Making the 12 Steps Work for You

You may not be the life of the party or the outgoing type, but when it comes to addiction recovery, developing a healthy social life is critical. Twelve-Step meetings can provide a social support network that will help people in early recovery avoid relapse and continue working their program.

The Benefits of 12-Step Meetings

Why do so many recovering addicts and addiction recovery programs swear by the 12 Steps? Because research has shown that the 12-Step approach works. Millions of people have used the 12 Steps to overcome denial, admit their powerlessness, make amends to those they’ve hurt and develop a connection with a higher power.

In addition to being highly effective, 12-Step meetings are free and widely available in cities all over the world. At meetings, people in recovery witness the courage and honesty of others and find those qualities in themselves. They also hear other people’s stories, which helps them overcome denial and feel less alone.

Even if you’ve never been a socialite, people in recovery benefit from spending time with others who have recovered from addiction. Not only can they provide support in moments of temptation, they can also serve as role models who have overcome addiction in their own lives. Seeing the success of others – and knowing that life can still be fun and interesting without drugs or alcohol – may give you hope and confidence that you can do the same.

Seeing the struggles of others in recovery can also be eye-opening. If you’re feeling strong and wondering whether you could start using recreationally after a certain amount of time, you can see how that kind of thinking has led others to relapse.

When drug cravings and temptations arise, the last thing people in recovery need is to be alone. Even a quick phone call or word of encouragement from someone who has been there can make the difference between relapse and one more day of sobriety. The people you meet may even have a few ideas for handling tough situations that you hadn’t considered.

At 12-Step meetings, you won’t feel judged, criticized or ashamed, and you may even begin to feel “normal” again. In a room full of recovering addicts, chances are someone has been where you’ve been before.

Twelve-Step meetings are also a place where complete honesty is welcomed and even expected. If you ever feel unsafe, either emotionally or physically, 12-Step meetings can be a refuge. After a meeting or talking with a sponsor, the craving to use may subside and you may be ready to re-commit to your recovery.

Getting Involved

While the 12 Steps can help anyone in recovery, the usefulness of meetings depends on finding a group that makes you feel comfortable and that is convenient enough that you’ll keep going. The options are endless so keep searching and asking for recommendations until you find a group that you really connect with.

Once you find the right group and feel comfortable, get actively involved rather than just listening. By contributing to the discussion, you can feel the release that comes with sharing your story and also get feedback from others.

If others offer to help, accept their generosity and offer to do the same when you feel ready. This give-and-take exchange is part of the benefit of 12-Step involvement. Beyond general support, you should also get a sponsor who can guide you through the 12 Steps and give you a broader perspective on addiction recovery.

As part of your commitment to recovery, attend meetings regularly and especially at times when you feel most tempted to use drugs or alcohol. Over time, you can attend fewer meetings, but most experts recommend continued involvement both for your own benefit and to help others.

If you need support, the 12 Steps offer a new way of life. Recovery is an opportunity to live a purposeful life in which you choose to be the best person you can be on a daily basis. Rather than going through the motions and letting life pass by, recovering addicts have done the work to discover who they are and what they want out of life.