12 Step Facilitation Therapy For Addiction And Substance Use

The principles of 12-Step Facilitation Therapy include:

Acknowledging powerlessness

This principle involves recognizing that addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that cannot control on its own. It emphasizes the importance of admitting that attempts to control or manage addiction have been ineffective and that individuals need to accept their powerlessness over addiction to seek help.

Surrendering to a higher power

This principle highlights the importance of humility & willingness to seek help from a higher power or a supportive community. It encourages individuals to let go of the illusion of control & surrender to a higher power, which can be interpreted in different ways based on an individual’s beliefs or spirituality.

Taking personal inventory

This principle encourages individuals to honestly assess their thoughts, behaviors, & emotions to identify patterns of addiction and develop self-awareness. It involves taking a deep and honest look at oneself, including acknowledging character defects, unresolved issues, and the impact of addiction on various aspects of life.

Making amends

This principle emphasizes taking responsibility for one’s actions and making amends to those who have been harmed during addiction. It involves acknowledging the harm caused, making direct amends where possible, and taking steps to repair relationships and make restitution for past wrongs.

Participating in support groups

This principle highlights the importance of attending 12-step meetings, finding a sponsor, and building a supportive community of peers. It encourages individuals to connect with others who understand the challenges of addiction & recovery and to actively engage in support groups as a source of accountability, encouragement, and guidance. This can reduce the feeling of isolation or solitude.

Practicing self-care

This principle emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care, including physical, emotional, and mental health. It involves developing healthy coping strategies, managing stress, getting adequate rest and nutrition, and engaging in activities that promote overall well-being. Self-care is seen as essential for maintaining recovery and preventing relapse.

Maintaining abstinence

This principle focuses on achieving and maintaining abstinence from addictive substances and behaviors. It involves committing to sobriety, avoiding triggers and high-risk situations, and developing strategies to cope with cravings and urges to use substances. It also includes developing a relapse prevention plan to minimize the risk of relapse.

Sharing experiences

This principle encourages individuals to openly share their experiences, strengths and struggles with others in a safe and supportive environment. It involves being honest and vulnerable in sharing one’s journey of addiction and recovery and being willing to listen and learn from the experiences of others. Sharing experiences fosters connection, empathy, and mutual support among peers.

Helping others

This principle highlights the importance of giving back and helping others who are struggling with addiction. It involves offering support, encouragement, and guidance to those who are newer in recovery, as well as engaging in service work within the 12-step community or in the broader community. Helping others is seen as a way to reinforce one’s recovery, build a sense of purpose, and contribute to the well-being of others.

Practicing ongoing self-reflection

This principle encourages individuals to continuously reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to identify potential triggers and challenges in recovery. It involves being mindful of one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and taking regular inventory of one’s progress in recovery. Ongoing self-reflection promotes self-awareness and personal growth.

Emphasizing spiritual growth

This principle encourages individuals to develop their spiritual beliefs, whatever that may mean to them, as a source of strength and guidance in recovery. It involves exploring and nurturing one’s spirituality, which can encompass a wide range of beliefs and practices, such as prayer, meditation, mindfulness, nature, or other forms of spiritual connection. The emphasis is on personal growth and finding a sense of meaning and purpose beyond addiction.

Living one day at a time

This principle emphasizes the importance of taking recovery one day at a time and practicing mindfulness, patience, and perseverance in the journey of recovery. It encourages individuals to focus on the present moment and not get overwhelmed by past regrets or future worries. Living one day at a time involves setting realistic goals, managing expectations, and celebrating progress, no matter how small.