Finding Freedom from Addiction Through 12-Step Recovery

Addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful. Its sole mission is to make our lives a living hell. It brings along with it a number of its companions: denial, rationalization, and blame, to name but a few. Living with addiction is like living in a prison – one in which one feels there is no escape.
I know all too well what it means to live this way. I recall how my addiction made me do things I would never otherwise do. I stole, cheated and lied; all so that I could feed the insatiable hunger within. There were times, however, when I was able to see the damage that had been done in my life. It was at these times that I was able to get a glimpse outside the walls that imprisoned me.

Finding Recovery Through the 12-Step Process

For me, freedom came when I went to my first 12-Step meeting. I was urged to attend by my outpatient counselor. I remember it like it was yesterday. Nervous and shaking, I recall walking up to the church hall doors. I looked inside and saw a group of young adults inside, laughing and having a good time. This couldn’t be a (12-Step) meeting I said to myself. “Where are all the junkies with needles falling out of their arms?” I wondered. I returned to my car and saw another person arrive. I asked him what was going on inside and he responded, “It’s a (12-Step) meeting.”

That was all I needed to hear. I walked through those doors, and little did I know, my life was about to change forever. I quickly embraced the program and became like a sponge, absorbing all it had to offer.

Alternatives to 12-Step Programs

Over the years, I have met many people who have attended 12-Step programs. Some stay and some go. I will be the first to admit that for some, 12-Step programs do not work. This could be for a variety of reasons. Some people are uncomfortable with opening up in front of a group. Some choose other methods – religion or formal addiction treatment.

One ingredient that makes a difference and that is found in 12-Step programs is empathy. It is the therapeutic value of one addict helping another. It’s like saying to someone, “I know. I’ve been there. I can relate.”

You may be struggling with addiction. Just know that there is addiction help available. Sometimes we have to be willing to take a “healthy risk” and be open to a new way of doing things. If doing things your way hasn’t helped, then consider the possibility of opening your mind to a new path. If I had not been willing to step through those church hall doors, I would never know the life that I have today.