Importance of 12-Step Meetings

12-Step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are designed for individuals who share a common desire to stop drinking and using.  There are many misconceptions about 12-step meetings, but their importance within the recovery community is significant. 

Typically, when an addicted individual completes residential treatment and/or outpatient treatment for addiction, they will start attending 12-step meetings.  Alcoholics Anonymous (“AA”) has chapters in 180 countries around the world.  The organization doesn’t keep a list of members’ names, but estimates that it has 2 million members who come from all backgrounds.  Members who suffer from alcoholism range in age from young adults to seniors adults. 

Other 12-Step meetings include Al-Anon, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Crystal Meth Anonymous, and Marijuana Anonymous.  Although these meetings have different topics, the structure is the same.  All 12-Step programs use a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems.

What makes 12-Step programs so important?  First, addiction recovery works much better in a group environment.  Although some people choose to work through their addiction individually, working the Steps has been proven to be essential in an addict’s recovery. 

12-Step programs provide accountability and constant support.  The meetings focus on members supporting each other and it’s been shown that simply belonging to such a group can help the member stay free of addiction. 

Although being a part of a group is essential to recovery, many members of AA also benefit from a one-to-one relationship with a sponsor.  A sponsor in AA is somebody who is there to offer guidance and support to a sponsee.  They’re there to listen and hold the sponsee accountable.   Sponsors will take their sponsee’s through the 12 steps and offer encouragement and praise for achievements.

A common misconception about AA is that once you work the steps, you’re done.  This way of thinking may prove to be detrimental to an addict’s recovery.  Continuing to go to meetings is extremely important, as meetings keep you connected to your recovery.  Recovery doesn’t stop after 1 year of sobriety, 5 years of sobriety, or 20 years of sobriety.  Recovery is life-long, and to maintain that commitment you must be active and connected to that part of your life.

Getting sober and staying sober is challenging, but participation in 12-Step meetings and sponsorship will be extremely beneficial to one’s recovery process.  For information about AA meetings in your area or to learn more about AA, visit http://www.aa.org/


If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Stonewall Institute Treatment Center can help.  Call or visit us today and talk to one of our intake coordinators.  602-535-6468 , www.stonewallinstitute.com .

Alcohol and Drug Outpatient Treatment

Stonewall Institute offers an excellent alcohol and drug intensive outpatient treatment program where most major insurance is accepted.  This treatment program can make a real difference for someone who is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse.  Never before has there been such a great need for premier treatment programs, especially now that the Surgeon General of the United States has declared that substance abuse has reached epidemic proportions.  It is time for each and every one of us to consider all treatment options available.

Considering Outpatient Treatment

Depending on the individual’s needs, outpatient treatment can be an excellent means of obtaining substance abuse recovery help.  It is an option that offers intensive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention skills and psychoeducation, while allowing the recovering individual the opportunity to meet his or her life’s obligations with support.  It is perfect for someone unable to take off time from work or school.

Studies show that outpatient treatment can be quite successful for those in recovery. The advantages of outpatient treatment vs. inpatient treatment are the benefits to allowing a patient to continue to live at home, and in some cases, work and attend school.  While inpatient treatment removes those struggling with substance abuse from an environment that may have contributed to the development of drug or alcohol addiction to begin with, outpatient treatment provides a way to more accurately test the efficacy of ongoing treatment while a patient remains amidst those very triggers.  In this way, it could more accurately assess the coping mechanisms of the person in recovery while continuing to provide them with intensive periods of support.

In addition, outpatient treatment challenges a patient to seek out and utilize sources of support in their home environment, such as in finding local self-help groups or other recovery mentors in the neighborhood that can help guide someone down the path of recovery.

The Aftercare Option

As an aftercare option, the transition from inpatient to outpatient treatment can be jarring, and the substance abuser in recovery will need the support of the community where he lives, works, and belongs.  In addition to addressing the problems of addiction, the intensive outpatient treatment will also be able to accommodate and treat those with mild to moderate co-existing medical or mental health conditions.  Real-life issues experienced by an individual in early recovery can be processed and therapeutically managed by attending an IOP group several days a week.

