12 Step Programs Explained: Structure, Support and Success
What Is a 12 Step Program and How Does It Work?
When it comes to addiction recovery, 12-step programs remain one of the most trusted and effective support systems worldwide. Originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), this model has helped millions find freedom from alcohol, drugs and behavioural addictions through community, accountability and spiritual connection.
At Bali Harmony Rehab, we honour the principles of the 12 steps in all our recovery programs, while offering a modern, inclusive and highly supportive experience, backed by therapeutic guidance and our in-house recovery workbook.
Understanding the 12 Steps
The 12 steps are a set of guiding principles that help individuals:
Acknowledge the impact of addiction
Take personal responsibility
Develop spiritual and emotional resilience
Make amends
Maintain ongoing growth and sobriety
Originally written for alcohol recovery, these steps now support a wide range of addictions and compulsive behaviours.
The 12 Steps (as published by Alcoholics Anonymous)
We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him.
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practise these principles in all our affairs.
Spiritual, Not Religious
While the steps mention a “higher power,” that concept is intentionally open to interpretation. Some view it as God, others as nature, community or simply the support of the group itself. This spiritual flexibility makes 12-step recovery accessible to people of all beliefs—including secular or non-religious participants.
Other non-religious support programs include:
LifeRing Secular Recovery
Secular Organisations for Sobriety (SOS)
What 12 Step Recovery Looks Like at Bali Harmony Rehab
We’ve built our 12-step support system to be both inclusive and structured, allowing clients to experience deep transformation at their own pace.
Here’s what to expect:
1. Daily Group Meetings
Facilitated by experienced guides, these meetings offer consistency, connection and space for open sharing.
2. In-House ‘Sponsor’ Support
We act as your sponsor would whilst you are in rehab, we have walked the path and offer encouragement and lived wisdom.
3. Step Work With Professional Guidance
We’ve created a comprehensive 400-page 12 Step Recovery Handbook, used throughout your stay and taken home for continued work and reflection. This guide is unique to Bali Harmony Rehab and supports deeper understanding, journaling, and goal setting.
4. Anonymity and Emotional Safety
All meetings are held in a confidential space, allowing clients to explore and share honestly without fear of judgement.
Proven Effectiveness of 12 Step Programs
Numerous studies confirm the benefits of 12-step participation:
A 2013 study in Substance Abuse found increased long-term abstinence rates among participants (Kelly, Magill & Stout)
A 2020 Cochrane Review concluded that 12-step programs were as effective, and in many cases more effective, than standard behavioural therapies
A 2020 summary hosted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) concluded that 12-step facilitation programs were at least as effective, and often more effective, than other common therapies.
Common Misconceptions
“You have to hit rock bottom to join.”
Not true. Anyone looking for support can benefit, regardless of where they are in their journey.
“It’s only for alcohol.”
The model has expanded to cover narcotics, gambling, eating disorders and more.
“It’s a religious cult.”
It’s spiritual, not religious. Participants define their own version of a higher power.
Why Bali Harmony Rehab Is Different
At Bali Harmony Rehab, we go beyond just facilitating 12-step meetings—we fully integrate the method into our wider recovery approach. Each client receives:
Daily step-based guidance
One-on-one therapeutic support
Our signature workbook to take home
Optional engagement with global AA/NA fellowships
Support beyond treatment through structured aftercare
Whether you’re a newcomer or returning to the steps, we provide a safe, thoughtful, and respectful space to grow.
Client Review
“I always thought 12 steps weren’t for me, until I had the chance to work through them properly at Bali Harmony. The handbook, the community, and the support helped me see things differently and truly find my path in recovery.”
— Anon Client, Perth, Australia
Reviewed By:
Dr. Amelia DN Sugiharta
Consulting Psychiatric Doctor, Bali Harmony Rehab
Last medically reviewed: July 2025