehensive process that encourages personal growth, self-reflection, and mutual support among peers.

Since their inception, the 12 steps have been adapted for use in various other addiction recovery programs, tailored to address issues such as sex addiction, gambling addiction, and drug addiction. Each program integrates the core philosophy of the 12 steps while catering to the specific needs and challenges of its participants.

Not An Inherently Religious Program

There exists a common misconception that the 12 steps are inherently a religious program. However, this isn’t accurate. While the steps are indeed spiritual in nature, emphasizing the importance of a higher power and personal transformation, they are not affiliated with any particular religion. This spiritual framework is designed to be inclusive, allowing people of all faiths — or even those with no faith — to benefit from working through the steps.

The versatility and adaptability of the 12 steps have made them a cornerstone of addiction recovery, providing a pathway to hope, healing, and a healthier life for countless individuals across the world. Whether applied in the context of group meetings, one-on-one counseling, or personal introspection, the 12 steps offer a supportive and effective approach to overcoming addiction.

12 Steps of Addiction Recovery

The 12 steps of addiction recovery can provide a much-needed sense of structure and support for people who are struggling with addiction. They can also help to:

• Break the cycle of addiction
• Build a foundation for sobriety
• Address underlying issues that contribute to addiction
• Promote healthy coping and problem-solving skills
• Enhance relationships
• Increase self-awareness
• Increase self-esteem
• Encourage spiritual growth

The steps can be worked through in an individual or group setting. Many people find it helpful to work with a sponsor (someone who is also in recovery and has worked through the steps themselves).

12 Steps of Recovery

Now that we know what the 12 steps of recovery are, let’s take a closer look at each one.

When working on the 12 steps of addiction recovery, it is important to keep in mind that this is a process, not a destination. The goal is to live a life in recovery, one day at a time.

The steps of recovery are as follows:

1. We admitted we were powerless over our addiction and that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this power.
4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. We admitted to ourselves, to another human being, and to our Higher Power, the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. We were entirely ready to have our Higher Power remove all these defects of character.
7. We humbly asked our Higher Power to remove our shortcomings.
8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. We continued to take personal inventory of ourselves and, when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
11. We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with our Higher Power, praying only for knowledge of its will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others suffering from addiction and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Get the Help You Need at Red Oak Recovery^® Today

Red Oak Recovery^® offers a comprehensive addiction program that includes the 12 steps as well as other evidence-based treatment modalities. Our program is individualized to meet the unique needs of each client. We also offer a wide range of amenities and services to support our clients in their journey to recovery. Call us at 866.457.7590 today or use our online contact form to learn more.