The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
12 Step recovery is a very important part of the treatment process at The Arbor. One of the many benefits of a 90 day inpatient program is the opportunity to work all 12 Steps while in treatment. Each client is guided through the steps with the help of their counselor and the Recovery Manager. Clients attend several off-site as well as on-site 12 Step meetings each week. The 12 Step Recovery Groups at The Arbor help clients understand the philosophy and intent behind each of the Steps and how to incorporate each one into daily living. These groups are very valuable and a core part of our program.
The first 12 Step recovery program began with Alcoholics Anonymous, founded in the 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. The 12 Step recovery concept has since grown to be an internationally accepted approach to helping people recover from alcoholism, drug abuse and a wide variety of other addictive, compulsive or dysfunctional behaviors.
The Program consists of 12 guiding principles or steps outlining an action plan. Meant to be worked sequentially, the steps are a psychological and spiritual process that facilitate healing, happiness and wholeness. Individuals who embark 12 Step recovery usually work on one specific addiction or problem at a time, along with help of a counselor, mentor or 12 Step sponsor. The process is summarized in the American Psychological Association Dictionary of Psychology (2007):
- admitting that one cannot control one’s addiction or compulsion
- recognizing a higher power that can give strength
- examining past errors with the help of a sponsor (experienced member)
- making amends for these errors
- learning to live a new life with a new code of behavior
- helping others who suffer from the same addictions or compulsions
Since the introduction of the steps by Alcoholics Anonymous, hundreds of programs have been developed utilizing an adaptation of the original steps. While the program is not meant to be religious, a critical component of a successful outcome is a spiritual awakening as a result of of working all 12 Steps. This is a distinct advantage for the clients who choose The Arbor for their recovery.
