What Is the Third Step of the 12-Step Program?

Treatment in a formal rehab program is the primary option for effective recovery from substance abuse and addiction. But enrollment in a 12-step program is also important. Programs of this type help you establish stable sobriety by following a series of steps or actions. Each of these actions helps you in its own way. After completing steps one and two, you will naturally progress to the third step of your program. What is the third step in a 12-step program? Surrendering to a higher power that can help you heal and change. Contact Promises Right Step at 17135283709 or online today for more information about 12-step recovery. 

Understanding 12-Step Programs 

A 12-step program is a specific kind of mutual self-help group. Like all groups of this type, it uses a peer-to-peer model to support its participants. The 12 steps at the heart of the program were first laid out by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Their overall goals include: 

  • Helping you bring your drinking or drug use to an end 
  • Providing readily available support for your day-to-day sobriety efforts 
  • Getting you to help others in the program as part of your own recovery journey 

12-step groups are not run by addiction specialists. In addition, they don’t provide formal treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Nevertheless, the importance of these groups for people recovering from substance abuse issues is well-documented. They’re effective, in large part, because they allow you to enlarge your sobriety support network greatly. It’s common to receive a recommendation to join a 12-step program while in treatment. In addition, some rehab facilities provide counseling that helps you prepare for 12-step participation. 

What Is the Third Step of the 12-Step Program? 

In the second step of the 12-step program, you open yourself to faith in a power greater than yourself. This faith is based on the understanding that you need help to recover from addiction. That’s true because addiction strips away your ability to control your behavior or own up to its consequences. 

What is the third step in the 12-step model? Active surrender to the healing influences of your higher power. This power may be God, as defined by the classic AA approach to 12-step programs. However, it may also be a more generally spiritual concept not based in a particular religion. The point is fully opening yourself to that power, however it is that you define it. In this way, you acknowledge the need to go beyond your own personal resources to regain and protect your sobriety.  

What’s Next After Step Three? 

After you complete step three, you still have a lot of work ahead of you on your 12-step journey. Upcoming steps in the program include: 

  • Taking a thorough, honest look at how addiction has harmed you and those you know 
  • Admitting to the wrongs you have committed 
  • Being willing to let your higher power help you heal and change 

Each action you take in your 12-step group is addictive. In other words, you build upon them one after the other. That way, they continue to influence your outlook and behavior as your recovery progresses. 

Get More Information About 12-Step Recovery at Promises Right Step 

What is the third step in a 12-step program? Letting go of your sense of control and opening up to the influence of your higher power. By taking this step, you admit that you need help to achieve and maintain durable substance abstinence. 

Want to find out more about this step and its role in 12-step programs? Talk to the professionals at Promises Right Step. With our help, you can gain a thorough understanding of 12-step programs as vital recovery resources. Just call today at 17135283709 or get in touch with us online

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