12-Step Support in Thousand Oaks, CA
The 12-step recovery program is used nationwide to help individuals overcome various addictions, including drugs and alcohol. Located in Thousand Oaks and serving Westlake Village, Santa Barbara, Calabasas, Hidden Hills and the surrounding area, Archway House believes this program plays a vital role in your journey to maintaining long term sobriety as part of being in sober living. We invite all residents to participate in 12-step support as they recover in our comfortable, home-like environment.
How Did the Program Start?
Bill Wilson founded the 12-step program in 1938, three years after he established Alcoholic Anonymous with physician Bob Smith. Wilson’s struggles with alcoholism forced him out of his career on Wall Street, but his discovery of the Christian-based Oxford Group inspired him to change his life. The Oxford Group’s principles of self-improvement led him to create the program.
In 1939, Wilson wrote a guide for recovery from alcohol addiction, now known as the Big Book. This guide initially was designed for people who could not go to AA meetings, but it developed into general instructions for recovery. Since its conception, the Big Book has been adapted for numerous other programs, including drug, gambling and overeating addictions.
Given the Christian roots of the 12-step program, some people think it is only for those with strong religious convictions. In reality, anyone battling with addiction can benefit from the program. Although the program focuses on spirituality, general references to a higher power allow individuals to follow the steps based on personal beliefs.
The 12 Steps
Before we go over the steps, remember that the path to sobriety takes time. You should be guided through the steps by someone familiar with their purpose and principles. According to Alcoholics Anonymous, the 12 steps are as follows:
"We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable."
"Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity."
"Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him."
"Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves."
"Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs."
"Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character."
"Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."
"Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all."
"Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others."
"Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it."
"Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out."
"Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs."
The widespread recognition of this program is the most significant indication that it helps those with drug and alcohol addictions. 12-step support groups give individuals the accountability and confidence they need to rise above damaging behavior patterns.
While the program is helpful in AA meetings and support groups, it also can be helpful in a close-knit, home atmosphere. At Archway House, we integrate the 12-step program into our Executive Recovery Program to help clients on the journey toward sober living. Our experienced team ensures you receive the personalized support you need to meet your goals and recover successfully.
Reach Out to Archway House for Help
Located in Thousand Oaks and serving Westlake Village, Santa Barbara, Calabasas, Hidden Hills and the surrounding areas, Archway House is committed to helping professional men get the support they need with the respect they deserve. Contact us today to learn more about 12-step support and our other sober living services.