What It Means to Work the Program

When it comes to the 12 step programs, people have all kinds of opinions. Some people love it. Some people hate it. And some people say it doesn’t work. But those people are wrong.

For decades, the 12 steps of recovery have helped people recover from alcohol and drug abuse. Step into any AA or NA meeting, and people will tell you if you work the program, the program works.

But what does that even mean?

Recovery Is More than Sobriety

When it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, getting sober is the easy part. Staying sober is where it gets hard. That’s because to be in recovery, you need to do more than just quit using drugs or alcohol. You need to embrace a life of healthy living and learn new ways of dealing with difficulties.

Just like recovery is more than sobriety, the 12 step programs are more than just meetings. Yes, you can just do the meetings, and yes, they may even help you stay sober, but if you want to recover, you need to work with program. If you want to learn more about how the 12 steps can help you with drug and alcohol recovery, get help today at 800-781-0748 (Who Answers?) .

Use the Program

Becoming an active part of the fellowship is an important aspect of working the program.

When it comes to 12 step programs, there’s a distinction that many don’t know between the program and the fellowship. Let’s start with the program. The 12 step program is a group of principles used to guide you to your own, personal recovery.

This involves the 12 steps, the traditions, and the philosophies found in the Big Book and throughout 12 step programs around the world. Using the program goes beyond learning these things, but encourages applying them and utilizing them in your life.

Be Active with the Fellowship

The second aspect of working the program involves being active with the fellowship. The 12 step fellowship is the group of individuals who are working towards recovery or helping others work through recovery in 12 step meetings. Learning to work the program involves becoming part of this fellowship. But again, it’s more than just going to meetings. It’s about participating in the meetings, not just being present.

It’s about talking through your issues, sharing your experiences, and helping other find their own way to recovery. It’s about giving back and not giving up. It’s about working your recovery, building your support, and finding the strength and will to keep going.

Give in to the Program

When you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, it surrounds your life. Becoming sober and embracing recovery needs to replace that addiction and the 12 steps programs can help. But for the programs to work, you must be willing to give yourself up to the program. You’ve got to go, even when you don’t want to. You’ve got to give in and embrace the traditions and philosophies.

Do what the Big Book recommends, seek out a sponsor, start working your steps, do 90 meetings in 90 days. Soon, you’ll see that when you work the 12 step program, the program will work for you.

Can You Work a 12 Step Program if God Isn’t Your Higher Power?

Are You Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol?

Are you addicted to drugs or alcohol and ready to start your journey to recovery? If so, get help today at 800-781-0748 (Who Answers?) .