12-Step Rehab Program in Colorado

What Is a 12-Step Rehab Program?

A 12-step rehab program is a structured approach to addiction recovery that has been helping individuals overcome substance abuse issues for decades. The program is based on the principles and structure of the original 12-step program–Alcoholics Anonymous.

12-step rehab programs provide a framework for those struggling with addiction to achieve and maintain sobriety through a series of steps and principles. The ultimate goal of a 12-step program is to help guide individuals through the process of acknowledging their addiction, taking responsibility for their actions, and working toward recovery.

What Are the 12 Steps?

While each 12-step program may be different in terms of the addiction that they address, they all follow the same core 12-step principles. We use 12 step programming in all our addiction treatment programs at Spero Recovery Center. These 12 steps provide a structured path to recovery and personal growth. While the wording may differ based on the program, the overall message remains consistent.

Below are the 12 steps:

1. Admitting Powerlessness: Acknowledge that you are powerless over your addiction and that your life has become unmanageable.
2. Belief in a Higher Power: Come to believe that a power greater than yourself can restore you to sanity.
3. Surrender: Make a decision to turn your will and your life over to the care of your higher power.
4. Self-Examination: Conduct a searching and fearless moral inventory of yourself.
5. Admitting Wrongs: Admit to your higher power, yourself, and another human being the exact nature of your wrongs.
6. Willingness to Change: Be entirely ready to have your higher power remove all these defects of character.
7. Humility: Humbly ask your higher power to remove your shortcomings.
8. Amends: Make a list of all persons you have harmed and become willing to make amends to them all.
9. Making Amends: Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when doing so would injure them or others.
10. Continued Self-Examination: Continue to take personal inventory and promptly admit when you are wrong.
11. Spiritual Connection: Seek through prayer and meditation to improve your conscious contact with your higher power, praying only for knowledge of your higher power’s will for you and the power to carry it out.
12. Service: Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, try to carry this message to others and practice these principles in all your affairs.

These 12 steps are designed to guide individuals through a process of self-discovery, personal growth, and spiritual development. They encourage accountability, honesty, and a commitment to a higher power, all of which are crucial for lasting recovery.

What is the Big Book?

Simply put, the Big Book is the book where the 12 steps listed above can be found. Officially titled “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism,” it was written by Bill Wilson and first published in 1939. Beyond just those 12 steps, the Big Book also contains personal stories of recovery, explanations of the 12 Steps, and insights into the principles of AA.

The Big Book serves as a source of inspiration, guidance, and support for individuals seeking recovery from alcohol addiction. It is often studied and referenced in AA meetings and has played a significant role in the success of the 12-step approach to recovery. The Big Book and our addiction resources at Spero Recovery Center can help you and your family throughout the recovery process.

How Long Does It Take To Complete a 12-Step Program?

12-step programs are designed to be continuous both during and after treatment so in reality the length of time it takes to “complete” the program is entirely up to how long the person wants to continue their participation.

While many people choose to continue to make their 12-step program an integral part of their life for the remainder of their days. Others may decide to stop going to meetings after a while or transition to a different type of support system.

Just like treatment and rehab, when it comes to participating in a 12-step program you only get out what you put in. Additionally, the program only works if you allow it to do so and go in with an open mind. It’s also important to remember that recovery is a lifelong journey, and there is no fixed timeline for healing.

What Religion is the 12 Steps?

12-step programs are non-denominational and therefore do not follow one specific religion. While these programs do mention a “higher power,” the concept of this higher power is left open to interpretation, allowing those from all different types of spiritual backgrounds and beliefs to participate.

Participants are encouraged to define their higher power in a way that is personally meaningful to them. This could be a traditional deity, the collective wisdom of the group, nature, or even the power of personal growth and self-improvement.

The steps themselves are also not tied to any particular religious doctrine. They emphasize principles like humility, surrender, self-examination, and service, which are universal values that can resonate with individuals from different religious backgrounds or even those who identify as atheists or agnostics.

Do I Have To Believe in God To Participate in a 12-Step Program?

As we just mentioned, there is no requirement to have a belief in God or any religious higher power for that matter to participate in a 12-step program. In fact, many people who do not believe in God in the traditional sense have had success participating in 12-step programs.

The emphasis in these programs is on surrendering to a power greater than oneself, which can be interpreted in a way that is meaningful to each participant. What’s crucial is a willingness to explore and develop a spiritual aspect of one’s life.

Find a 12-Step Rehab Program in Colorado at Spero Recovery Center

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and seeking help in Colorado, Spero Recovery Center offers comprehensive 12-step rehab programs to support your journey to recovery. Our experienced and compassionate team is dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting sobriety through the 12-step approach.

To learn more about our 12-Step Rehab Programs and to take the first step toward a healthier, sober life, please contact us today.