Therapy at Crestview
12-step recovery program in Portland, Oregon
Our 12-step program uses the steps, first developed by Alcoholics Anonymous, as one part of a broader treatment plan. It is built on peer support and is designed to continue after formal treatment ends.
Talk with Garrett, Tuni or another member of our admissions team.
Medically reviewed by Medical Director Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH, FASAM · Updated
Talk with an admissions team member
Confidential, no obligation. Call us 24/7, or start a conversation and choose the time we call you.
What it is
Peer support and lifelong practice
Peer groups are the heart of the model. People share experience and encourage one another. The steps help you accept your addiction, practice self-restraint and make lasting changes, and they are meant to be a framework you can keep using for life.
Group meetings
Members share experiences and support one another.
Steps for life
The steps are meant to continue after formal treatment.
Adapted for many substances
The steps have been adapted for many substance addictions.
Spirituality
A spiritual focus, not a religious test
The steps have a strong spiritual focus. The "higher power" can be any concept that gives you structure and meaning, so religious belief is not required.
Substances
Where 12-step work is used
The program is used for these addictions.
How it is delivered
Built into treatment, then continued
12-step work is introduced during residential treatment and combined with other therapies, including CBT, DBT, individual, family and trauma therapy, holistic therapy and dual diagnosis support.
Introduced in residential care
Clients are introduced to the steps during residential treatment.
Sponsor
A sponsor is strongly recommended.
Community groups
Clients are encouraged to continue with community groups such as AA or NA after discharge.
No fixed timeline
There is no set time to complete the steps.
Alternatives
If the steps are not for you
Secular options include SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery and LifeRing. Your team can help you compare them with the 12-step approach.
Hard steps
Steps that take the most work
Step 4, the moral inventory, is often named as the most challenging. Step 9, making amends, is described as difficult but transformative.
Coverage
Check your coverage
Crestview accepts most insurance. Our insurance verification explains what your plan covers before you start.
The steps in brief
What the 12 steps work on
The steps are often grouped into four stages. Members work through them at their own pace, usually with a sponsor.
Honesty and acceptance
Admitting that substance use has become unmanageable and being open to help from others.
Self-examination
Taking an honest look at past behavior, patterns and the harm they caused.
Making amends
Repairing relationships where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Ongoing practice
Daily reflection, continued growth and helping others in recovery.
Who it helps
Addictions 12-step work can support
The 12-step model began with Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935 and has since been adapted for many substances.
- Alcohol
- Opioids, including heroin and fentanyl
- Prescription drugs
- Stimulants such as cocaine and meth
- Marijuana
- Other substances, through groups such as Narcotics Anonymous
Questions
Common questions about 12-step recovery
Admissions can answer anything that isn't here.
Still have a question?
Garrett, Tuni and the admissions team can answer anything that is not here. Confidential, no obligation.
Call (866) 262-0531Do I need a sponsor to work the steps?
A sponsor is strongly recommended as part of the program.
How long does it take to complete the steps?
There is no fixed timeline. The steps are meant to be a lifelong framework.
Do I have to be religious?
No. The higher power can be any concept that gives you structure and meaning.
What are the alternatives?
SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery and LifeRing are secular options.
What is the 12-step program?
A peer-supported recovery framework first developed by Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935. Its 12 guiding principles help people acknowledge addiction, accept support and commit to ongoing personal growth.
Can Crestview help me find a 12-step meeting in Portland?
Yes. Call admissions at (866) 262-0531 and the team can point you to meetings in the Portland area.
Not sure which level of care fits?
Talk it through with Garrett, Tuni or another member of our admissions team. The call is free and confidential, and there is no obligation.
Talk with admissions about 12-step care
A confidential call. We'll listen, check your insurance and explain how 12-step work fits your plan. No obligation.