12-Step Immersion For Veterans and First Responders

Perhaps the most well-known type of addiction treatment is the 12-step recovery program model. Popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous, the 12 Steps is a recovery program that breaks addiction recovery down into distinct steps in order to help people struggling with addiction systematically work through the effects of addiction. Today, it is still the most commonly used form of addiction treatment due to its proven effectiveness in helping people to achieve sobriety.

What is a 12-Step Rehab?

In a 12-step recovery program, addicts admit that they are powerless against their addiction. This surrender is a cornerstone of recovery as those battling with addiction understand that their problem has overwhelmed their sense of control, and they need help. Additionally, they realize that by relinquishing this control, they are giving their addiction over to a higher power. Though it is an act of surrender, this approach is still powerful for those struggling with addiction. They know that a higher power will give them the strength to fully understand who they are, make amends, and maintain life-long sobriety.

The 12-Step Model

In a 12-step recovery program, addicts admit that they are powerless against their addiction. This surrender is a cornerstone of recovery as those battling with addiction understand that their problem has overwhelmed their sense of control, and they need help. Additionally, they realize that by relinquishing this control, they are giving their addiction over to a higher power. Though it is an act of surrender, this approach is still powerful for those struggling with addiction. They know that a higher power will give them the strength to fully understand who they are, make amends, and maintain life-long sobriety. 

At its core, a 12-step recovery program operates on the belief that people with an addiction to drugs or alcohol can help each other to get sober and avoid relapse. These programs include regularly scheduled group meetings, where members are able to discuss where they are in their recovery, their experiences with sobriety, and get support for any difficulties they may be facing. It is also a place where members can celebrate achievements and milestones in their sobriety.

12-step recovery programs promote sobriety through abstinence and have been shown to help prevent relapse. In fact, the programs can reduce the risk of relapse by as much as 40 percent. They also have been shown to have a positive impact on members’ mental health, as the steps help provide much-needed structure and support.

The 12 Steps

What sets a 12-step recovery program apart from others is that people are typically members for life. The program not only guides their sobriety but allows them to sustain it long-term. The following are the 12-steps:

1. Admitting that you are powerless over substances, and that they have made you unable to manage your life.
2. Belief that a higher power can help you to achieve sobriety.
3. Agreeing to turn your life over to that higher power.
4. Taking a personal inventory of yourself and your morals.
5. Admitting the wrongs you have done to yourself, others, and your higher power.
6. Being ready to allow your higher power to help you change these wrongs.
7. Asking your higher power to change your shortcomings.
8. Making a list of the wrongs you have done to others, and being willing to ask for forgiveness.
9. Contacting these people to ask for forgiveness, unless doing so would harm them in any way.
10. Continuously monitoring your choices and actions for missteps, and admitting when you are wrong.
11. Connecting with your higher power via prayer, meditation, or whatever works best for you.
12. Carrying on the 12-step message to others in need of help.

While these steps were laid out specifically by Alcoholics Anonymous, they are also used by Narcotics Anonymous and other 12-step groups for those who are suffering from drug addiction.

12-Step Recovery Program for Veterans and First Responders

One of the most important parts of addiction recovery for Veterans and First Responders is finding a facility that understands the unique needs and underlying conditions that Veterans and First Responders often suffer from. Many Veterans and First Responders deal with co-occurring disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. At Sunrise Veterans and First Responders, we understand the complex interaction of addiction and mental health that Veterans often deal with. That is why our 12-step recovery program has been specifically designed to suit the needs of Veterans. Our program can provide useful skills and tools to support your sobriety, including:

• How to recognize and accept that you are experiencing a substance addiction and/or an underlying mental health condition.
• Self-awareness of the habits, feelings, and behaviors that are the result of your addiction, and how to change them in order to support long-term sobriety.
• Practice new, positive behaviors in order to build your self-esteem and
• independence.
• Self-acceptance for your shortcomings, and a new appreciation for your strengths. 
• Compassion for others who are also dealing with an addiction.
• Behaviors that support self-growth and learning through the rest of your life.

12-Step Recovery at Sunrise Veterans and First Responders

When it comes to choosing an addiction recovery program, many Veterans and First Responders are unsure of what treatment is going to be the best choice for them. Our team of addiction experts will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. As a Veteran, being able to undergo addiction treatment with others who understand your unique life experiences allows you to develop a strong support network. With our solution, living a substance-free life is well within reach. Contact Sunrise Rehab and Recovery today at (877)302-4333 to speak with a compassionate staff member.