12-Step Treatment Programs and the Spiritual Foundation for Recovery

When Alcoholic’s Anonymous first began in the early 1930s, more than 75% of all addicts who took part in the program actually made a full recovery from their addiction to alcohol. These numbers are actually very high when compared with many of today’s current treatment modalities. Alcoholics Anonymous was the first to coin the 12-step program for treatment of alcoholism but many other 12-step programs have now evolved to include Narcotic’s Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, and Meth Anonymous to name a few.

Here’s a look at how the 12-steps of recovery lay a spiritual foundation for those addicted to drugs or alcohol to continue with their recovery efforts in the hands of God or a higher power.

Many of the 12-steps of recovery can be directly attributed to parts of the Bible. Below is an example of the exact scripture that relates with each of the 12-steps of recovery:

12-Step treatment programs offer a therapeutic way of recovery.

1. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. (Romans 7:18)
2. For it is God who is at work in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13)
3. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God his is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)
4. Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD. (Lamentations 3:40)
5. Therefore, confess your sins to each other, and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. (James 5:16a)
6. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will life you up. (James 4:10)
7. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
8. Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31)
9. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)
10. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! (1 Corinthians 10:12)
11. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. (Colossians 3:16a)
12. Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

For help finding a local treatment center that provides 12-step recovery programs that are guided by the principles of the Christian faith and the bible, call 1-888-461-2155 to speak with a Treatment Centers Specialist today.