Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Techniques

What Is 12-Step Facilitation?

The journey to overcome addiction can be varied, and as such, it often incorporates several supportive interventions to establish the recovery process, both therapy and non-therapy related. 12-step programs have long been a staple of addiction treatment, rooted in a philosophy that guides individuals to explore their issues with curiosity and care amongst a supportive group of their peers to gain new insights and develop new strategies to maintain sobriety.

What is 12-Step Facilitation?

At its core, 12-step facilitation involves engagement in a program of recovery that endeavors to provide members with a path to lasting sobriety and a substance-free lifestyle.[1] First developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), 12-step programming has evolved to be applicable to several addictive behaviors, establishing a vital support network for those seeking to enter into the recovery process.

Typically, the core steps in 12-step facilitation revolve around:

  1. Honesty: Admitting one’s powerlessness over their addiction.
  2. Faith: Sometimes referred to as the ‘higher power,’ this step entails accepting the ability of something larger than oneself to heal them. It’s important to note that this does not have to be a belief in any religious entity, as several 12-step programs operate under a secular lens.[2]
  3. Surrender: Recognizing that you alone cannot recover but rather need to engage with others in order to succeed.
  4. Openness: Identifying one’s problems to get a clearer picture of how their behavior has affected themselves and their loved ones.
  5. Integrity: Clarifying and admitting one’s wrongdoing
  6. Acceptance: Accepting one’s inherent limitations and defects in order to make peace and let them go.
  7. Humility: Asking for help and acknowledging that one is unable to go it alone.
  8. Willingness: Taking an accounting of those you have harmed before your entry into the recovery process.
  9. Forgiveness: Making amends with those that were harmed.
  10. Maintenance: Continued engagement with the principles and activities that benefit ongoing sobriety.
  11. Discovery: Exploring a larger purpose for one’s life.
  12. Service: Assisting to carry the message of recovery to others and continuing to practice recovery principles.

12-step programming has been widely studied to be effective in helping people to create and maintain their recovery, along with providing an important sense of community and mutual support.[3]

12-Step Facilitation Interventions

12-step facilitation usually takes a structured approach, consisting of several sessions that tend to focus on one of the above-mentioned themes. The group facilitator will work to encourage sharing and processing from members of the group, in addition to sometimes providing exercises and self-reflective activities.

Many 12-step models have long been in use for addictions of all kinds, including substance-based, process, and behavioral, in addition to groups for eating disorders and several other conditions or afflictions. The 12-step philosophy emphasizes the importance of accepting a condition that is immutable yet able to be improved, providing hope and resources to those in their recovery journey.

Studies have shown that the median length of abstinence reported by AA and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) members is greater than five years, with participants attending between two to four meetings per week on average. [4]

The 12-Step Facilitation Model

Since there is no singular cause for addiction, it only makes sense that addiction treatment is itself varied and diverse, striving to meet the unique and holistic needs of the individual. As such, 12-step programs often function as both an adjunct to additional treatment modalities (such as therapy and medication) and as a varied, dynamic structure all its own.

Attendees at a 12-step meeting rely on one another to provide understanding and support as their issues are explored, although it should be noted that no one is required to speak at a meeting, and cross-talk and advice-giving are typically discouraged.

There can be great variety in how any given meeting is run, depending on the venue and subject, but most 12-step facilitation models encourage the development of personal responsibility and new insights around the behavior in question. 12-step programming is often included as both a feature of treatment for inpatient and outpatient-based centers, along with aftercare.

How (and Why) 12-Step Programming Works

At its core, 12-step programs assist those struggling with addiction and other challenges to access a mutually-supportive group of people with which to process through their struggles and identify new and healthier ways to cope with the temptations of addiction. A systematic review of 12-step-based interventions found that clinically-delivered twelve-step facilitation can be as effective as cognitive behavioral (CBT) or motivational enhancement therapy (MET) at reducing drinking intensity, promoting abstinence, and reducing alcohol-related consequences at 12 months.[5]
According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information—a branch of the National Institute of Health (NIH)—beginning 12-step programming at the start of your treatment journey, particularly with groups held by the treatment facility, is associated with overall better outcomes. Additionally, consistent and frequent attendance is associated with better outcomes as well, particularly for substance use.[6]

What’s the Best Way to Find 12-Step Facilitation?

