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
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.

 

  1. Recognize the Empowering Choice to Change Addictive Behaviors: Shift from acknowledging powerlessness to recognizing the power of choice in changing addictive behaviors. This empowers individuals to take control of their recovery journey.
  2. Foster Belief in Personal Strength for Transformation: Encourage the development of a belief in one’s own strength and ability to transform, moving away from reliance on an external higher power.
  3. Commit to Actively Shaping a Fulfilling Life Beyond Addiction: Instead of surrendering will to a higher power, individuals commit to creating a vision for their life that is free from addiction.
  4. Engage in Compassionate Self-Assessment: Replace the moral inventory with a process of self-assessment that seeks to understand the roots of addiction with kindness and compassion.
  5. Share Personal Insights Responsibly: Focus on sharing insights and growth from a place of accountability, encouraging a journey of self-discovery and connection with others.
  6. Prepare to Address and Transform Underlying Causes of Addictive Behavior: This step moves beyond being ready to have defects removed to actively engaging in the process of healing and transformation.
  7. Cultivate Self-Compassion and Initiate Actions for Self-Improvement: Encourage practices of self-compassion and forgiveness, emphasizing proactive steps towards self-improvement rather than seeking removal of shortcomings by an external force.
  8. Seek to Mend Relationships Through Meaningful Actions: Focus on the active process of making amends and healing relationships through direct actions that demonstrate change and commitment to growth.
  9. Implement Creative Strategies for Fulfilling Emotional Needs Healthily: Encourage individuals to find creative, healthy ways to fulfill their needs, shifting away from addictive behaviors as coping mechanisms.
  10. Maintain a Practice of Reflective Self-Evaluation: Commit to ongoing self-reflection and adaptation of behaviors, fostering a mindset of growth and continuous improvement.
  11. Enhance Mindfulness and Connection to the Present: Promote practices that enhance mindfulness and connection to the present moment, helping individuals find peace and contentment without the need for substances.
  12. Share the Journey and Encourage a Creative, Empowered Approach to Recovery: Finally, individuals are encouraged to share their journey and insights, promoting a message of hope, empowerment, and creative recovery to others.

Conclusion

This new creative 12-step program represents a paradigm shift in the approach to addiction recovery. By fostering a sense of personal agency, empowerment, and creative engagement with life, it offers a pathway that not only addresses the symptoms of addiction but also empowers individuals to reconstruct their lives and identities. As we move forward, this framework can serve as a foundation for developing comprehensive programs that support addicts in their journey towards a fulfilling, substance-free life, grounded in the belief in their capacity to change and grow.