The basic premise of the 12-Step model is that people can help one another achieve and maintain abstinence from the substances or behaviors to which they are addicted. They can do this through meetings in which they share their experiences with one another and support each other in the ongoing effort of maintaining abstinence. In research, as seen in a recent article from the journal Addiction Research and Theory, abstinence practices (as supported by 12-Step programs) can account for high levels of what experts call flourishing, which is positive mental health and can contribute to longer-term recovery. In the study, those who maintained abstinence were more likely to flourish in the long-term, with 40.7 percent flourishing after three months (as compared to 9.3 percent languishing) and nearly 40 percent flourishing after 12 months (compared to 12.4 percent languishing).
Based on this study, those who abstain altogether from substances – as advised in the 12-Step model – have better mental health outcomes than those who don’t abstain. The 12-Step model gives people a framework from which to surrender their addiction, process their experience, and move forward into new patterns. As described in an article on Psych Central called Recovery Using the 12 Steps, following the model assists an individual by helping build the following mental and emotional transformative practices and tools:
- The ability to recognize and admit that one is experiencing an addiction problem
- A surrender to the fact that the addiction exists and a decision to seek control through an outer guide
- Self-observation and awareness of the behaviors that were part of and arose from the addiction, as well as those that
help promote self-restraint
- A chance to practice that restraint and build self-esteem in one’s positive capabilities
- Achievement of self-acceptance and the ability to change behaviors
- Compassion, both for those who have been affected by the addiction and for others who similarly struggle with addiction
- Tools that make the process a continual practice throughout the individual’s life
By providing these experiences and tools, the 12-Step model can be a method for change in many types of behavior. As a result, it can help individuals who wish to overcome addiction to find a path to recovery.
Here are the 12 Steps.
