Transformative Healing Through
12-Step Treatment
Program Introduction
The 12-Steps Explained
Recovery Centers of America embraces the 12-Steps and other mutual support programs as an effective approach to continued recovery, particularly when combined with other addiction treatment approaches such as behavioral therapies, psychiatric care, and medication-assisted treatment (also called medication for addiction treatment) when clinically appropriate. At RCA, an immersive 12-Step curriculum is offered as a component of individualized treatment plans.
Origins of the 12-Step Method
First developed in 1935 by Bill Wilson & Dr. Bob during the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the 12-Steps are a program of recovery designed to help individuals suffering from alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorders achieve sustained recovery.
The 12-Steps outline a path to spiritual progress through a series of actions designed to elicit what The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous refers to as a “psychic change”—a complete mental, emotional, and spiritual shift in perception.
Working the Steps
What Are the 12-Steps?
The 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 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 doing 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 results of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs
Getting Started
To help patients who have minimal or no knowledge of the 12-Step addiction treatment approach, we apply the research-based and thoroughly tested Open Doorways toolkit developed by the Treatment Research Institute (TRI) in Philadelphia. This method of introduction guides patients through a series of interactive sessions, including:
Asking Questions About the 12-Steps
This introduces the steps and allows patients to voice any questions and concerns. The 12-Step approach encourages reliance on a spiritual foundation, but many groups give individuals the freedom to choose their own version of a “Higher Power.” This choice often helps patients let go of any religious resentments or preconceived prejudices toward spiritual practices.
The First 3 Steps
Patients are introduced to the first three Steps They’ll explore themes of acceptance, powerlessness, and surrender. They’ll reflect on what a Higher Power means to them and learn to recognize defense mechanisms that keep them stuck in addictive patterns.
Finding the Right Fit
This session encourages patients to attend a 12-Step meeting to join a group that may be instrumental in the patient’s "community of recovery."
Sponsorship and Making Connections
Here, patients become familiar with the sponsor relationship and are taught the importance of making connections with others.
Building Healthy Relationships
This session helps patients develop a further understanding of the 12-Steps and encourages them to attend meetings and work the steps.
We're Here For You
Our Treatment Advisors are available 24 hours a day to help you or a loved one access care. We’re ready to make sure you have the support you need to achieve lifelong recovery.
How The 12-Steps Fit into The System of Care
At Recovery Centers of America, our comprehensive System of Care is designed to address all aspects of a patient’s addiction and recovery journey. This includes incorporating a 12-Step curriculum into each patient’s individualized treatment plan. Daily meetings are available, and patients are encouraged to find a sponsor and work the steps with their support.
