When thinking about achieving our goals in life, what is one of the first necessities that come to mind? Among other important factors, the foundation is arguably the most crucial. Being able to succeed requires a solid premise of support and encouragement. Understanding the requisite at hand and executing it is something that can not be done on one’s own.

Gaining a New Foundation

At 449 Recovery, 12-Step programs and the Twelve Steps are the foundation of our treatment services. We are all about the uniqueness of every client, and although we follow these steps to guide our program, no one is required to participate in a 12-Step program if they do not wish. We teach the message that every individual should live their life as authentically as possible, and our program will help them overcome their struggles.

Participating in a 12-Step program can be something clients learn to rely on and apply to their independent life as an adult outside of our treatment program. The Twelve Steps are spiritual in nature and were built with putting trust in a Higher Power in mind. Whether or not you are religious, the Twelve Steps can work for you.

Knowing the Twelve Steps

The phrase “12-Step programs” has been thrown around for years without any real clarity or insight into what they are. In a 12-Step program, individuals work the Twelve Steps in order to help themselves recover from addiction; recovery in 12-Step programs is a transformation of the mind, body, and spirit. Knowing and understanding the Twelve Steps can help individuals determine if 12-Step programs are a suitable path for their individual recovery journey.

Step One

“We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction and that our lives had become unmanageable.”

This can be a painful first step, as it is admitting that what you are doing on your is not maintaining a suitable life. Letting yourself feel these emotions will take you closer to the path you wish to be on.

Step Two

“We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

It is okay to ask for help when the burden of addiction has become too much. It can be challenging to admit that there are things that you can’t solve on your own, but you need to trust in the bigger picture.

Step Three

“We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.” 

Believing in something grander than your current situation can foster hope and optimism for your future. By realizing the worth and quality of life you deserve to live, you can transform yourself into the person you have always wanted to be.

Step Four

“We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”

Sometimes looking in the mirror can be difficult. You may not currently like the person you’ve become. No matter what, you are worthy and important, and you deserve to turn your life around.

Step Five

“We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”

Everyone makes mistakes, and a part of the healing process is to admit the wrongdoings you have committed to yourself and others.

Step Six

“We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”

Admitting that you are struggling means you need to be open to change. Certain routines, actions, and impulses are not working in your life anymore. You need to remove them before you can continue down the path of recovery.

Step Seven

“We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.”

Removing these shortcomings in your life will help you make changes for the better. You can create new, healthy routines that feed into positivity.

Step Eight

“We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.”

Rebuilding relationships that have been hurt during your addiction is a crucial factor in rebuilding your life. Making these efforts will show that you take accountability for the strain you have created. Reaching out to the people you’ve hurt doesn’t guarantee they will accept your apology, and you need to prepare yourself for any outcome. Just know that you did the best you could do.

Step Nine

“We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”

It may hurt people further to reach out after everything that happened; use your self-awareness to gauge the situation with each individual.

Step Ten

“We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.”

Taking accountability once and moving on will not prosper growth. You need to be prepared to check in with yourself and others frequently.

Step Eleven

“We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”

Take time for yourself and reflect on what you need to continue on your recovery journey.

Step Twelve

“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”

Continue to repeat these Twelve Steps. You can always take new approaches to them and mold them to different situations. Now that you have the knowledge of the Twelve Steps, you can also begin helping others work through their recovery.

12-Step programs were built on the foundation of working the Twelve Steps. The Twelve Steps can help you in your recovery journey as you work to maintain sobriety and change your life for the better. 449 Recovery knows that 12-Step programs aren’t for everyone, but they can help those who need them. Taking steps towards a healthier self and future is what you deserve. Facing your struggles alone is next to impossible, but building a foundation through friends, family, and treatment will give you your life back. Practicing these Twelve Steps can prove to be one of your best tools for dealing with addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, 449 Recovery is here for you. Located in Mission Viejo, California, we can help you heal and live the life you deserve. Call us today at (949) 435-7449 for more information on our program.