How Effective Are 12-Step Programs and Fellowships?

Wondering if a 12-step recovery program is right for you? 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous AA and Narcotics Anonymous NA have been popular addiction recovery options for decades. Based on prescribed alcohol and drug rehabilitation steps, these groups are based on guiding principles, often spiritual-based addiction recovery principles, that participants can follow to achieve recovery. Do 12-step programs work though? Some people find that attending meetings with their 12-step group is the ideal road to recovery. Others find that 12-step approaches don’t provide the individualized support they need. Learn more about the 12-step recovery process to see if it’s a good fit for you.

How Do 12-Step Programs Work in Treating Addictions?

The primary goal of a 12-step program is to help people stop using alcohol and drugs for good. Unlike drug and alcohol rehab, these programs are free. However, these programs are also not staffed by substance abuse treatment professionals or behavioral health clinicians. They feature groups of recovery individuals who meet weekly to support one another on their path to addiction recovery while using the 12-step framework as their guide. 

Unlike rehab substance abuse treatment programs, 12-step programs do not feature conventional medically sanctioned behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or alternative treatments like art or music therapy. There are also no different levels of care that many addiction treatment centers offer like inpatient drug rehab, drug and alcohol detox, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, or dual diagnosis treatment.

How Effective Are 12-Step Programs? What are the Success Rates for Long-Term Recovery?

Since a 12-step recovery program is anonymous, actual addiction recovery success rates remain elusive. Reports vary widely. Some studies have reported success rates to be as low as 5% – 8%. Other reports suggest the success rate of Alcoholics Anonymous AA might be as high as 75%. The reality, according to many addiction treatment providers, is that the success rate for a 12-step recovery program likely hovers around 40%. The question that someone addicted to drugs and alcohol has to ask themselves is if these types of programs are likely to help them achieve recovery success. 

Is a 12-Step Program Right For Me?

Many addiction treatment centers actually feature 12-step program facilitation programs. Why? Because many people actually benefit by attending both drug or alcohol rehab and a 12-step program. Addiction treatment providers want clients to achieve lasting addiction recovery, and for some people, the 12-step principle guide appears to work, especially alongside other quality addiction treatments. In fact, a wide range of addiction treatment centers nationwide encourages clients, upon completion of their rehab therapy for addiction, to attend aftercare programming such as a 12-step group.

Where Can I Find 12-Step Programs Near Me?

You can find 12-step meetings all across the country. In fact, you can visit the AA (for alcohol addiction) or NA (for drug addiction) websites, enter your zip code, and discover meeting groups nearby. You can also check with your addiction and abuse treatment center for more information about 12-step programs in your area.

Starting Your Recovery with TruPath

TruPath Recovery does feature 12-step recovery program facilitation as just one of our addiction treatments. We offer many, including evidence-based addiction treatment, holistic therapies, and alternative therapies. We take a comprehensive treatment approach to recovery and wellness. TruPath treatment centers also offer multiple levels of care that include inpatient treatment, outpatient programs, drug and alcohol detox, and mental health treatment for clients who have a dual diagnosis. If you find the 12-step program at our treatment facility to be helpful, you may want to continue to attend group meetings after completing your addiction rehab programs as part of your ongoing aftercare. Contact TruPath to find out more information about how we can help you end your dependence on drugs and alcohol.