The Pros & Cons Of 12-Step Programs For Addiction Recovery

The 12 steps of addiction recovery are widely used by addiction treatment programs and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). 

“The Big Book” of AA was written in 1939 and detailed the 12-step recovery process. Since then, it’s helped many people overcome drug or alcohol addiction and heal their lives.

But the 12-step approach doesn’t work for everyone. If you’re exploring addiction treatment options, know the pros and cons of 12-step programs.

The Pros Of 12-Step Programs For Addiction Recovery

Twelve-step programs provide a clear path to recovery on which you can see your progress. They guide you in healing yourself and others from the psychological and relational damage that addiction can cause. 

There are unique aspects to the 12-step model that make all the difference for some people.

They’re Not About Trying Hard Enough Or Being Good Enough

The 12 steps prompt you to admit powerlessness over addiction and turn to a higher power for healing. It’s not about having enough willpower to stop drinking or doing drugs. 

For many people, the idea that they have to heal themselves comes with blame and leads to failure. Leaning on a higher power takes the pressure off of you and gives you hope instead.

They Can Be Religious, Or Not

The 12 steps are often used in Christian faith-based recovery programs and fit nicely with the belief that God’s help is essential for healing.

But the higher power is referred to as “God as we understand Him.” So if you aren’t religious, you can still find a source of energy outside of yourself, such as the universe or the program itself.

They Support You In Recovery

In a 12-step program, you’re not on your own. They involve support groups that allow you to share your progress with others who struggle with alcohol abuse or drug addiction. 

Groups like AA and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer regular 12-step meetings that allow you to interact with people who have the same type of addiction. Connecting with others, rather than isolating, can be invaluable in addiction recovery.

These groups pair you with a sponsor who’s been sober for at least five years. Sponsorship gives you someone you can turn to when you feel the urge to use drugs or alcohol—someone who’s made it through to the other side of addiction.

They’re Often Free

The 12 steps are the foundation of many free rehab programs. NA or AA meetings are also free, or they ask for a small donation. 

The Cons Of 12-Step Programs For Addiction Recovery

Many 12-step programs have limited treatment options or offer no other treatment besides 12-step support groups. This one-size-fits-all approach isn’t the most effective care for most people struggling with addiction. 

They See Addiction As A Moral Failure

Twelve-step programs view addiction as a moral failure rather than a disease. This viewpoint works for some people but not for others. 

Addiction changes brain structure, making you crave drugs or alcohol. Blaming yourself if you can’t stop substance abuse makes you feel bad about yourself, which is more likely to lead to relapse than recovery.

They Aren’t Based On Self-Empowerment

The first of the 12 steps is admitting your powerlessness over addiction. Step two is believing that a higher power can get you out of it. Step three is turning your will and life over to God. 

It’s not about taking control of your own life. This belief system might not work for atheists or people who value self-reliance and empowerment.

They Don’t Address Physical Healing

Twelve-step programs focus on building a relationship with a higher power and making amends for the wrongs you’ve done to others. They address spiritual and psychological issues, but not physical healing. 

Addiction takes a profound toll on the body as well as the mind. If you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol and stop using them, you’ll have withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms are dangerous and may be life-threatening. 

A safe detox plan should be the beginning of your recovery process. Exercise and nutrition are also vital aspects of healing the body that should be incorporated into addiction treatment.

They Require Socialization

Connecting and communicating with others is foundational to a 12-step program. If you have social anxiety disorder (social phobia) or another mental issue that makes socialization scary or stressful, a 12-step program may not be for you.

We Don’t Know Their Success Rates

The anonymity of AA and NA doesn’t allow scientific research into individual recovery success through these programs. So there’s no way to track who stays sober and who doesn’t. 

There is anecdotal evidence that 12-step programs work for some people. You can also find stories about people who relapsed during or after a 12-step program. 

Research shows that if the 12 steps work for you, they’re most likely to help your recovery when combined with evidence-based treatment methods.

Is A 12-Step Program Right For You?

The most effective addiction treatment programs provide a combination of therapies to address many aspects of addiction. Treatment options may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), counseling, yoga, and art therapy. 

If you choose to follow the 12 steps, you’re more likely to see results if they’re part of a comprehensive alcohol or drug rehab program.

The most important part of choosing addiction treatment is ensuring it’s a good fit for you. At Ark Behavioral Health, we offer customized treatment plans based on your (or your loved one’s) personal needs. Contact one of our mental health specialists today to learn more.