
12-Step Program in Los Angeles
Many people struggling with alcohol or drug addiction benefit from participating in 12-Step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Desert Willow Wellness uses 12-Step facilitation (TSF) and 12-Step meetings to encourage healing and personal growth. We understand recovery from substance abuse takes commitment to change. Most individuals in treatment report better outcomes if they have the support of peers. Our 12-Step program in Los Angeles, California, provides comprehensive support to individuals in recovery.

What Is a 12-Step Program?
Our addiction treatment center uses the 12-Step philosophy to help clients heal and overcome challenges in recovery. According to Social Work in Public Health, “12-Step mutual support programs represent readily available, no cost community-based resources.” 12-Step facilitation educates clients on the Twelve Steps and encourages them to take advantage of AA, NA, and other community-based self-help groups.
The core principles of the Twelve Steps include:
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Acceptance
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Hope
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Courage
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Integrity
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Community
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Spirituality or belief in a higher power
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Willingness
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Forgiveness
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Service
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Surrender
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Humility
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Overcoming powerlessness
Modern 12-Step groups provide an inclusive and diverse community that offers mutual support and empowerment. Many people with substance use disorder (SUD) use 12-Step groups to maintain emotional stability during rehabilitation and aftercare. Recovery programs like Desert Willow Wellness use support groups to prepare clients for lasting sobriety by giving them the tools and resources to maintain healthy routines outside of structured care.
How the 12-Step Program Supports Addiction Recovery
The 12-Step philosophy encourages self-accountability, mentorship, fellowship, and acceptance of circumstances. Meetings give you a safe space to explore thoughts, beliefs, values, and emotions. Participating in 12-Step meetings allows you to grow and heal by learning to accept the present while remaining motivated to make healthy changes for the future.
Support groups help you heal from the effects of addiction by doing the following:
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Providing positive social connections
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Reducing the risk of relapse
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Promoting healthy lifestyle changes
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Providing resources and tools for long-term recovery
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Offering additional accountability
Each meeting allows you to seek guidance from peers who share similar experiences. During rehabilitation, you will learn to see addiction and treatment from a new perspective and have an opportunity to share how addiction has affected your life. You can celebrate milestones and share fears about the future. Even if you do not speak during a 12-Step meeting, you can still benefit from listening to the insights of others in the group. Our 12-Step program in Los Angeles can help you feel comfortable engaging in group therapy and peer self-help groups.
Building a Strong Foundation
Peer support and community engagement build a strong foundation for your future during the recovery process. Our drug rehab program in Los Angeles takes steps to ensure all clients have the tools to succeed at maintaining long-term sobriety. Developing essential coping skills and support networks during residential care prepares you for the challenges of reintegrating into the community while participating in intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient, sober living, and aftercare programs.
The Twelve Steps provide a solid foundation of healthy thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, and routines by doing the following:
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Encouraging you to accept responsibility for past choices and actions
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Guiding you through the process of identifying areas where you need to grow
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Helping you replace guilt and shame with acceptance, humility, and self-compassion
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Supporting the development of healthy routines and habits
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Offering practical tools for overcoming challenges, managing stress, and regulating emotions
Community-based resources like Alcoholics Anonymous and other self-help groups provide evidence-based support and give you a space to create strong bonds with peers. The 12-Step program at Desert Willow Wellness encourages peers to confide in and uplift one another throughout the treatment process. Mutual support helps you more easily manage the symptoms and side effects of chronic substance abuse.
Addressing Mental Health and Dual Diagnosis
Individuals with mental health conditions have unique needs during and after alcohol or drug rehab. Dual diagnosis care at our treatment center addresses substance use disorders and mental health issues simultaneously. The 12-Step model of treatment prepares clients to manage their dual diagnosis in the real world using the skills they learn in therapy.
Desert Willow Wellness works with outside healthcare professionals to provide additional services to clients who may require higher levels of mental health treatment. The clinical team offers referrals and aftercare planning to ensure clients maintain progress in recovery after complete detox and residential or outpatient care.
12-Step Recovery at Desert Willow Wellness
Treatment services at Desert Willow Wellness prioritize an individualized approach to care, allowing people to heal at their own pace using modalities that best fit their needs. Recovery from chronic substance use is a multi-step process. Participating in professional mental health and addiction treatment is the first step toward a bright future. We prepare clients for long-term sobriety by offering guidance, education, and resources. The Twelve Steps provide a roadmap for individuals navigating challenges in their recovery journey.
Individualized Treatment Plans
Our 12-Step rehab program uses individualized treatment to address your unique circumstances. We will tailor services and treatments using the details you or your family provide. Individualized care plans improve the effectiveness of treatment and create a comfortable, healing environment where you can feel understood and valued.
Group Therapy, Peer Support, and 12-Step Meetings
According to Substance Use and Misuse, “Social support has long been identified as vital to sustained recovery for individuals with substance use disorders.” In addition, “Research has repeatedly found that those with stronger social support networks remain in treatment longer, and have better recovery outcomes with a decreased likelihood of return to use.” You may benefit from the social support provided by group therapy, peer-led self-help groups, and 12-Step meetings.