Stonewall Institute’s Intensive Outpatient Program is an evidence-based program utilizing the most proven therapeutic methods.  These small groups take place in an upscale office environment and are facilitated by Master’s level licensed substance abuse counselors.  Individual focus and mutual respect are maintained.  This is an LGBTQ-affirmative program where all are welcomed.

Substance abuse is a complicated issue, potentially impacting all areas of one’s life–work, health and interpersonal relationships.  Hopefully, at some point, a person in the grip of drug or alcohol addiction will reach out for help.  If you or someone you love needs help, call Stonewall Institute at 602-535-6468 today.

Welcoming Drug and Alcohol Rehab AZ

Stonewall Institute offers a welcoming drug and alcohol rehab in Arizona.  Located in Phoenix, no other AZ drug and alcohol treatment program can provide so much help with dignity and respect that is also affordable.  As an intensive outpatient program, you don’t have to give up your daily obligations to get the chemical dependency treatment you deserve.  Call 602-535-6468 today to schedule a drug and alcohol evaluation.  For more information, visit www.stonewallinstitute.com

Substance Abuse Treatment Arizona

Stonewall Institute offers the best AZ substance abuse treatment program you can find.  Their alcohol and drug rehab uses evidence-based protocols to help teach sober coping skills and relapse prevention.  Call 602-535-6468 today to schedule a drug and alcohol evaluation and check out their website at www.stonewallinstitute.com.

Best AZ Alcohol and Drug Rehab

Stonewall Institute is best Arizona alcohol and drug rehab you can find.  It offers a drug and alcohol treatment program that addresses issues that accompany addiction and substance abuse.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol or drugs during this holiday season, call 602-535-6468 today to schedule an appointment for a drug and alcohol evaluation.  For more information, visit the website at www.stonewallinstitute.com

AZ Alcohol and Drug Treatment That Works

Stonewall Institute offers AZ alcohol and drug treatment that works.  Staffed by AZ licensed drug counselors, this IOP offers the best alcohol and drug rehab in Arizona.  If you need help with alcohol abuse or have issues with drug use, call 602-535-6468 today to schedule a drug and alcohol evaluation.  For more information, visit www.stonewallinstitute.com

 

Best AZ Drug Rehab

Stonewall Institute is the best AZ drug rehab offering drug addiction treatment in an intensive outpatient programPrescription drug abuse has skyrocketed, and drug overdoses have become common.  It’s time to treat opioid abuse with compassion and evidence-based practices.  Call 602-535-6468 to schedule your drug and alcohol evaluation and get started in your path to recovery from addiction today.  For more information, visit the website at www.stonewallinstitute.com

AZ Alcohol and Drug Rehab

Stonewall Institute is the premier AZ alcohol and drug rehab.  Their unique intensive outpatient program offers small groups in a respectful and nonjudgmental environment.  If you or a loved one needs help with drug abuse or feels they may have a drinking problem, call 602-535-6468 today to schedule a drug and alcohol evaluation.  For more information, visit the website at www.stonewallinstitute.com.

Nonjudgmental Alcohol Abuse Treatment Arizona

Stonewall Institute provides nonjudgmental treatment program for alcohol abuse.  If you or someone you love suffers from the stigma of alcohol abuse, this is the place to call for an alcohol treatment program that is respectful and empathetic while being evidence-based.  The intensive outpatient program allows our clients to meet their life obligations while getting real treatment for drinking problems.  Call 602-535-6468 today to schedule an appointment or visit the website at www.stonewallinstitute.com

Arizona Substance Abuse Rehab

Stonewall Institute is the best Arizona substance abuse rehab.  Located in Phoenix, it provides an outpatient program for substance abuse that focuses on the individual.  The program consists of evidence-based methods and is offered in an upscale office environment.  This IOP accepts insurance and is an affordable drug treatment program.  Call to schedule an evaluation at 602-535-6468 or log onto the website at www.stonewallinstitute.com.