Those who are recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) often turn to the 12-Step philosophy to find healing and motivation for personal growth. These types of groups offer peers a safe space for discussing their recovery journeys and uplifting one another. According to the journal Social Work in Public Health, “Self-help groups based on this philosophy outline 12 consecutive activities, or steps, that substance abusers should achieve during the recovery process.” The Guest House incorporates a 12-Step approach to help clients heal from SUD and underlying issues, including trauma.
How Does The Guest House Incorporate a 12-Step Approach Into Trauma Recovery?
The Guest House introduces clients to the 12-Step approach through 12-Step facilitation (TSF) and access to regular meetings. All clients have an opportunity to learn more about The Twelve Steps and how they can positively impact recovery from alcohol or drug abuse.
Those who are in aftercare may not have the time or resources to continue attending group and individual therapy. Self-help groups fill that gap by offering people access to mutual support meetings hosted and attended by peers in recovery. Rehabilitation programs use 12-Step meetings and TSF to prepare clients for continuing care.
Each of The Twelve Steps clearly outlines actions people can take to address their needs, heal from the effects of substance abuse, and build more meaningful relationships. The clinical team at The Guest House provides information about what to expect from meetings and facilitates the transition by ensuring that clients feel comfortable engaging with peers.
Connections Between Trauma and Addiction
Many people with SUD experience trauma related to their substance abuse. In addition, trauma is a risk factor for developing addictive behaviors. Individuals living with the effects of trauma may have a more challenging time managing stress and triggers related to substance abuse.
Trauma and substance abuse have a complex relationship and affect one another in various ways, including the following:
- Some people may abuse substances as a maladaptive way of coping with the effects of trauma
- Trauma and substance abuse may happen independently of one another
- Abusing substances may cause people to engage in risk-taking behaviors, leading them to experience or witness traumatic events
In other words, even though they can happen independently, trauma worsens the symptoms of SUD and vice versa. Healing from the effects of trauma improves the effectiveness of rehabilitation, even if the trauma is unrelated to substance abuse. Rehabilitation programs at The Guest House use trauma-specific treatments to help clients heal. TSF is one of the services used to provide clients with additional skills for managing the effects of trauma.
The Spiritual and Emotional Transformations Supported By a 12-Step Approach
A 12-Step approach to recovery takes into consideration all factors impacting sobriety, including spiritual wellness. Treatment programs like those at The Guest House help people build a foundation for future growth. During rehabilitation, clients gain the skills to address issues affecting their spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being.
A 12-Step approach to recovery supports personal growth and transformation by doing the following:
- Encouraging honest self-assessment and self-reflection
- Helping people take responsibility for their actions and make amends
- Providing a supportive community and building connections
- Encouraging people to develop trust
- Teaching acceptance of past mistakes
- Inspiring hope for the future
- Encouraging emotional resilience
Finding spiritual and emotional healing through The Twelve Steps allows people to create new routines and behaviors that support lasting sobriety. Tailored treatment plans at The Guest House ensure that clients access the services that best meet their unique needs and personal preferences. TSF and 12-Step meetings can increase the effectiveness of treatment programs and prepare clients for long-term recovery.
Learning to Recognize Addiction as a Coping Mechanism for Trauma
The Twelve Steps teach people how to recognize addiction as a maladaptive coping mechanism, making it easier for them to find healthier alternatives. Replacing harmful behaviors like substance abuse with more positive coping skills improves overall wellness and promotes healing. Clients strengthen their resilience and mental health by adopting healthy coping strategies that they learn from peers in group meetings.
The 12-Step approach creates a foundation for lasting recovery by providing people with hope and the tools to maintain emotional balance. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “Mutual self-help groups provide a forum and opportunity for individuals in recovery to connect with others who have similar experiences and goals, allowing them to build relationships within a substance-free support network.” Each of The Twelve Steps helps people create fulfilling and meaningful lives without dependence on alcohol or drugs.
How to Incorporate a 12-Step Approach Into Your Recovery
Everyone who attends meetings has specific goals to meet and values they want to uphold by following The Twelve Steps. People incorporate a 12-Step approach into everyday recovery by doing the following:
- Practicing self-reflection
- Seeking strength or guidance through some form of higher power
- Practicing gratitude
- Regularly attending meetings
- Focusing on service
- Making amends
- Replacing negative thoughts and beliefs
- Embracing accountability
- Setting boundaries
People gain insight and motivation when using the 12-Step philosophy to heal from the effects of trauma or other underlying issues impacting sobriety.
Trauma may contribute to the development of substance abuse and worsen symptoms of substance use disorder (SUD). People with a history of trauma may not realize how the past has affected their current thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. Untreated trauma also has the potential to cause co-occurring mental health issues. Addressing trauma using trauma-specific treatments and a 12-Step approach to recovery provides clients with skills and tools for developing healthier behaviors. Our mental health and addiction recovery experts at The Guest House use trauma treatment to help clients process trauma in a safe and healthy way. To learn more about our programs and how we use the 12-Step philosophy to address the effects of trauma, call us today at (855) 483-7800.