How Long Do the 12 Steps Take?

12-step approaches are evidence-based treatment methods that help people overcome substance abuse and other concerns that may affect their lives negatively. The framework has been used for what is now decades, and research has repeatedly shown that 12-step programs are effective. If you’re looking for addiction treatment, you might wonder: how long do the 12 steps take? What else should you know about the 12-step approach to addiction treatment? Northstar Recovery Center is here to help. We offer 12-step-based substance use disorder treatment in Massachusetts. With in-person, online, and hybrid scheduling available, we make quality addiction and mental health treatment accessible. 

How Long Does the 12-Step Program Take?

How long do the 12 steps take? The truth is that there’s no right or wrong answer to this question. Some people complete the 12 steps within a few months of attending a 12-step-based program, but others have a different timeline. It may be relevant to note that many of the 12 steps are continuous in nature. For example, step 10 (“continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it”) is something you’ll likely want to do for the rest of your life. Even after you’ve moved through the 12 steps initially, you want to remain accountable, continue growing as a person, and sustain your recovery. It’s highly feasible that you’ll find yourself re-visiting the 12 steps for guidance.

12 Step Addiction Treatment Program

In our 12-step addiction treatment program in Massachusetts, you will be able to start working the 12 steps right away. Many people in our programs find that the 12 steps are a beneficial part of their broader treatment plan. At Northstar Recovery, we combine daily Big Book and 12-step meetings with other treatments, such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Trauma-informed CBT (TF-CBT).
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
• Niche recovery groups (e.g., Dharma recovery, grief groups, sound healing, and yoga).
• Family therapy.
• Psychoeducation. 

Here, we’ll tailor treatment to your unique needs. All Northstar Recovery Center clients get personalized care plans. If you encounter any barriers on your recovery journey, we’re here to help you overcome them.

Options for Individuals Seeking 12-Step-Based Programs

With locations in West Springfield and Southborough, Northstar Recovery Center offers various treatment options for individuals seeking 12-step-based programs in Massachusetts. That way, you can find a program that works for your schedule. 

Addiction Day Treatment Programs

Our addiction day treatment programs in Massachusetts provide immersive therapy on an outpatient basis. Comparable to a typical partial hospitalization program (PHP), these programs meet from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday and from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturdays. Day treatment is highly structured, typically consisting of daily 12-step meetings, group therapy, once-weekly individual therapy, and other activities. 

Intensive Outpatient Program

Our intensive outpatient program in Massachusetts is the next step down from day treatment in intensity. Clients in our intensive outpatient program (IOP) attend therapy for three hours per day. Multiple IOP schedules are available at Northstar Recovery Center to accommodate your schedule, including morning, afternoon, and evening options. 

Virtual Addiction Treatment

In addition to our range of in-person treatment options, we are proud to offer virtual addiction treatment in Massachusetts. You can participate in a fully online program through Northstar Recovery Center, such as virtual PHP or IOP, or you can participate in a combination of in-person and online therapy sessions. This program lets you get the benefits of evidence-based approaches like 12-step from the privacy of your own home.

Call Northstar Recovery Center to Learn More About the 12 Steps and Find Help for Addiction

Northstar Recovery Center is an accredited substance abuse, mental health, and dual-diagnosis treatment provider. To help make quality care accessible, our centers accept most forms of insurance, which you can verify online or over the phone in a few minutes or less. Call Northstar Recovery Center to learn more about the 12 steps and find help for addiction today at (833) 853-8153. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What are the 12 steps?

The 12 steps are a set of guidelines designed to help people who are recovering from addiction. While they were first used in Alcoholics Anonymous, they have been adapted to help people in other programs, like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Marijuana Anonymous, and Emotions Anonymous. 

Where can I read the 12 steps?

You can read through the 12 steps in their entirety online on the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) website or in the book Alcoholics Anonymous. Essays on the 12 steps can also be found in a piece of AA literature called Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

How often should I attend 12-step meetings?

The more meetings you attend at first, the better. Often, newcomers and people early in recovery attend 12-step meetings daily. Those who are in long-term recovery may decrease their attendance. However, going to meetings regularly (even if less frequently) can be important for avoiding isolation. 

Are there alternatives to 12-step programs?

Yes, there are alternatives to 12-step programs. Common alternatives include Refuge Recovery, Dharma Recovery, and SMART Recovery. However, this is not a full list; there are many ways to heal from addiction, and everyone has a unique path. 

How long do Alcoholics Anonymous meetings usually last?

Most 12-step meetings, including AA meetings, typically last around one hour to an hour and a half. When you look for AA meetings near you, the list should tell you when the meeting starts and ends. 

Are 12-step-based programs effective for addiction?

Yes. Research on 12-step programs like AA shows that they are associated with positive outcomes such as continuous abstinence. 

Are there 12-step groups for loved ones of people with substance use disorders?

Yes. While many people attend 12-step groups for substance abuse, there are also 12-step programs for the loved ones of those facing addiction. These include, but are not limited to:

• Al-Anon and Alateen Family Groups.
• Nar-Anon and Narateen Family Groups.

Northstar Recovery Center offers family groups on-site at both of our locations, which may be valuable for family members seeking support. These groups are available to the loved ones of current and former clients.