The twelve step recovery concepts can apply to a variety of traumatic circumstances and events, or difficult phases of life that we are trying to recover from, and for this reason, we can apply the twelve steps to trauma recovery. The breadth of healing affirmations embedded in twelve step programs can be life changing, and the fundamental principles are transferable and designed for a much broader purpose.
These principles be can stored for easy access in times of need, whether or not a trauma survivor has ever abused substances. First, there is the infamous saying: Fake it until you make it. This conveys the starting point, or turning point, at which we stand with a decision to make. You can choose to move forward into sustainable recovery (the turning point), but you will have to fake it until you make it – or, in other words, be patient with yourself and allow yourself to self-reflect and heal on an ongoing basis until you actually feel healed inside.
Twelve-step programs actively promote living in the present and seizing acceptance. Seeking the help of a licensed counselor or therapist is important as you heal. These individuals can help with grasping mindfulness strategies and learning how to insert this way of thinking into one’s everyday routine, so this shifted way of thinking will soon become second nature. Once we can live in the present naturally, we become more aware of the multitude of gifts we’ve been given and the blessings we have. We understand that each day is precious and beautiful – one day at a time.
“The Promises” of the twelve steps will be realizable if you continue on this path, and you will be able to tangible witness these in the aftermath of trauma if you focus on self-healing:
If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through . . .
Promise 1: We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.
Promise 2: We will not regret the past, nor wish to shut the door on it.
Promise 3: We will comprehend the word serenity.
Promise 4: We will know peace.
Promise 5: No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.
Promise 6: That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
Promise 7: We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.
Promise 8: Self-seeking will slip away.
Promise 9: Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.
Promise 10: Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us.
Promise 11: We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.
Promise 12: We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.
Of course, the first step in recovering from trauma is accepting that the trauma occurred. If you talk to any addict or alcoholic, you will quickly realize this is the hardest, but most necessary step, and therefore, it is the first. There are often heart-wrenching stories of pain and suffering in the prelude to recovery. Those living in secrecy and pain tend to try to hide their socially unacceptable symptoms for fear that if found out, they will feel even more pain and rejection than they’re already trying to self-medicate away or brush aside through some other means of self-preservation. We have to admit to ourselves that the trauma occurred instead of continually attempting to suppress it. Acknowledging not only what happened but how it affected us is key. This allows for acceptance.
Acceptance carries the same weight in healing from trauma in any other context or situation from which one must heal. Often, by the time victims of trauma make it to the other side, acknowledging the issue, much chaos has ensued, and they feel deeply betrayed. Thus, it’s easier to stay stuck, isolate, numb the pain, engage in self-destructive behaviors. But, this is never the answer. These behaviors are a form of suppressing trauma – a form of denial. Only through acceptance can one face this deep-seated fear, pain, and resentment, and thus, develop a healthier mindset that will allow for sustainable healing. We must accept and acknowledge that we underwent any significant, painful life-altering circumstances in order to recover from them.
Trauma comes in many forms, yet often we cope with the various forms in much the same, self-destructive ways. We auto-pilot into unhealthy self-preservation methods. And, we must acknowledge the ways in which we are coping, or choosing not to cope, with trauma is not aligned with the path to recovery and choose alternate, healthier, methods. Utilizing the various twelve step affirmations will help.
Make this commitment to self today, accept the past, and go inward and access the pieces that need to be put back together. Then, make a plan to self-repair from the inside out. Once you do, you will be afforded these beautiful promises.