Lee Spinks

Written by:

Lee Spinks

Dimitra Theofili

Medically Reviewed by:

Dimitra Theofili

Last Updated:

March 10th, 2025

12-Step programme

Breaking free from addiction’s relentless grasp requires more than just willpower. In order to overcome your compulsions, you need a structured, methodical approach to recovery. The 12-step programme is a step-by-step addiction recovery process and is embraced by millions as a proven and effective treatment that promises lasting transformation.

Oasis Runcorn offers the 12-step programme as part of our extensive rehabilitation plan. If you are struggling to escape from the clutches of addiction, our team can help you find wellness.

 

12 step group therapy meeting

What are the 12 steps to recovery?

The 12-step programme provides a structured framework for those seeking recovery from addiction. Each step serves as a guidepost on the journey toward healing and personal growth. The 12 steps include:

    1. Admitting powerlessness
    Acknowledge that addiction has become unmanageable and recognise the need for help.
    2. Embracing hope
    Believe in the possibility of a higher power or a force beyond oneself that can restore sanity and provide guidance. Your higher power can be anything that resonates with you – nature, the universe, God, humanity or anything else. This is something that has greater power and control than you do.
    3. Surrendering to a higher power
    Willingly turn your will and life over to the care of a higher power, acknowledging personal limitations.
    4. Taking a moral inventory
    Conduct an honest and thorough self-examination, identifying patterns of behaviour, character defects and underlying emotions.
    5. Sharing with another
    Confide in a trusted person, sponsor or support group, sharing the exact nature of your wrongs and taking responsibility for your actions.
    6. Being ready for change
    Cultivate a willingness to let go of character defects, unhealthy behaviours and negative patterns of thinking.
    7. Seeking humility and spiritual growth
    Humbly ask a higher power to remove shortcomings and transform your inner self.
    8. Making amends
    Make a list of individuals harmed through your addiction and be willing to make direct amends wherever possible.
    9. Making direct amends
    Courageously make amends to those harmed, except when it would cause further harm, being mindful of others’ well-being.
    10. Continuing personal inventory
    Engage in ongoing self-reflection, promptly admitting and addressing mistakes and making amends when necessary.
    11. Seeking conscious contact
    Practice prayer, meditation, journaling or other spiritual practices to deepen the connection with a higher power, seeking guidance and serenity.
    12. Carrying the message
    Share the experience, strength and hope gained in recovery with others, offering support and guidance, and living a life of service.

How does the 12-step programme work?

Engaging in a 12-step programme as part of your rehab journey can produce a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond simply overcoming addiction. Through a 12-step programme, you can gain:

  • A solid foundation for lasting addiction recovery
  • A supportive community with others who understand your struggles
  • A welcoming and empathetic environment that promotes healing
  • A heightened sense of self-awareness that facilitates personal growth
  • The ability to identify underlying issues and develop coping skills to manage them
  • The ability to navigate life’s challenges without resorting to harmful behaviours
  • An enhanced resilience and improved mental well-being
  • The opportunity to make amends and rebuild fractured relationships
  • A deeper sense of inner peace and tranquillity
  • The opportunity to rediscover your passions, values and personal aspirations

As well as the above benefits, the 12-step programme promotes continuous learning and development. It recognises that recovery is a lifelong journey and encourages you to remain open to insights, continually assess your current state and evolve into the person you want to be.

Does the 12-step programme work?

The effectiveness of the 12-step programme in addiction recovery has been widely studied, with positive outcomes for millions of individuals across the globe. However, it’s important to recognise that recovery is a deeply personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another.

If the 12-step programme is not working for you, we also offer the strengths programme – an eight-stage approach that allows you to map your progress in the early stages of recovery. Oasis Runcorn offers this and the 12-step programme alongside a wide range of proven rehab therapies and holistic activities. Some of these include:

Ultimately, the key to success lies in finding what resonates with you as an individual. It may involve exploring multiple paths and treatment modalities to discover the combination that best suits your needs. What matters most is your commitment to your own recovery, your willingness to seek support and your openness to personal growth and transformation.

If you are ready to begin the 12 steps and would like to enrol into our addiction rehab programme, contact our dedicated team today.

Disclaimer:

The availability of therapies may vary across UKAT centres. The specific therapies provided will be determined based on your treatment plan and the programme offered at your chosen facility. All treatments are subject to clinical assessment and programme availability at the time of admission. For further details on the therapies included in your treatment plan, please contact our admissions team.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to complete the 12-step programme at Oasis Runcorn?
You will take part in the 12-step programme throughout your rehab stay, and the number of steps completed depends on the length of your treatment plan. As an example, a stay of four weeks encompasses steps one to three. The rest of the steps can be completed as part of an aftercare programme.
Is it free to use the 12-step programme as part of my addiction recovery?
There is no additional cost for the 12-step programme. This is included as part of our rehab treatment plan. If you would like to receive a quote for the different plans available at Oasis Runcorn, please call our friendly team on 0203 131 5938 or email info@ukat.co.uk.
What is the significance of “sponsorship” in the 12-step programme?
Sponsorship is a key element in the 12-step programme, where an experienced member (the sponsor) provides guidance, support, and mentorship to someone newer to the programme. The sponsor helps the individual work through the steps, offers encouragement, and shares personal experiences to help maintain sobriety. It fosters a sense of accountability and provides a source of emotional and practical support.
What is the role of anonymity in 12-step programmes?
Anonymity in 12-step programmes is vital for creating a safe, non-judgmental space for participants. It allows individuals to share openly without fear of disclosing personal information outside the group. Anonymity helps protect privacy, fosters trust and encourages people to seek help without the stigma associated with addiction. It reinforces the concept that the focus is on recovery, not personal identity.