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The 12 steps are meant to be defined and interpreted in the way that is best for you as a recovering individual. However, there are some rules concerning their order, depending on whom you ask. Call
800-948-8417
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today to discuss AA or to find professional rehab centers that will cater to your needs.
Interpreting the 12 Steps Your Way
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the effectiveness of AA and its 12 steps is “believed to be maximized the more a client can personalize the concepts expressed by the steps in her own life.”
However, there are certain parts of the program that do need to be taken in order. This is why there is some confusion over whether or not one must take the 12 steps exactly as they are.
It is still important to interpret the 12 steps in your own way and create the best recovery program for your needs. In traditional rehab, patients work with their addiction team to develop an individualized treatment plan that is based on their specific needs and personal experiences to help them recover safely and effectively.
Step One Must Occur First
Your first step must be to accept that your alcohol abuse has gotten out of your control and that you accept the fact that you require help to recover.
If you attempt to go through the other actions first, you may not have the commitment to stop drinking and give up on your recovery altogether. Without the commitment to the first step, your chances of relapse are high.
“Acceptance, which includes the realization that drug addiction is a chronic, progressive disease over which one has no control,” is necessary for a safe, strong and rational recovery. This must occur before any other steps can begin.
You Don’t Want to Get Stuck
Those who feel like they absolutely must take the steps in order sometimes get stuck on one and then end up struggling. They often will start to feel like the program isn’t for them and quit.
Therefore, moving on to different aspects of the program can be beneficial and even allows some relief during these times of bafflement.
For example, if you have not been able to make a full list of individuals to whom you need to make amends (step 8), you can move on and talk to the ones on your list (step 9) and go back and forth as needed.
AA Can Help You Recover
AA is an extremely beneficial treatment option for alcoholism recovery. Call
800-948-8417
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to find a rehab program that offers the services you need and also incorporates the 12 steps as a part of their comprehensive alcohol use disorder treatment program.
Cary brings over three decades of nursing expertise as an LPN and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. She is also working towards a Master’s degree focused on public health policy. Her professional journey has been dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities for both adults and children.
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