12 Step Program New Jersey

Alcoholics Anonymous was the original 12-step program. Starting in 1935, the program aimed to help individuals struggling with alcoholism achieve lasting recovery. This holistic approach focused on relapse prevention by encouraging the belief in a higher power. Through regular peer meetings and support groups, individuals could learn from one another and rely on one another for support during recovery.

Alcoholics Anonymous, as the name suggests, is an anonymous program that is widely accessible around the United States. You have no obligation to share anything about yourself that you aren’t comfortable sharing.

The 12 steps of an AA program are as follows:

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. We continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, we promptly admitted it.
11. We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

These 12 steps are designed to be spiritual and don’t refer to a specific God. Different programs have their own approaches, some of which are designed for specific religions and others that are nonreligious.

Narcotics Anonymous helps any person struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. Like Alcoholics Anonymous, it is based in the principles of the 12-step model. NA offers a structured, peer-based approach to recovery that encourages accountability, honesty, and personal growth. Meetings are generally peer-led, though some may be led by therapists or other professionals.

The NA program incorporates spiritual elements, but it is not affiliated with any specific religion. Instead, it encourages participants to define a “Higher Power” in whatever context may be meaningful to them, which allows people of all backgrounds to feel welcomed to the group.

Another key tenet of NA is that you will be able to maintain anonymity. So, if you prefer to be in a nonjudgmental space as well as one where others won’t know your name or anything you don’t share with them, this could be a good option.

These are just some of the many versions of 12-step programs that exist today. For those working to have an addiction-free life, using these programs can be beneficial in helping build self-awareness, coping skills, and supporting true recovery.

Inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, is a highly structured type of support for those recovering from drug or alcohol addiction and/or dual diagnoses. Addiction specialists work with them around the clock to provide them with the support they need to make a positive change toward lasting sobriety.

Inpatient treatment may involve:

• 24/7 medical care and psychological support
• Access to 12-step programs
• Holistic healing options
• Daily individual and group therapy

Inpatient treatment is designed for those with severe addictions, co-occurring disorders that require supportive care, and substance abuse concerns combined with unsafe home environments.

Inpatient treatment isn’t always a realistic option—especially for those balancing work, school, or family responsibilities. That’s where outpatient care comes in. Outpatient services allow individuals to receive high-quality addiction treatment without needing to stay overnight at a facility, offering flexibility without compromising support. Outpatient programs can be tailored to fit the unique needs of each person, depending on the severity of their substance use or any co-occurring mental health issues.

Partial Hospitalization Programs offer full-day, structured treatment in a clinical setting. Clients participate in intensive therapy and support services during the day, then return home in the evening. It’s an ideal option for those who need consistent care but still want to maintain a sense of normalcy in their daily lives.

Intensive Outpatient Programs typically include several sessions each week, with a strong focus on therapy, relapse prevention, and personal growth. These programs help individuals dive deeper into topics like coping skills, emotional regulation, and taking an honest personal inventory—all key steps in building long-term recovery.