It’s nearly impossible to talk about addiction treatment without discussing 12-step support groups. Before addiction treatment facilities, the only options entirely focused on addiction were 12-step support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. Now that there are so many options for getting sober, you might think 12-step support groups are outdated and unnecessary. The truth is that peer support recovery groups can add a great deal of value to your recovery, especially when paired with treatment. If you’re looking for a way to break free from your addiction, Nashville Treatment Solutions is here to help. We have a full range of programs that allow us to enable you to leave drugs behind. In addition, we have a wide range of programs that employ evidence-based therapies to help you connect with your recovery.
What Are 12 Step Support Groups?
Alcoholics Anonymous was created in 1935 with the only requirement for membership, and that is a “desire to stop drinking.” Alcoholics Anonymous is not, and never has been, run by licensed professionals. Instead, it is managed by the members themselves with the understanding that the individual sharing of “experience, strength, and hope” will benefit the collective. While Alcoholics Anonymous is the original 12-step support group, it’s far from being the only one. Using the Alcoholics Anonymous model as a template, many peer support recovery groups have been created. Today you will find a myriad of 12-step support groups, including:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- Cocaine Anonymous
- Marijuana Anonymous.
- Heroin Anonymous
- Crystal Meth Anonymous
- Pills Anonymous
There are also 12-step groups for those who have a loved one who is an addict or alcoholic. Al-Anon provides support to the friends and families of alcoholics. Also available is Alateen, to support teens affected by someone’s alcoholism or addiction. Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families (ACA) is aimed at men and women who grew up in dysfunctional homes. Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step program meetings are free and can be found in every country globally. Each group is self-supporting and has its own unique personality. You may find that you visit many groups before you find the one that fits best with you.
How Are 12 Step Support Groups Used in Addiction Treatment?
When you attend treatment, you will attend a variety of skills and process groups. Some will focus on developing coping skills, while others will focus on life skills. Often, a local chapter of a 12-step support group will bring a meeting to a treatment center. The members will do this for two primary reasons. First, members of 12-step recovery groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous believe that they must share their sobriety to keep it. Second, peer support recovery groups rely on performing acts of service. By bringing meetings to treatment facilities, individuals are actively maintaining their sobriety while extending a hand to others trying to find their way of the isolation of addiction.
How Nashville Treatment Solutions Can Help
At Nashville Treatment Solutions, we believe that everyone’s recovery journey is unique, and we tailor treatment plans for you or your loved one. Our facility offers various types of addiction treatment including a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which can be followed with our Outpatient Counseling (OP). In addition, at Nashville Treatment Solutions, we understand the importance of having a plan for maintaining your recovery after treatment, and we believe that 12-step recovery groups can play a significant role. Connect with us today to see how we can best support you and your loved one in the journey to sobriety.