There are several avenues to identifying resources and locations for 12-step practices:

  • Inquiring with your treatment center if 12-step programming will be included
  • Participating in 12-step programming via aftercare
  • Utilizing aa.org, SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 12step.com, and other online resources to find a 12-step meeting in your area

Find Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy Near Me

Click on a pin to learn more information on a specific facility location

Cost of 12-Step Therapy

The costs associated with any 12-step programming within the bounds of structured addiction treatment will be included in the overall program. Treatment costs will vary based on your individualized treatment program that is designed to meet your unique needs. Feel free to ask any questions you may have about treatment costs prior to entering your first session.

On their own, outside the parameters of a treatment program, 12-step programming is provided free of charge in the community.

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Healing With Alpas Wellness

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Alpas Wellness is filling a huge need in the community. With their experienced clinical, medical, outreach, and admissions staff, patients will have access to care unprecedented in the area. Having collaborated on partnerships with the leadership team in the behavioral healthcare space previously, I am looking forward to working with them now, assisting in professional referrals to their facility, and excited to see the growth and change Alpas has to offer!

Michael McLaughlin

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Having consulted for Alpas Wellness for two years during the design and construction of their treatment center in La Plata, I quickly learned that their leadership team is not only built on industry experience but also irrepressible motivation to deliver premier patient care and treatment. From the inviting, warm finishes and touches of nature to the large dining spaces and infusion of everyday comforts, you’ll quickly understand the meticulous planning and detail behind Alpas Wellness enables a transformative environment, where anyone one will feel comfortable and valued.

David Simon

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A desperately needed and welcomed resource for our community. This facility (home space) is the most comfortable and comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery center in Maryland, a place where people can regroup through various treatment plans, music therapy, art, etc. The compassionate care and inclusion is unsurpassed.

Michelle Goodwin

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Alpas has been an amazing experience the staff has been super helpful in my recovery in everyway possible. they have helped me in my recovery and helped me find myself again. the facility and all the amenities are top notch. the gym is big and has everything you need for a great workout. TVs in the rooms really help me to relax and unwind in the evenings after my day. The food is amazing and they feed us ALOT. They have also made my leaving process smooth and comfortable, helping me set up everything for when i leave. I owe them a lot of gratitude and i would highly recommend to anyone seeking recovery to think about coming to Alpas, they will help get you healthy and happy.

john drocella

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I did the 30 day program at Alpas Wellness Recovery Center and it is a stellar program. They teach you some great coping skills for addiction and they follow your treatment 24/7. Most of the staff are always friendly and helpful. My Therapist, Desiree was phenomenal, Case Manager, Devin was very thoughtful and helpful. Several of the Group Facilitators were outstanding, Sam, and April and Jackie. They always reinforce their teachings by making you do the work. I feel equipped to keep going on this journey because of the treatment and care I received at Alpas. I recommend this facility highly if you are ready to really work the steps of addiction. Oh and one more thing be prepared to gain weight they feed you morning, noon, night and snacks! I am on to the next phase of my journey and I know I will have Alpas as a resource if I ever need them.

Cornice Young

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My experience at Alpas was far beyond what I had expected when going into rehab. The staff (upper management, the counselors/facilitators, behavior techs, and nurses) were extremely friendly, kind, caring, and helpful. I felt that my needs were always being met during my whole stay there. The classes were very informative, which were led by passionate and engaging facilitators. The environment was also very clean and the ambiance was calming and “homey”. I felt that everyone there cared deeply, and wanted the best for the clients during their stay at Alpas and for when they leave to go back into the “real world”. If anyone ever asks for suggestions for an in-patient rehab, I will have Alpas on the top of my list of suggestions.

