As I sit down to write this post, I am filled with a mix of emotions – gratitude, humility, and a sense of purpose. You see, I’ve been in recovery from sex addiction, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental health issues for some time now, and I owe a large part of my recovery to 12-step groups. For those who may be unfamiliar, 12-step groups are peer-led support groups that provide a structured program for recovery from addiction and other mental health issues. The core principles and steps of the program encourage members to admit powerlessness, seek help, take personal inventory, make amends, and help others. It’s a program that emphasizes personal growth, accountability, and community support.
My journey with 12-step groups began when I hit rock bottom. I was exhausted, broken, and desperate for a way out of the vicious cycle of addiction. Perhaps I’ll share the deep details of my story one day, but for now, all you need to know is that my entire life had been turned upside-down. My career was almost certainly over, and my marriage too. Friendships were severed and family-ties weakened to breaking point. I had nowhere to turn and was wallowing in a deep pit of self-pity and shame.
Through desperation, I attended my first meeting. As I approached the building, every. inch of me wanted to flee. As I walked in, I was greeted by smiles and handed ‘The Bubble’, an introductory text explaining the problem. Tears trickled down my face. The four of us sat in a circle. I listened as the meeting progressed. We introduced ourselves. The words “Hi, I’m X and I’m a sex addict” came out of my mouth. A glow came over me; a weight was lifted.
I went home and I found a meeting for every single day, and I attended them for just over a month. I listened to stories of all kinds, saw similarities and differences, and found a place where I belonged. Eventually, I found a sponsor who ruthlessly pushed me through the 12 steps. I took inventory of my life, embedded daily spiritual practices, and many, many more things. What I found was a higher power and a purpose in my life. That purpose? Help others escape this pit before they get to the point I did.
What I found in those rooms or recovery was a community of people who understood me, who had walked in my shoes, and who were willing to support me every step of the way. Through 12-step groups, I learned to confront my demons, to take responsibility for my actions, and to develop healthy coping mechanisms. I found a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose, and a sense of hope. I worked the steps, I got a sponsor, and I started to rebuild my life.
For the rest of my life, I will continue to engage with my groups. I will stay present in my recovery. At this stage, service keeps me sober. That is the purpose of this blog. If my words steer just one person to find support before it’s too late, then it has served its purpose. I sit here as a recovered addict. Yes, you heard that right, recovered. I’m not a scientist, nor a clinician or therapist, but I have been where many of you are right now (even if you don’t realise it). As a recovered addict, I don’t need porn and I no longer need the approval of others to boost my self-esteem. I no longer feel the relentless urge to watch ladies get f****d.
There’s often a stigma around 12 step groups… I’ll address this more in a future post, but this stigma is deeply unfounded. There are also lots of people who end up in the rooms yet just want to stop watching porn, or drinking, or other habits. For these people, the rooms may not be for you. Healing Minds Media is here for you though, explore our content and resources, and reach out if you want to talk it through.
Of course, it wasn’t easy. There were times when I struggled with relapse, when I felt like giving up, and when I doubted the program. But the support of my fellow group members, the guidance of my sponsor, and the accountability of working the steps kept me moving forward. If you’re struggling with addiction or mental health issues, I want you to know that recovery is possible. 12-step groups can be a powerful tool in your recovery journey. Don’t let misconceptions or fear hold you back – give it a try. You can find 12-step groups for various addictions and issues, such as:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA)
- Overeaters Anonymous (OA)
- Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
and many more.
Take the first step towards recovery today. Find a 12-step group meeting near you, attend a meeting, and see for yourself the power of community and support. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help – you are not alone. Remember, recovery is possible, and 12-step groups can help. Remember, you are not alone in your struggle. There is hope for recovery, and it is never too late. There is a community waiting to support you every step of the way. Take your first step today, and start your journey towards a life of sobriety, serenity, and purpose.
Recommended Reading:
I highly recommend finding a copy of ‘The Big Book’ or a relevant one for your problem. They’re widely available online. Read the first couple of chapters to gain an insight into the addiction and how you feel. If you relate, consider getting yourself into a room as soon as possible.
