For those of you outside of the recovery realm, it is completely understandable and reasonable that you would be unfamiliar with 12-Step programs. After all, the most recognized 12-Step program, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), has “anonymous” in its name. This lack of transparency outside itself often lends an aura of mystery and enigma to 12-Step programs. However, this intrigue need not keep people away from 12-Step programs. Even learning on a surface level about them will show you that they are incredibly inclusive and beneficial. You’ll also realize that they can be highly effective.
When you understand the basic principles of the 12-Step program, you will be more able to direct your daughter in getting the help she needs if she ever struggles with drinking or self-medicating. Once you see how The Twelve Steps work, you will begin to see how it is a system not just of recovery, but a system of how to live your life with rigorous honesty and integrity.
Are 12-Step Groups for Young People?
You may also have a preconceived notion that AA and other 12-Step programs are only for those who have more severe cases of drinking or substance use disorder (SUD). Or, perhaps you think the 12-Step program is only for older folks who have already lived a “hard” life.
This could not be further from the truth. These 12-Step programs have expanded in recent years to include absolutely everyone, from every population. This is especially true for young people. If your daughter is struggling, a 12-Step program may really be able to help.
An Amended History of the 12-Step Program
As previously mentioned, the first formed and perhaps the most well-known 12-Step program is that of AA. This group was founded in Akron Ohio in 1935 by two gentlemen, Bill W. and Dr. Bob, who discovered that the best way to treat their dependence on excessive drinking was to work with other alcoholics.
Now, nearly 88 years later, it is estimated that 12-Step programs have helped millions of people recover. These groups have also helped millions of loved ones who have struggled with family members and friends with issues.
Perhaps the goal of AA – and the now many 12-Step programs that have branched off of it – can best be summed up by its “statement of responsibility” that they adopted over 50 years ago. This statement proclaims that “I am responsible – when anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there, and for that: I am responsible.” This is the shared goal we have here at the Clearview Horizon Girls Academy.
An Overview of The Twelve Steps
The Twelve Steps may be summed up best with the concepts of acceptance, action, and a willingness to help others. First, let us look at acceptance.
Acceptance in The Twelve Steps
The first step in a 12-Step program is “We admitted we were powerless over drinking [substances] – that our lives had become unmanageable.” This is where acceptance comes in.
Once your daughter can admit and accept that she has a problem, she can then begin to work on her struggles. This is then where the “action steps” take over.
Action in The Twelve Steps
Many people in 12-Step programs believe that the fourth step is the first action-focused step. It states that we must make “a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”
We focus on the same thing here at Clearview Horizon Girls Academy. It is crucial that our students begin to do the work to see the reasons for their actions. Then they must see what they can do to find reconciliation and grow as a person.
Working With Others in The Twelve Steps
Just as we mentioned before, the 12-Step program was founded on the concept that working with another person in recovery is the key to long-term recovery. That is why once a person has focused on their own struggles and begun their journey of recovery, they must share that knowledge with others.
The twelfth step states that “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” This step is the key to long-term recovery because of its focus on continued work and practice.
What the 12-Step Program Looks Like for Young People
Here at Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we believe wholly in the 12-Step program for recovery for our students. This is especially true now that there are specific “young people” meetings available. What’s more, technology and Zoom meeting have made The Twelve Steps more accessible than ever for the younger generation.
It’s time to get over the misconceptions and stigma that can at times surround 12-Step programs. The Twelve Steps have one primary purpose: to help those struggling recover and stay recovered.
Remember that the hand of these 12-Step groups is always available to help. Ours is as well. You merely need to reach out and grab it.
Within the recovery industry, the efficacy of 12-Step programs is predominantly agreed upon. In nearly every sphere of dependency, 12-Step programs have helped countless people recover. Perhaps even more crucially, they have helped countless people stay recovered. Here at Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we endorse the 12-Step program for our students that require recovery from drinking and substance use disorder. Understandably, many people are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of The Twelve Steps. The groups do include a concept of anonymity after all. However, establishing a better understanding of what a 12-Step program entails can be highly beneficial for helping a loved one recover. For more information, please call Clearview Grils Academy today at 866-584-4788.