Elise Brooke

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I spent 30 days in the residential program at Alpas Wellness to ensure that I had all of the tools necessary to assist with my recovery and could not have imagined a better experience. The entire staff went above and beyond to make sure that all of my needs were met. The program is very well structured and there is much to be learned. The approach was not only to address my addiction, the primary focus was to address the mental aspect that may have caused it. If you are struggling and have not yet decided on a place that will offer great food, accommodations and new friendship, look no further than Alpass Wellness Maryland Recovery Center. You will not be disappointed. Thank you Alpass for the new and improved me!

Redmond Barnes

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This was a great treatment center. I would highly recommend it to anyone or their loved ones. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. They work as a test to focus on you as an individual and address your needs with careful consideration. Thr facility is brand new, clean and safe! It provides a welcoming atmosphere and the classes we take provide us with the tools necessary to set us up for success in our recovery journey. Thank you Alpas Wellness at La Plata!!

Mo Morrow

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Writing this from the perspective of an executive of another facility: Alpas truly has found a way to let gifted staff members with the right heart for this work come to the forefront of the care experience and truly accommodate people who are ready to do this work. Alexa and Darryl are gems and I can’t say enough about their dedication to the most vulnerable among us.

Steve Hall

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Alpas Wellness in La Plata is an incredible treatment center and a true asset to the community. The team is compassionate and professional, and Stephanie is especially amazing, always helpful, kind, and deeply knowledgeable. Alpas not only supports individuals on their journey to recovery and wellness, they uplift the entire community. Highly recommend! Stephanie in particular has been so incredible, in being available to connect people to treatment and helping throughout the process. She’s quick to respond and help no matter what. I’m truly grateful to her and the Alpas team.

Devin

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Frequently Asked Questions about 12-Step Facilitation

01

How can 12-step programs help me to stay sober?

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12-step programming combines social support, inspiration, and accountability to assist attendees in developing fresh insights and new strategies to engage in the recovery process.

02

Are all 12-step programs faith-based?

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No, there are several other options for potential attendees to engage with that do not utilize the traditionally faith-based model of AA, including SMART recovery

03

Are 12-step programs always included in treatment?

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Yes! This is an industry-standard expectation for any reliable treatment program. Treatment plans at Alpas Wellness incorporate several different types of 12-step programming into long-term care plans.

04

Will participating in 12-step programs be anonymous?

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All treatment offered by a clinic or facility is HIPAA-protected, and most 12-step programs in the community adhere to strict guidelines for confidentiality.

05

Are there any requirements for attending 12-step programming?

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The only requirement to attend a 12-step program is a desire to overcome your addiction or other issues.

Sources
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[01]

Donovan, D. M., Ingalsbe, M. H., Benbow, J., & Daley, D. C. (2013). 12-Step Interventions and mutual support programs for substance use disorders: an overview. Social Work in Public Health, 28(3-4), 313–332. https://doi.org/10.1080/19371918.2013.774663 on July 24th, 2023

[02]

Secular 12 Steps. (n.d.). Retrieved July 24, 2023, from https://aaagnostica.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Secular-12-Steps.pdf on July 24th, 2023

[03]

Mendola, A., & Gibson, R. L. (2008). Addiction, 12-Step Programs, and Evidentiary Standards for Ethically and Clinically Sound Treatment Recommendations: What Should Clinicians Do? AMA Journal of Ethics, 18(6), 646–655. https://doi.org/10.1001/journalofethics.2016.18.6.sect1-1606 on July 24th, 2023

[04]

Donovan, D. M., Ingalsbe, M. H., Benbow, J., & Daley, D. C. (2013). 12-Step Interventions and mutual support programs for substance use disorders: an overview. Social Work in Public Health, 28(3-4), 313–332. https://doi.org/10.1080/19371918.2013.774663 on July 24th, 2023

[05]

Recommend Evidence-Based Treatment: Know the Options | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (n.d.). Www.niaaa.nih.gov. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/recommend-evidence-based-treatment-know-options on July 24th, 2023

[06]

Kelly JF, Humphreys K, Ferri M. Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12‐step programs for alcohol use disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;2020(3). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012880.pub2 on July 24th, 2023

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