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The 12-Steps are a set of guiding principles in addiction treatment that outlines a course of action for tackling problems associated with substance use disorder (SUD).
Although the 12-Steps refer to God, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA) are spiritual, not religious, programs.
The language emphasizes “God as we understood Him,” meaning that you can interpret the word God in any way you want.
You can also refer to God as a Higher Power if that language makes you more comfortable.
Typically, the only requirement for a Higher Power is that it be greater than yourself and loving.
Recovery is a lifelong process, meaning there is no right way to approach the Steps.
Most recovering addicts will revisit the 12-Steps as their recovery progresses and face new challenges.
However, Steps One, Two, and Three are considered the foundation of a 12-Step program and are recommended for daily practice.
Contrary to what people have said for a long time, 12-Step programs have significant outcomes.
A new study published by the medical journal Cochrane found that peer-led 12-step programs help people get sober and have higher rates of continuous sobriety than professional mental health therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
The study is significant because it dispels misinformation about the efficacy of the 12-step program, said lead author Dr. John Kelly, a professor of psychiatry and addiction medicine at Harvard Medical School.
“In the popular press, there have been reports of AA not working or even harmful for people,” he said. “So, we wanted to clarify the scientific picture to the highest scientific standard.”
The prominence of these programs and success stories from recovering substance users indicate that the 12-Steps are extremely effective in treating addiction. The 12-Step model provides support, encouragement, and accountability for people who want to overcome addiction.
Therapy is a treatment used to relieve emotional distress and address mental health problems. Those who provide therapy are trained psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, or licensed counselors.
Therapy involves examining and gaining insight into life choices and difficulties. The purpose of therapy is to explore feelings, behaviors, and thoughts to increase problem-solving skills or achieve higher levels of functioning. There are several different types of therapy, including:
Many people diagnosed with SUD are also diagnosed with mental health disorders. Even when both occur, it does not mean one caused the other.
Genetic vulnerabilities are common risk factors for developing mental health disorders and SUD. It is estimated that 40-60% of a person’s vulnerability to SUD is attributable to genetics.
It is also possible to pass down genes contributing to developing a mental illness. Both genetic predispositions can work hand-in-hand. For example, frequent marijuana use during adolescence is associated with an increased risk of psychosis in adulthood, specifically among individuals who carry a particular gene.
Certain mental health disorders are risk factors for developing SUD. Some people with mental illness may use substances as a form of self-medicating to relieve mental health symptoms.
When somebody develops a mental health disorder, the brain changes that occur increase the vulnerability for SUD. Substance use can lead to changes in brain parts associated with mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, anxiety, mood, or impulse-control disorders.
Drug use that begins before the first symptoms of mental illness can cause brain structure changes that lead to a mental illness.
Treatment of both mental health disorders and SUD is essential to long-term recovery. In a 12-Step program, you may discuss traumatic experiences in the Fourth Step, but you may not have any coping strategies to help you deal with them.
The emergence of trauma may cause feelings exacerbated by mental health issues. When your mental health disorder symptoms arise, you may experience cravings to relieve your emotions.
If you treat your mental health disorder but not your addiction, uncomfortable feelings may surface in therapy, and you have your coping strategies. Still, you do not have the support system that a 12-Step program provides for you to talk about any cravings or urges caused by these emotions.
When you treat both disorders, you are ensuring a happy, healthy life and an abundance of solutions.
Treating both mental health disorders and substance use disorder (SUD) is essential to ensuring long-term recovery. The 12-Steps, as outlined in Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, are strategies to help you with a course of action to tackle addiction.
12-Step programs also offer a support system for people who struggle with the same disease and understand addiction’s problems. Therapy is a form of treatment typically used to treat mental health disorders.
In therapy, you will learn to explore feelings and behaviors to develop problem-solving skills and achieve a higher level of functioning. When mental health disorders and SUD co-occur, treating them with a combination of the 12-Steps and therapy is best.
At Cornerstone Healing Centers, we bring together science and spirituality to help you along this process. Our facilities offer an introduction to the 12-Steps and therapy to begin your recovery journey.
For more information on treating co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction, call Cornerstone Healing Centers at (800) 643-2108.
Published On: 11/25/2020
Estil is the CEO/Founder of Cornerstone and has worked in the addiction recovery field for 12 years. He has served 5A.org as the organization’s’ Executive Director, Board Member and President. Estil has a passion to help people get sober utilizing abstinence-based recovery.
Karen is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years experience. She not only specializes in addiction, but is in recovery as well. Karen is our clinical director.
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