The road to addiction recovery for some is paved with 12-step programs. In Orlando, there are various 12-step programs that people addicted to drugs or alcohol can join. Some rehab treatment centers like WhiteSands offer 12-step programming in addition to their conventional addiction treatment programs. 12-step programs don’t cure addiction, but they can provide support for people who are transforming their lifestyle and health for the better through abstinence. Getting off and staying off drugs and alcohol can be extremely challenging, but 12-step programs can help.

WhiteSands is a leading addiction treatment center that’s known for our commitment to individualized treatment and a full continuum of care. In addition to 12-step programming, we offer inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, medical detox, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare. We also feature sober living and dual diagnosis treatment. Our clinicians are licensed, experienced, and dedicated to helping people change their lives for the better. Learning how to effectively manage an addiction takes time, but achieving recovery milestones is easy when there’s guidance and support along the way. 

Many people who are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction benefit from participating in 12-step programming. The program provides a structure or framework that allows them to progress through recovery one step at a time. 12-step programs offer clients a wide range of benefits that include peer support, focus on personal responsibility, non-judgment, and life-long participation should participants choose. 

If you are struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, WhiteSands can help with our focus on evidence-based treatments and holistic therapies. Get to know our offerings and how they can help you achieve lasting recovery.

The Origins and Principles of the 12 Steps

The first 12-step program, Alcoholics Anonymous, was founded in the 1930s. Developed by Bill Wilson and Bob Smith, the program features a strong spiritual component that many people continue to find inspiring. Over the decades, the program has helped millions of people abstain from using alcohol. The program also inspired the founding of other similar 12-step programs, including those offered by WhiteSands and other rehabs. Not all 12-step programs offer the same spiritual component that AA  does, but all base their recovery models on the 12-step framework. 

Although 12-step programs can be highly supportive, they don’t all feature clinical expertise. At WhiteSands, our 12-step programs are therapist-led. Our clinicians also provide evidence-based addiction treatments that have the backing of the medical community. Our therapies have been clinically proven to be safe and effective for the treatment of substance use disorders. 

Although there are other 12-step programs in the Orlando community, not all are rehab-driven. Our program is an excellent resource for people recovering from addiction, but our treatment programs offer more than 12 steps alone. We meet clients wherever they are in their recovery journey. With treatment, clients can achieve their recovery goals and learn important strategies for preventing relapse. 

Individualized Counseling and Therapy Sessions

WhiteSands is known for its individualized treatment programs. Cookie-cutter programs don’t provide the level of customization that many people need to progress through recovery. When clients enroll with us for treatment, they can expect a thorough evaluation that allows our clinicians to recommend the ideal course of treatment for their needs. Individualized therapy coupled with 12-step participation offers clients a comprehensive level of support. 

During our individual counseling and therapy sessions, clients can focus on issues that are unique to their situation. Therapists help clients identify the triggers that led them to abuse drugs or alcohol. Then, together, they can build strategies for successfully managing those triggers. Individual treatment is private, while peer group counseling and 12-step sessions involve other participants. Clients can benefit from both paradigms as they progress through the recovery process. 

It’s also important to note that about a third of individuals who have a substance use disorder also have a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. Individual counseling sessions may also focus on the management of these conditions, which is important to the overall recovery process. WhiteSands is able to provide dual diagnosis treatment, helping clients effectively manage both of their conditions. 

Continuous Support and Post-Treatment Plans

orlando 12-step programs

WhiteSands features comprehensive support. Our treatment solutions involve inpatient and outpatient treatment as well as aftercare and sober living. Our aftercare programming like 12-step plans is geared for people from all walks of life. We’ve created a supportive environment where participants can learn, grow, and heal. 

In addition to our 12-step programming, WhiteSands also features holistic and alternative therapies that support long-term recovery. Meditation, mindfulness, and art therapy, for example, can provide helpful support for people who are recovering from substance addictions. The recovery process isn’t confined to a 30, 60, or 90-day treatment plan. After rehab, many people need ongoing support as they rebuild their lives. The same stressors and triggers that existed before rehab will still exist. However, clients will have developed new skills and strategies for managing them. With the support of ongoing treatment or participation in a 12-step group, clients can keep their long-term recovery on track. 

An aftercare plan is crucial for relapse prevention. WhiteSands features aftercare programming that has a strong support component. By participating in aftercare, clients will feel less alone as their recovery continues long after their formal rehab treatment has been completed. 

Importance of Peer Support in Addiction Treatment

WhiteSands understands the benefits of peer support. Many clients are forced to leave behind social circles where drugs or alcohol continue to be abused. They can leave them feeling alone. The support they find in 12-step programming and other peer support groups can fill a hole in their lives. They can both give and receive support with their participation. 

Peer support groups at WhiteSands have a strong educational component. We frequently discuss best practices for coping with triggers or offer news about new therapies that can help clients manage their substance use disorders as effectively as possible. Peer group support is a core part of the treatment process at WhiteSands. Although not all clients are comfortable sharing with the group or being in social situations with people they don’t know, many clients crave the type of connection with peers that these groups offer. Together, they can forge a collective path to recovery. 

How to Join a 12-Step Program at WhiteSands 

If you think you’d benefit from peer group support or participation in a 12-step program, contact WhiteSands. We can also discuss our treatment programs which include inpatient and outpatient treatment. Our rehab center features clinically supervised detox, medication-assisted treatment, and sober living solutions. Our 12-step programs are part of our comprehensive offerings that include aftercare support. 

Don’t put off getting help. No matter what stage of recovery you are in, you can benefit from WhiteSands treatment or aftercare. Our programs offer a path out of addiction and toward a life of improved health and well-being. Learn more about our wide range of treatment and aftercare solutions. If you live in Orlando and are ready to put addiction behind you, we can help. As a leading Orlando addiction treatment center, we accept many insurance plans and flexible treatment solutions. Call to enroll in our 12-step program today. 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.