12 Step Therapy for Professionals

1. Admit where you went wrong
2. Work on character flaws
3. Work on shortcomings
4. Make a list of the people you have harmed

The first phase of the 12 step program for professionals is all about admitting you are powerless and need help. We know it can be hard to push your pride aside and say you need assistance, but if you’re reading this, you’re already halfway there. The first four steps are where you set the intention that you are going to get sober and will do the necessary steps to get sober and remain sober. You also are going to do a lot of self-reflection during this stage. Try and think about what could have led you to the situation you currently find yourself in.

5. Admit where you went wrong
6. Work on character flaws
7. Work on shortcomings
8. Make a list of the people you have harmed

This phase is all about action. You already self-reflected and figured out what could have led you to become addicted to a substance; now, it’s time to fix the situation. You address what went wrong. Was it taking a medication you knew was highly addictive? Was it allowing others to influence you to do something you knew was wrong? Whatever it is, admit the bad decisions to yourself. Now, you need to work on any character flaws and shortcomings you may have. The thing about rehab is that it’s mainly to keep you sober and give you tools for living your new lifestyle, but it’s also a time to work on yourself as a person. When you work on any flaws or shortcomings you have, you may find sobriety to be easier now that you are evolving as a person. During this phase, you also should make a list of anyone who you may have harmed. People who struggle with addiction can sometimes hurt many in their path. They may not even know it as they could be under the influence, but it happens quite often and ruins relationships.

9. Make amends with the people on your list
10. Continue self-reflection
11. Find activities and groups to join
12. Help others

The final phase is where you start to establish life while sober. You now have more of a grasp on your addiction and can function more as an average member of society. The chance of relapse is there, but it is a lot lower than when you first walked in. During this stage, you are going to make amends with people you have hurt. Doing this will give you peace of mind and allow you to move forward with your new life. You also may want to pick up a new hobby or find a religious group you would want to partake in. These things are great for staying distracted and around those who motivate you to remain sober. Last but not least, help others, especially those who are struggling with addiction. By now, you know what it’s like and how hard it can be to get sober. Paying it forward and helping others will help reaffirm your mission and also could put someone else in a better situation.