12 Days/12-Steps of Gratitude Part 1

The twelve days of Christmas bring us many gifts. Our child who has gone through residential treatment for a drug and alcohol addiction has likely encountered the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, which has brought them, and us, many more gifts in life. This holiday season, our child's sobriety and safety in their sobriety is the greatest gift we can ask for.

The 12-Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous:

The twelve step program that was laid out by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous has changed the lives of millions of people around the world. Men and women alike have found relief from their phenomenon of craving drugs and alcohol after completing the twelve steps. Much of modern treatment is based on the primitive information first collected by the founding members of AA. Teenagers and adolescents who are in treatment for drug and alcohol addiction are encouraged to complete the twelve steps and incorporate their principles into every area of their life. The twelfth step includes carrying the message of AA: that recovery is possible. For either a brief or a long period of your child's life, it did not seem that recovery could be possible. The gift of recovery is something everyone can be grateful for.

Prayer and Meditation:

Meditation is a scientifically proven practice for reducing stress, depression, anxiety, and much more. Through treatment and participation in twelve step programs, your child has learned how to meditate and use the practice for stress management. Since the twelve steps also encourage defining, then developing a relationship with a Higher Power of your child's own understanding, prayer has become part of their new faith-based life. A meditation in itself, prayer is a priceless practice in which a child connects to something greater than themselves. Seeing our child be directed by spiritual means is something we can be grateful for.

Saying ‘Sorry':

The tenth step asks our child to examine where they might have been wrong at the end of each day, then promptly admit their wrongdoings when they realize them. Recognizing right from wrong, personal responsibility and negative consequence, are normal skills that children lose when they become chemically addicted to drugs and alcohol. Watching our children take initiative through self-reflection is something we can be grateful for.

Making Amends:

Our children have gone through the ninth step which asked them to make direct amends for things they found responsibility in during their time of drinking and using. We know that the greatest amends our child makes to us is their commitment to their sobriety and the way they charge into their recovery every single day. To see our child so deeply convicted by such a noble cause at a young age is something we are deeply grateful for.

Treatment during the holidays is a challenge because families want to be together. Addiction tears families apart. Now is the best time to set you and your family on course for total recovery. Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center offers long-term residential treatment programs for adolescent and teenage boys. Building positive foundations through life cleansing therapies, boys graduate from our program ready to take on life. Call us today for information: 662-598-4214

The Stonewater Adolescent Treatment Process

What to Expect When Your Child Goes to Treatment

More than half a million families put a child into residential treatment for adolescents each year. If your family is taking this step, you are not alone - even if it may feel that way. With a clear understanding of what to expect, and trusted guides walking alongside you, this moment can be transformed from a time of fear and uncertainty to the beginning of a new and positive journey. Let's begin.