What to Expect During a 12-Step Meeting
Meetings may vary depending on the expectations, goals, experience, and preferences of the individuals attending. However, some aspects of 12-Step meetings remain consistent, including:
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A welcoming, supportive environment
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Anonymity of members and confidentiality
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References to 12-Step content, including literature
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Sharing personal stories related to recovery, treatment, or other personal experiences
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A focus on shared principles, including honesty, integrity, and acceptance
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Encouraging regular attendance through peer accountability
Members are encouraged to learn more about the Twelve Steps under the guidance of a mentor or sponsor.
Peer Connection for Long-Term Recovery
Creating healthy and helpful peer connections through 12-Step meetings reduces feelings of isolation or loneliness and improves self-confidence.
Some additional benefits of developing positive peer connections during long-term recovery from substance abuse include:
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Promoting personal growth
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Inspiring hope in the future and resilience
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Strengthening commitment to change and sobriety
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Access to real-world advice from people who have gone through similar experiences
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A space to receive practical and emotional support
Everyone encounters challenges during long-term recovery. 12-Step meetings will give you a safe space to seek support and guidance during difficult moments in your healing journey.
Our Full Continuum of Care
Desert Willow Wellness provides a continuum of care to clients struggling with addiction and co-occurring conditions.
Our programs and primary services include:
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Detox and withdrawal management
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Residential treatment
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Dual diagnosis treatment
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Continuing care
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Alumni support services
Every program uses evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to address the effects of substance abuse and mental health disorders. We also offer referrals to levels of care we cannot currently provide. For example, a client may require specialized treatment by a different healthcare provider for a severe eating disorder (ED) before they can begin treatment at our residential facility.

Residential Treatment and Detox
Detox is the first program in your continuum of care. Purging the addictive substance from your body in a safe and controlled way reduces your risk of relapse, overdose, or medical complications during treatment. We offer withdrawal management and ensure clients who need medication-assisted treatment (MAT) have access to prescription medications for managing symptoms.
After completing detox, you can transition to our residential treatment program to continue healing. Our 12-Step programs in Los Angeles provide a solid foundation for a sober future. The thriving community and structured setting offer you a chance to recover in a peaceful setting away from the normal stressors and distractions of everyday life.
Outpatient Programs and Aftercare
A client participating in an IOP, sober living, or outpatient program has greater flexibility to attend community-based self-help groups like AA and NA. We can help you move smoothly between levels of care using 12-Step meetings to stabilize the transition. The recovery programs we offer in Los Angeles, California, utilize the local 12-Step groups and other community resources to prepare you for aftercare and ongoing recovery.
Why Choose Desert Willow Wellness for 12-Step Recovery?
Families feel confident their loved one will receive the best care at Desert Willow Wellness. Our compassionate medical providers prioritize personalized care and offer exceptional support for individuals recovering from substance abuse. We use the 12-Step philosophy to help you build a healthier, happier future. Our addiction treatment center provides essential tools, resources, and support.
FAQs About Our 12-Step Program
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about 12-Step treatment at Desert Willow Wellness.
What if I don’t believe in a higher power?
You can benefit from the Twelve Step philosophy without belief in a higher power. Some people interpret a “higher power” as the universe itself or another natural truth around them. Treatment programs help people determine what a “higher power” may look like for each individual. You do not need to have religious or spiritual beliefs.
Religion and spirituality do not have to play a role in successful addiction recovery. According to Substance Use and Misuse, studies into the relationship between religion or spirituality and addiction recovery have shown that “the practice of formal worship was relatively unimportant in predicting reduced drinking among early 12-step affiliates.” The Twelve Steps help create a supportive environment where peers uplift and empower one another regardless of personal beliefs.
Can I join if I have mental health issues and substance use challenges?
We pride ourselves on the accessibility of our programs. Many people with SUD have co-occurring mental health issues. We treat all active conditions and underlying mental health issues simultaneously to ensure the best possible outcome. Our team of experts will accommodate your needs and provide you with the tools to manage your co-occurring disorders.
Individuals who have severe mental health symptoms that present a danger to themselves or others may be referred to outside programs with more comprehensive care before those individuals can safely transition to our treatment facility. We encourage potential clients and their loved ones to reach out for further information if they have any questions about our mental health services.
Is detox required before starting the 12-Step program?
Detox is the first step in addiction recovery. Before you can heal from the effects of addiction, you must eliminate the toxic substances affecting your physical and emotional health. Some clients may benefit from 12-Step facilitation during detox. However, generally, group therapy and self-help groups provide the best support after you complete detox and achieve some stability. We offer 12-Step support to clients at all levels of care.
People seeking addiction treatment can start their recovery journey today by reaching out to Desert Willow Wellness. We offer 24/7 admissions support and a personalized intake interview. Contact us today to learn more and to begin building a new life. Call (800) 939-0216.
At Desert Willow Wellness, we are dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction and mental health challenges by providing personalized, evidence-based care in a tranquil and supportive environment. Our holistic approach to treatment ensures that each client receives the care and resources they need to heal, grow, and thrive. Below is a comprehensive overview of the conditions we treat and our approach to addressing them.