12-Step Recovery Program Principles at Origins
Addiction is a chronic, neurobiological disease that affects your mind, body, and spirit. Like other chronic diseases, it is a progressive illness; if left untreated, it can be fatal. But there is real hope for recovery and a new, more fulfilling life.
If you have struggled to stay sober on your own, support for long-lasting recovery can be found in regular participation in a 12-Step recovery program. 12-Step principles are helpful, practical guides for people with alcoholism and other addictions as well as their family members and loved ones. The philosophy is based on developing a relationship with a Higher Power, whatever that may be for you, and a connection within a helping fellowship that encourages an honest mindset and altruism. These fellowships facilitate a daily practice for sober and healthy living.
A Seamless Integration of Medical, Clinical, and Spiritual Services
In our addiction treatment centers, our goal is to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge, evidence-based medical, clinical, and spiritual services within this timeless recovery model. We understand that quality treatment addresses all aspects of a person, including the spiritual components of wellness.
The 12-Step recovery program is a spiritual program of action that can change your perception of life and bring new purpose into it. By connecting with a deeper sense of meaning, those in recovery can positively impact the lives of those around us.
We have found in clinical treatment that incorporating the 12-Step philosophy can be a vital part of permanent sobriety for many people. When you maintain the practices, including getting a sponsor and giving back, recovery is about more than relapse prevention – it is a pathway to an existence that is happy, joyous, and free.
For decades, twelve-step programs have served as a gateway into long-term recovery for those who have tried everything else. By focusing our attention on these principles, we set ourselves up for long-term success.
We encourage you to engage in this paradigm because:
- Community support is a vital foundation for life in sobriety.
- Those who actively work the Steps learn to receive as well as give support.
- Those in 12-Step recovery fellowships enjoy camaraderie without the use of alcohol or other drugs.
- 12-Step support also provides a path to recovery for family members through programs like Al-Anon, Alateen, and Adult Children of Alcoholics.
Recovery Principles and Origins’ Workbooks
Origins’ addiction treatment culture is deeply rooted in timeless recovery principles, which have consistently been shown to be the effective foundation for permanent sobriety in the lives of millions. A passionate emphasis on the 12-Step experience is one of several key programmatic features that sets Origins apart from most treatment providers. Our patients do more than learn about the 12-Step recovery program; they have an authentic, personal experience with it.
The 12-Step philosophy grew out of the development of practice and beliefs crafted by a group of fellow alcoholics. It is presented in the book, “Alcoholics Anonymous” (also known as “The Big Book”).
At Origins, we help you learn that:
- The 12-Steps are meant to be studied and practiced, not simply read.
- Full engagement in this spiritual program of action leads to sustained recovery.
- 12-Step practices continually bring new understanding and renewal during recovery.
- 12-Step recovery programs are spiritual organizations that offer freedom from the powerlessness of addiction.
We have developed an in-depth recovery principles curriculum that features Big Book lectures and 12-Step groups, and a series of Origins’ own 12-Step Workbooks. These workbooks walk you through the 12-Step principles in an educational and immersive way. We bring the Big Book to life in a way that empowers and motivates our patients to stay sober long-term.
A Spiritual Program, not a Religious One
The 12-Steps are a spiritual program of action, not a religious one. Our goal in this process is to help you learn how to connect with a Higher Power of your own understanding that can help guide your thoughts and actions. This means learning to operate by spiritual principles such as honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. Even if you’ve had exposure to 12-Step meetings before, we help you engage in spiritual practices, such as meditation and mindfulness training, that are critical components of clinical frameworks such as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Many people struggle with the concept of a Higher Power before they come to Origins. You do not need to be religious to enjoy these timeless recovery principles.
Abstinence-Based Recovery Through a 12-Step Recovery Program
Abstinence-based recovery, as the name suggests, focuses on complete abstinence from drug use, thereby breaking the cycle of addiction and dependency. To achieve remission from the disease of addiction, complete withdrawal of all mind-altering substances, including alcohol, is required.
Abstinence-based recovery teaches us how to live a life of freedom that no longer requires us to turn to mood or mind-altering substances to help change how we feel. The 12-Step recovery program is an abstinence-based program that offers a lifeline of support to anyone hoping to recover from addiction.
Support for the Entire Family
12-Step recovery is available not only for you but for your entire family. There are a number of groups based on the 12-Step philosophy, some of which focus on the person with a substance use disorder and others that guide families in their own recovery process. The fellowships include:
AA is the most widely available 12-Step recovery program, and meeting times and locations are easily found online. Our Continuum of Care staff provides recommendations for solution-based meetings with a solid foundation of support. Our hope is to familiarize you with 12-Step practices during your stay and connect you with 12-Step resources in your own communities.