The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, which details the 12 Steps program, is widely considered the best approach to addressing alcohol use disorder.
Recovery from alcohol use disorder is a lifelong endeavor, no matter what age it begins.
Using the 12 Steps program to remedy the issue works because it is applicable to people from all backgrounds and experiences.
It can be used at any age – even for younger adults struggling with this disorder.
In fact, young adults dealing with alcohol use disorder may benefit from the structure provided by the 12 Steps program.
We help people with addictions and substance use disorders recover. Get mindfulness training and learn the 12 Steps for deeper healing.
It offers guidelines for recovery, which can be beneficial for young adults and their families who need support and guidance.
The Big Book notes that symptoms of alcoholism include an inability to control the amount a person imbibes and the inability to stop alcohol consumption entirely.
Getting control of alcohol abuse starts with the acknowledgment that a problem exists and then working on the 12 Steps from that point.
For young adults and their families, this can be the most challenging first step.
Often, because young adults have not spent years and years struggling with alcohol use disorder to the extent that older adults have, they may not recognize the extent of their issue.
Promoting acceptance among young adults who are struggling with alcohol use disorder can help them to get the help their need and navigate the 12 Steps effectively.
Moreover, the efficacy of the 12 Step program centers on the fact that the steps are worked repeatedly, which reinforces treatment options for those with alcohol use disorder.
Another part of the reason that the 12 Steps program represents the most effective solution to alcohol abuse is that it not only helps those struggling and their families to understand the illness of alcohol abuse but also, provides a clear solution.
While the first step in recovery is being receptive to help, the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous touts the success of the 12 Steps program in helping people that had given up on themselves.
Moreover, those that have navigated each of the steps have been more successful with treatment than those that have tried other options.
Seeking treatment for alcohol abuse is never an easy decision at any age.
However, young adults may even more hesitant to accept help and make a major life change as they are on the cusp of adulthood.
Yet, there is no better time to course-correct than as a young adult.
Working the 12 Steps at a young age can save someone struggling with the weight of alcohol use disorder from making mistakes that may carry weight for the rest of their lives.
Another reason that the 12 Steps is effective is that it is a lifelong construct that can be used continuously.
This means that if a person needs to reinforce one or more of the steps, they can revisit them as needed to ensure they remain on the path to recovery.
The first three steps form the foundation of the entire program.
The first step helps those struggling with alcohol use disorder to admit powerlessness over it and the degree to which it has made their lives unmanageable. The second is the belief of a power greater than themselves and the third is a decision to turn their will and lives over to God to help with recovery.
Each of the steps thereafter are centered on action steps to remedy some of the issues that alcohol use disorder may have caused in a person’s life. This includes aspects like making a list of the people harmed during drinking episodes and making amends and continuing to take stock of necessary changes to overcome the disorder.
The 12 Steps are initially worked in order and cannot be navigated from one step until the next before completing the one preceding it. However, once each of the 12 steps has been worked in order, they can then be revisited if a person feels they are struggling.
While much of the 12 Steps program is based on a spiritual approach, it is applicable to people of every faith. While the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous is self-explanatory in terms of the 12 Steps approach, it helps to have assistance on the path to recovery.
Working with rehabilitative specialists for young adults struggling with alcohol use disorder is instrumental to a successful recovery process.
Many parents of young adults who have dealt with this disorder are perpetually stressed and unable to effectively help their children navigate through the recovery process.
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous provides a reference to the program and provides a deeper understanding of alcohol use disorder.
Those struggling with this issue can learn more about it and how to overcome it with the help of treatment professionals.
Young adults and their families dealing with alcohol use disorder can benefit from working the 12 Steps program.
It has been proven to be an effective method to dealing with this issue and has helped millions of people get their lives back on track after dealing with alcohol use disorder.
Accepting that a problem exists is the first step, but working with reputable treatment professionals thereafter is the next step.
Those with experience in treating alcohol use disorder can help young adults to navigate the 12 Steps program and begin the path to recovery in what could be a life-changing decision for the better.
