For a long time, I thought that once I got rid of my physical dependence on drugs and alcohol, I would be fine. After multiple rehab experiences and even more relapses, I started to realize that something definitely needed to change. At a subsequent detox and then rehab I learned that my problem centered in my mind and not my body. From this experience, I was introduced to the 12 step program of Alcoholics Anonymous at an alcohol addiction treatment center, which saved my life.
I Had the Wrong Idea of a 12 Step Program
I had heard of different 12 step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous throughout my addiction. Every time I heard of one of these programs, I just thought that there was no way they could work for me. I heard that these were religious programs and I am the type of person who did not know if God existed. The idea of a bunch of strangers telling me what to do and how to live did not sit well with me either. It never seemed like entering one of these programs would be worth my time.
I finally hit rock bottom and decided the best option for me was to continue the 12 step program of AA after leaving detox. I was sick and tired of my relapses and knew something had to change, so I started going to meetings. What happened was nothing short of amazing because I had spent my whole life thinking I was alone. I spent two decades thinking nobody understood me, but at meetings, I saw that everyone there was just like me.
How a 12 Step Program Saved My Life
I had spent years detoxing, staying clean for a few months and relapsing, and each time was worse than the last. It was clear that I never really knew what triggered my relapse. As I listened in AA meetings, I began to realize it was my outlook on life that was skewed. I was always restless, irritable, and discontent and turned to alcohol and drugs to solve my problems. The members of AA told me that freedom from my addictions came from working the three parts of the AA triangle:
- Unity
- Service
- Recovery
The unity is the fellowship of the 12 step program, and I learned that people in the rooms of AA cared about me. They taught me how to stay sober, be a better person and to support others who were in need. I finally started to realize how important helping others was because it got me out of my head when I helped others. The real freedom came when I finally got a mentor, called a sponsor in AA, who was there for me and showed me how to work those 12 steps.
Serenity House Detox & Recovery Can Introduce You to a 12 Step Program
That is just one person’s story about how a 12 step program helped foster addiction recovery. Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston will introduce a 12 step approach to treatment and recovery. We have many different approaches to detox treatment and individualized care program for your unique issues and substance addiction. Of course, the first step is detox and we will take care of you in a safe and comfortable residential detox. With or without a 12 step program, life will get better, just by getting rid of the poison that drugs and alcohol brought into your life. Today is a great day to enter recovery. Do not wait any longer to get yourself or your loved one the help that they need. Call us today. The number at Serenity House Detox & Recovery is 866.516.8356.
