Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) must develop healthy ways to manage mental, physical, and spiritual wellness to reduce the risk of relapse during treatment and ongoing recovery. Driftwood Recovery offers 12-Step facilitation (TSF) and 12-Step programs to help clients heal from the effects of SUD and mental health disorders. A 12-Step program can introduce clients to helpful groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
What Is 12-Step Facilitation?
12-Step facilitation introduces clients to the 12-Step philosophy and helps them feel comfortable with the idea of attending community-based self-help meetings during and after treatment. Many people do not know what to expect from 12-Step meetings, and fear of the unknown may stop them from taking advantage of the valuable recovery tool. TSF allows clients to engage with 12-Step groups in a controlled environment with the support and guidance of addiction recovery experts. Aspects of the Twelve Steps may be combined with traditional talk therapy to help clients become more familiar with the philosophy during individual or group therapy sessions.
The Role of 12-Step Programs in Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Many people with substance use disorder experience loneliness or social isolation. Social support is an essential part of maintaining positive mental health during recovery. 12-Step programs connect peers through mutual support and provide a sense of fellowship. According to Social Work in Public Health, “There are many paths to recovery from alcohol and SUDs, and one that has been [traveled] by many and is associated with positive long-term outcomes is involvement in 12-Step and mutual/self-help groups.”
Community-based self-help groups give individuals in recovery a place to do the following:
- Openly share experiences, celebrate successes, and discuss concerns
- Gain motivation for lasting sobriety through group accountability
- Discover and practice effective coping strategies
- Receive emotional support and validation
- Build a healthy support network
- Gain self-awareness and practice self-reflection
- Strengthen self-esteem and build self-confidence
- Access additional resources for supporting long-term recovery
- Gain purpose from mentoring others or volunteering in the community
TSF and 12-Step programs address some mental health concerns by promoting peer support and community engagement.
Addressing Dual Diagnosis in a 12-Step Approach
Individuals with substance use disorder often have co-occurring mental health conditions. A 12-Step approach provides support for both addiction and mental health recovery.
Some co-occurring mental health disorders 12-Step programs play a role in effectively managing include:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
12-Step programs provide individuals with practical tools for regulating emotions and managing stress. Community engagement also gives some people a sense of purpose and meaning. Finding healthy ways to improve mental health during treatment for SUD helps clients sustain sobriety.
How 12-Step Programs Aid in Sobriety and Recovery
12-Step programs support sobriety and long-term recovery by providing individuals with a safe space to share their experiences, gain encouragement and inspiration, and learn essential coping skills. Meetings also offer additional tools for relapse prevention to individuals in early recovery.
Some of the primary benefits of combining a 12-Step approach with comprehensive addiction recovery treatment include:
- A structured support system with specific steps for achieving recovery goals
- Regular meetings and accountability
- A sense of community and belonging
- Spiritual and personal growth
- Improved emotion and mood regulation
- Enhanced motivation and resilience
Driftwood Recovery offers multiple treatment options with 12-Step integration, including residential, intensive outpatient, and aftercare programs. 12-Step programs promote healthy behaviors and positive ways of thinking about recovery. Meetings support sobriety beyond treatment and provide individuals in recovery with a supportive community of peers.
The Role of 12-Step Programs in Addiction Recovery
Residential and intensive outpatient programs at Driftwood Recovery use the 12-Step philosophy and other therapeutic tools to guide clients through the process of recognizing the need for change and healthier lifestyle choices. Clients attend 12-Step meetings when appropriate and receive guidance on group etiquette to prepare them for attending meetings during ongoing recovery. Clinicians ensure clients feel comfortable with the idea of attending meetings before transitioning into continuing care.
Why 12-Step Meetings Are a Key Component of Recovery Programs
Some of the reasons 12-Step meetings remain a key component of recovery programs include:
- The 12-Step model emphasizes acknowledging limitations and asking for help
- Meeting environments facilitate openly sharing experiences without fear of judgment
- Promotes honesty and transparency
- Builds routine, consistency, and stability
- Promotes self-acceptance
- Reinforcing new routines to support lifelong sobriety
- Providing a sense of hope
- Strengthening emotional intelligence
12-Step programs offer individuals a firm foundation for future healing by providing consistent feedback and support.
The Importance of Community and Support Systems in 12-Step Programs
Community support is essential to recovery and a central part of the treatment experience at Driftwood Recovery. All clients can participate in TSF and 12-Step meetings during treatment. Community-based support services fill gaps in client care during early recovery. Everyone encounters challenges and setbacks in their lives. 12-Step meetings and programs help people address these issues before they can negatively impact sobriety and mental health.
Exploring 12-Step Programs at Driftwood Recovery
Clients are encouraged to try 12-Step programs to ensure they feel comfortable taking advantage of local community support services and programs in aftercare. Driftwood Recovery educates clients and their loved ones on the importance of maintaining recovery goals through community-based services and programs. Some individuals may not have the time or resources to attend private therapy after treatment. Free community-based self-help groups can provide critical motivation and guidance.
Many people with substance use disorder benefit from attending 12-Step meetings and other community-based self-help groups. Driftwood Recovery offers 12-Step programs tailored to the needs of clients recovering from chronic substance abuse or dual diagnosis. To learn more about our services, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.
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