Addiction Recovery Part 1: How Traditional Twelve-Step Programs Fail

According to a survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2023, approximately 48.5 million people aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder. This figure represents 17.1% of the population, indicating a trend of worsening conditions each year. The same study reveals that only about 14.6% of those experiencing substance abuse received treatment, and of those who did, 40-60% relapsed at least once. These staggering statistics highlight a significant problem in the U.S.

The first major issue is that so many people are suffering from substance abuse problems, yet this crisis has largely been ignored or dismissed. Secondly, a vast number of individuals with substance abuse issues are not receiving any treatment at all. Finally, if the trend continues, it appears that most individuals who do receive treatment fail to maintain their sobriety. This suggests that secular treatment methods are ineffective, leading to feelings of hopelessness and stagnation.

But why are these treatments failing? I aim to answer this question in three parts: Part one will address the shortcomings of secular programs; Part two will explore why secular models infused with a Christian perspective also fall short; and Part three will propose the necessity of a truly gospel-centered approach to overcoming addiction. True recovery is not found in a program but in a person—Jesus, the author and giver of life (John 10:10).

The Absence of Divine Truth

Secular models of therapy and addiction programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), often reject the concept of God and consequently deny the notion of sin. By dismissing the idea of God and failing to acknowledge sin as sin, these secular therapies are forced to redefine both sin and suffering. Traditionally, addiction is characterized in three ways: first, as a disease; second, as a behavioral problem; and lastly, as a psychological condition.

Let’s examine the first definition, which describes addiction as a disease. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.” They acknowledge that the initial decision to use drugs or alcohol is a choice, but this choice affects the brain in such a way that the individual loses their ability to control their behavior, even in the face of negative outcomes. As a result, drug or alcohol use often evolves into a long-term chronic condition. Essentially, individuals make the choice to drink or use a specific drug, and the way these substances alter their brains leads to a loss of self-control, resulting in, sometimes, lifelong addiction. In this sense, addiction can be viewed as a disease.

A second way to define addictions, particularly when rejecting the disease model, is to view them as behavioral problems. This approach defines addiction as a result of cultural and societal norms learned through behavior. According to Johns Hopkins, “substance use disorder is caused by multiple factors, including genetic vulnerability, environmental stressors, social pressures, individual personality characteristics, and psychiatric problems.” Due to our behavioral norms and the influences of society and culture, along with our inherent personality traits, certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing addictions.

Lastly, addiction is often understood as a psychological issue. It is commonly viewed as a result of a dysfunctional brain. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines substance use disorder (SUD) as a treatable mental disorder that impacts a person’s brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. As a result, addictions are essentially classified as mental disorders. While they can be managed through medications, therapies, and behavioral modifications, they are not fully cured; instead, they require ongoing, sometimes life-long, management.

There is little hope in these approaches because they fail to accurately represent who we are as beings created by God (Genesis 1:26-27) and as individuals living in rebellion against Him (Romans 3:23). True power for change comes from knowing the truth (John 8:32), and lasting freedom is found only in Jesus Christ (John 15:5). We don’t have to remain trapped in a long-term management program or rely solely on medication for healing; we simply need Jesus and the faith to believe in Him. The secular model not only defines addiction incorrectly, but it also lacks the true power to bring about real change in people’s lives. Which bring us to the next topic in this discussion.

A Lack of True Power

Secular programs do not recognize God or addictions as sins against Him, which shifts the focus of healing onto creation itself. This can lead to a hopeless reverence for creation rather than for the Creator. Secular models of addiction emphasize willpower, medication, and behavior modification as the primary sources of change. In essence, the belief is that you are your only hope in the secular addiction recovery world, meaning you must pick yourself up by your bootstraps and fix yourself.

Some examples of secular therapy include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to modify behaviors to help individuals overcome difficulties. Another example is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which focuses on specific situations and encourages acceptance of emotional states during those situations. Additionally, there are therapeutic communities (TC), which are long-term residential treatment facilities where individuals live in a community setting. Certain medications are also available to help reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol. Ultimately, the results depend on the person and their willingness to change.

The Bible teaches us that human power is insufficient to resolve the effects of sin or grant forgiveness. Romans 7:18-25 illustrates the limitations of relying solely on human effort to overcome sinful habits. What we truly need is the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit and God’s strength to support us (Titus 3:5) rather than mere human striving (Philippians 4:13). No amount of behavioral therapy or medication can remove our sin and cleanse us, ensuring that we persevere until the end. We need more of God, not more of ourselves, when dealing with sin and suffering like addictions. Unfortunately, secular programs miss the mark here as well.

