There are many misconceptions about 12 step meetings and how they help people maintain their sobriety from alcohol and drugs. Some don’t like them for their religious connection or a perceived lack of effectiveness. However, these meetings have been around since the 1930s, and they’re one of the best ways to stay clean. Many of these programs today involve zero religious teachings but still maintain the same effect. This is why the best treatment centers in America promote these meetings as a form of aftercare. First, it’s important to understand how these meetings started and why they’re so helpful.

The Origin of 12 Step Meetings

Up until the 1930s, people struggling with alcohol or drug addiction didn’t have any type of hope to recover. In fact, even the best hospitals in the world would deem these people as ones who were in a hopeless situation. When the first fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) began, everything changed, and people started staying sober. The reason these meetings still work to this day is because the philosophy of AA is one of the best there is.

Those who began Alcoholics Anonymous understood that people with addictions have a hard time connecting with others. Specifically, they lie to doctors, friends, family members, spouses, and children on a regular basis. AA found that when one person in addiction talks to another, it’s extremely therapeutic. That’s why, almost 100 years later, the fellowship continues to grow and other programs are now available.

For example, each of the following is a valuable 12 step program option:

• Narcotics Anonymous
• Heroin Anonymous
• Cocaine Anonymous
• Crystal Meth Anonymous

What Happens in 12 Step Meetings?

These meetings are a place for men and women to share their experience, strength, and hope with one another. In these meetings, you can share, or you can simply sit and listen to gain wisdom from others in recovery. Furthermore, by going to these meetings, you’ll hear from people who have been through similar situations.

Misconceptions about 12 Step Meetings

Many people steer clear of these meetings because they believe the meetings are religious. However, the reality is the meetings encourage spirituality, but they’re not religious by any means. Spirituality is simply being willing to take an inward look at yourself to see your truths so you can recover. The steps are a set of tools that help you find the root causes of your addiction.

Crest View Recovery Center provides programs to anyone who wants to live a better life. We encourage each of our clients to get involved with a 12 step fellowship after treatment. While you’re in treatment, we’ll introduce you to the principles of these fellowships so you will feel more comfortable. By the time you leave, you’ll have a thorough understanding of how these programs help.

While you are in treatment, the substance abuse programs we offer include:

• Women’s drug rehab program
• Men’s drug rehab program
• Alumni program
• Addiction therapy
• Dual diagnosis treatment center

Find out more about CVRC by giving us a call today at 866-327-2505.