introduction to the 12 step model

(A Note to the Prospective Student)

When you decide to go into treatment, it can be a frightening time – and you probably have a lot of questions about what happens in treatment. Chief among these questions may be “How can a 12 Step program work for me?” This note is designed to answer that question.

A Framework for Success

Here at Passages to Recovery, we are not interested in labeling people as "addicts" or "alcoholics" – instead, we remain focused on helping you achieve your goals. The 12 Step Model does not force you to do anything. It merely offers suggestions and provides a framework that you can use to examine your thoughts and actions.

When you come to Passages to Recovery, we will ask you to take a look at your life so you can figure out what has been causing your problems. Once you establish what is throwing your life off course, you can begin looking for solutions. A big step toward achieving this goal is realizing what aspects of your life you can control, and which parts are beyond your influence.

Support & Encouragement

The great thing about the 12 Step Model is that you don't have to solve your problems alone. At Passages to Recovery we have small groups of young adults who are likely to have many things in common with you. Because they’ve overcome many of the same doubts and fears that you’re currently experiencing, the students that have nearly completed their treatment here will be able to help answer your questions and make you feel more comfortable.

The students and staff in your group will help you take a closer look at what changes you want to make. Now and then it takes putting pen to paper to organize your thoughts. At Passages to Recovery we will ask you to write down thoughts, feelings and ideas so you can begin to map out your recovery process. We hope that you begin to develop some trusting relationships with staff and students in your group. We know that it will be helpful to share your ideas with others so you can get as much information as possible about how to best achieve your goals.

Building a Better Life

If you found what you read so far to be acceptable, then you will most likely do well at Passages to Recovery. That's because you have just learned about the first five steps in the 12 Step program. Although it may seem like a long time, students say that the days at Passages to Recovery go by quickly. Many students get through the first five steps at Passages to Recovery and say they want more time to continue working the steps.

As a final note we would like to let you know that the 12 Steps work for many issues in addition to addictions. For instance, there is so much hope in organizations such as Debtors Anonymous, Co-Dependents Anonymous, and other programs that are focused on substance abuse issues. We feel that if anyone, regardless of their problems, integrates the 12 Step Model on a daily basis, they will be able to make huge changes in their life for the better.