The 12 Steps of Addiction Recovery

The 12 Steps Programme has become synonymous with addiction recovery over the years, with many thinking of it as a first step towards addiction recovery. It gives clients a structured approach to their recovery, helping countless people find and stay sober post-rehabilitation. But how can it help?

At New Leaf Recovery, we believe in the power of this programme, setting out a clear and structured roadmap for individuals towards healing. For clients staying with us over longer periods of time (typically for 28 days), we work with you, adapting the programme to your needs in order to help you start your addiction recovery journey.

Seek help or advice today from New Leaf and make the journey towards the 12 steps of addiction recovery.

What Is The 12 Steps Programme in Addiction Recovery?

The 12 Steps Programme was derived from the experiences of 2 men in 1935. Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Smith, who founded Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), made it their goal to create a framework for those battling alcoholism, where they could find mutual support and spiritual growth. The principles of the programme, outlined in the ‘Big Book’ of AA, we based on the idea that addiction was a disease of the body, mind and spirit, and recovery for it required a holistic approach.

The original programme was explicitly focused on helping those who struggled with alcohol; however, its core principles proved to be so effective and adaptable that it was quickly utilised by other addiction support groups.

Today, the 12 Steps Programme is widely utilised for a number of differing forms of addiction, including drug or alcohol. It’s adaptability and evolution has made it relevant in addiction recovery today, still giving individuals a structured, universal pathway towards recovery.

Find out more about the 12 Steps Programme with at New Leaf Recovery today.

What Are The 12 Steps of Addiction Recovery?

The 12 steps of addiction recovery are more than just a checklist of actions, they represent a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, accountability and spiritual awakening as individuals learn more about the roots of their addictions and how to process their emotions in a healthy way. Each step guides individuals from a state of denial and feelings of powerlessness towards acceptable, growth and service.

The 12 steps of addiction recovery can be summarised as the following:

1. Honesty – admitted to yourself that you we powerless in the face of your addiction.
2. Faith – Coming to believe in a higher power. This can be God, nature, anything that you feel comfortable with.
3. Surrender – Giving over your will to the higher power you have found faith in.
4. Soul-Searching – Taking an inventory of yourself.
5. Integrity – Admit to yourself, to your higher power and to others the nature of your wrongdoings.
6. Acceptance – Accept and be ready to allow your higher power to strip away these defects.
7. Humility – Humbly ask for a removal of your shortcomings.
8. Willingness – Make a list of the people around you that have been hurt by your addiction and be willing to make amends with them.
9. Forgiveness – Approach and make amends with those whom you have hurt, except for when this may cause injure to yourself or others.
10. Maintenance – Continue to work on your self-inventory and admit when you have fallen short.
11. Connection – Sought a connection with your higher power through meditation or prayer, seeking knowledge and understanding of your purpose and power to fulfil it.
12. Service – Carrying the message of recovery to others in need whilst continuing to practice these principles in daily life post-rehab.

At New Leaf Recovery, we help you get started on this 12 step journey towards recovery, giving you guidance on how to continue progress post-rehabilitation. This does not leave you facing others alone! We provide guidance and support for everyone with our Aftercare sessions, helping you to continue navigating your way through each step and discover personal growth in the long run.

Seek support today with New Leaf. Contact our team for yourself or a loved one and let us help get the recovery journey started with you.

How Long Does The 12 Steps of Addiction Recovery Take?

Every client is their own unique individual. There is no specific time frame in which the 12 steps can or should be completed. As a deeply personal journey, the time in which it takes is also personal.

It is key to note that recovery doesn’t ‘stop’ as soon as you leave rehabilitation, it is a lifelong commitment and journey for everyone. The 12 Steps Programme has been designed to give individuals a set of principles by which to live their lives as they step into sobriety. It provides an ongoing support in which they can continue to find self-growth and acceptance throughout their lives.

When starting this programme at New Leaf Recovery, we take our time to work through the first series of steps with each client, at their own pace. Upon completion of your stay with us, you will be able to step into daily life with a series of goals, techniques and principles by which to live, helping you find a brighter future.

How Is The 12 Steps Programme Integrated Into Rehab?

At New Leaf Recovery, we know that to find true recovery, it is about more than just stopping substance use, it is about finding a brighter future post rehabilitation. We offer a range of holistic therapies that have been proven to help individuals find new ways of processing their emotions and overcoming their addiction. Our aim is to provide a range of rehabilitation therapies that integrate the 12 steps of addiction recovery, whilst also helping clients through challenges they face in recovery.

Our range of holistic therapies not only includes The 12 Step Programme, but other proven rehabilitation techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotional Freedom Techniques(EFT), Art Therapy, Meditation, Group sessions and much more. Each form of therapy helps clients to work through their emotions and challenges, taking time to process their thoughts and feelings, and find healthier ways of expressing them. More information on our full range of therapies can be found online.

As a private residential rehabilitation centre in Birmingham, New Leaf Recovery prides itself on offering clients a safe and supportive environment in which to work through detoxification and rehabilitation. We encourage all clients to participate in group sessions and find peers that they can build relationships with, creating communities which is the cornerstone of the 12 Steps Programme.

Seek Support with New Leaf Recovery

When struggling with addiction, this can leave you feeling isolated and powerless. It is important to remember that recovery & sobriety are possible! The 12 steps of addiction recovery provide a structured approach to recovery, helping individuals work through their addiction struggles and find a brighter, sober future.

At New Leaf Recovery, we work with every client to help and guide them through a medical detoxification and rehabilitation. Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can help and support you or your loved ones. We are available to call on 0300 999 0330 24/7 to provide confidential advice and support for everyone.

Start your recovery journey today with the 12 steps of addiction recovery.