The NEW 12 Steps Program for Addiction: A Journey from Reactivity to Creativity
Introduction
The traditional 12-step program, pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous, has been a cornerstone in the treatment of addiction for decades. Its approach, rooted in the acknowledgment of powerlessness over addiction and the surrender to a higher power, has provided many with a path to sobriety. However, through the lens of Steve Chandler’s theories in “Creator,” this method reveals a reactive stance towards addiction, where individuals may find themselves in a cycle of recovery and relapse, constantly battling against their addiction.
The Reactive Nature of Traditional 12 Steps
Chandler’s work emphasizes the power of adopting a creator mindset over a reactor mindset. In the context of addiction recovery, the traditional 12 steps encourage individuals to react to their addiction—acknowledging its control over their lives and seeking intervention from a higher power. While this can offer a foundation for recovery, it inherently positions individuals as victims of their circumstances, potentially limiting their perceived agency and capacity for change.
Envisioning a New Creative 12-Step Program
Drawing from Chandler’s principles and incorporating insights from modern psychology and therapy, a new 12-step program is proposed—one that empowers individuals to take an active role in their recovery and life creation. This program emphasizes personal responsibility, self-awareness, and the utilization of creative strategies to overcome addiction.
Reactive 12-Step Program | Creative 12-Step Program |
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1. Admit powerlessness over addiction. | 1. Recognize the empowering choice to change addictive behaviors. |
2. Believe in a higher power for restoration. | 2. Foster belief in personal strength and self-determination for transformation. |
3. Decide to turn our will over to a higher power. | 3. Commit to actively shaping a fulfilling life beyond addiction. |
4. Make a moral inventory of ourselves. | 4. Engage in a compassionate self-assessment to uncover the roots of addiction. |
5. Admit wrongs to a higher power and others. | 5. Share personal insights responsibly, embracing growth from accountability. |
6. Be ready to have defects of character removed. | 6. Prepare to address and transform underlying causes of addictive behavior. |
7. Ask a higher power to remove shortcomings. | 7. Cultivate self-compassion and initiate actions for self-improvement. |
8. List those harmed and be willing to make amends. | 8. Seek to mend relationships through meaningful actions, emphasizing healing. |
9. Make direct amends where possible. | 9. Implement creative strategies for fulfilling emotional needs healthily. |
10. Continue personal inventory and admit wrongs. | 10. Maintain a practice of reflective self-evaluation and adapt behaviors. |
11. Improve contact with a higher power through prayer/meditation. | 11. Enhance mindfulness and connection to the present, fostering inner peace. |
12. Carry the message to others and practice principles. | 12. Share the journey and insights, encouraging a creative, empowered approach to recovery. |