A Higher Power that’s not so Powerful

In secular recovery models, particularly those similar to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), the concept of a higher power is often left vague and undefined. I remember attending AA after my third DWI, where I was told I could select anything—even a light bulb—to serve as my higher power. A “higher power” can be broadly defined as any entity or principle that is perceived as greater than oneself, capable of bringing about changes that an individual alone cannot achieve. This model allows individuals to create an idol for themselves, believing it to be the very source of their recovery. Simply put, these models are a form of agnosticism, not Christianity.

In programs that use this higher-power model, there are as many gods as there are members. Scripture states there is only one God (Deut. 6:4), and it isn’t a light bulb or a tree. Claiming that there is another higher power capable of enabling me to save myself from my addictions is a direct denial of the God of the Bible. This is why Christians must recognize these issues and distance themselves from them. However, this is not the only Christian framework they have attempted to adopt.

No Forgiveness

Step 9 in the traditional 12-step program is to forgive. Forgiving others is viewed as simply letting go of negative feelings toward those who have wronged you. Even just letting go of negative feelings towards bad people in general is seen as forgiveness. If the soul is to truly be set free, then these negative feelings must go. Notice there is no mention of finding forgiveness for oneself because your addictions are not sinful habits; they are just part of who you are. Addictions are something that you will have to learn to manage for the rest of your life.

 I am hoping by now that you can see how these traditional 12-step programs simply address the behavioral problems and neglect the deeper spiritual problems that need to be addressed. Because of sin, all of humanity is separated from the love of God and requires the work of Christ on their behalf to restore that connection (Rom. 6:23). Secular programs fail to address this sinfulness and need for forgiveness found only in Christ, and that is what truly sets the soul free to live in newness and redemption. True freedom in life comes through the washing, sanctifying, and justifying work of Christ on the cross (1 Cor. 6:11). Everything else simply falls flat.

Managing Sin Instead of Eradicating Sin

Because secular recovery models exempt individuals from the forgiveness of sin through Christ, addictions become something we must manage rather than eliminate. Phrases like “recovering alcoholic” or “once an addict, always an addict” reflect the belief that the sin of addiction is an issue to be managed and not escaped. These phrases acknowledge a lifelong problem that can never truly be healed; this is why they also say that recovery is “one day at a time.” This mantra has a purpose, “Its purpose is to remind individuals in recovery to stay in the present, focus on today, and not think too far ahead about sobriety.” Because thinking too far ahead can lead to feeling overwhelmed or getting overly excited, which may cause a setback into relapse.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we are reminded that in Christ, our old selves have passed away, along with our addictions, and we are made into new creations. This radical transformation brings about freedom from sin (Rom. 6:14), which simply cannot be found in any secular model of recovery. Additionally, this transformation offers us hope for the future, redemption, and glorification (Rom. 8:30), which propels us deeper into freedom instead of constraining us or causing us to revert to sin. We do not have to live in a constant state of sin management, struggling to change our behaviors, or relying on medication for the rest of our lives; Jesus provides freedom from it all. We can look to the future with hope and promise. But without addressing the heart, we will simply continue to rely on ourselves.   

Conclusion

At the end of the day, these secular programs may produce some behavior change and even provide people with periods of sobriety, but with unbridled hearts, the deeper issues remain unresolved. Due to the focus on behavior modification and a lack of truth in their teaching, these secular models will always fail to address the true needs of individuals, which is the salvation of their souls. Without addressing the heart, there will never be lasting change in anyone.

While this is not an exhaustive critique of secular recovery programs, I hope it provides at least a glimpse into why these programs are not achieving higher, lasting recovery rates. They fail to address the individual’s needs and do not acknowledge the Creator who made us. These programs do not offer the true forgiveness that is found in Christ alone. They also do not lead people to the only One who can remove sin from their hearts and provide hope to the broken.

In the next part of this series, I will discuss the “Christian” versions of these recovery programs, primarily programs like Celebrate Recovery, and how they also fail to lead us to Jesus. Without Jesus, we have no hope. Spiritualizing the traditional 12-step programs is not the solution.

For more information, resources, or counseling please email rdawson28@outlook.com or visit www.redeemercare.net

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, 2023 study. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/n-sumhss-national-substance-use-and-mental-health-services-survey/annual-releases/2023

NIDA. Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction

Johns Hopkins. Substance Use Disorder. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/substance-abuse-chemical-dependency

National Institute of Mental Health. Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health

Ibid.

Spero Recovery Center. What Does Higher Power Mean in AA? https://www.sperorecovery.org/what-does-higher-power-in-aa-mean/

Hold Fast Recovery. The 12 Steps of AA and NA. https://www.holdfastrecovery.com/blog/2020/october/12-steps-of-aa-and-na-explained-in-simple-terms/

American Addiction Centers. Why the 24-Hour Rule is Crucial for Long-Term Sobriety. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/living-one-day-at-a-time