Dangers of 13th Step after Heroin Addiction Treatment

In recovery, there is an unofficial term called 13th step that is putting newly sober individuals in danger of a relapse. People who just completed their heroin drug abuse treatment and attending the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings should be aware of this new trend.

Following the heroin drug abuse treatment, the next step for recovering individuals is to follow their aftercare program. It includes their attendance to a specific support group, such as AA, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and other support groups.

WHAT IS THE 13TH STEP IN SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS?

The 13th step is not really part of the 12-step program, but because it is commonly seen in the 12-step meetings, it becomes the 13th step. People who have gone to heroin addiction treatment and other substance addiction treatment, may fall victim of the 13th steppers when they join the 12-step meetings.

"It creates a differing power ratio where someone is gaining power over someone who is weaker," therapist Melody Anderson said. "It can endanger both of their sobriety. The one thing I always want people to realize is this is not a gender thing. All sexes and gender preferences can be predators."

DANGERS OF 13TH STEP:

Dating someone in a 12-step group such as AA can be an advantage because people can share a lot of things in common. However, if a more experienced individual will date someone new to recovery after heroin addiction cure, their sobriety can be put at a great risk. Moreover, dating immediately after heroin addiction treatment is not advisable.

· It can damage the goal of the entire 12-step group as members would be distracted. 

It can affect other members, who are interested to work on their sobriety.

· If the relationship would not work, one thing that can happen is a relapse.

· People new to recovery are weak. When people take advantage of them, especially in a 12-step meeting, it can be considered as exploitative.

· Getting involved romantically as soon after heroin abuse treatment finishes is not recommended because it can divert their attention in their recovery.

· Some new members may feel that relationships in the AA meetings are a form of betrayal. Instead of focusing on their heroin addiction treatment and recovery, they are focused on the relationship goals.

BELOW ARE TIPS TO AVOID FALLING TO 13 STEPPERS IN AA MEETINGS:

· As much as possible, avoid dating one year following your heroin substance abuse treatment. Getting sober should be your priority and not dating.

· If you really want to date immediately after heroin addiction treatment, make sure that you and your partner are serious about your recovery. Both of you should work on your recovery goals.

· Inform your sponsor, counselor and/or support network before you start seeing someone in AA, NA and other recovery group.

In recovery, there is an unofficial term called 13th step that is putting newly sober individuals in danger of a relapse. People who just completed their heroin drug abuse treatment and attending the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings should be aware of this new trend.

Following the heroin drug abuse treatment, the next step for recovering individuals is to follow their aftercare program. It includes their attendance to a specific support group, such as AA, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and other support groups.

WHAT IS THE 13TH STEP IN SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS?

The 13th step is not really part of the 12-step program, but because it is commonly seen in the 12-step meetings, it becomes the 13th step. People who have gone to heroin addiction treatment and other substance addiction treatment, may fall victim of the 13th steppers when they join the 12-step meetings.

"It creates a differing power ratio where someone is gaining power over someone who is weaker," therapist Melody Anderson said. "It can endanger both of their sobriety. The one thing I always want people to realize is this is not a gender thing. All sexes and gender preferences can be predators."

DANGERS OF 13TH STEP:

Dating someone in a 12-step group such as AA can be an advantage because people can share a lot of things in common. However, if a more experienced individual will date someone new to recovery after heroin addiction cure, their sobriety can be put at a great risk. Moreover, dating immediately after heroin addiction treatment is not advisable.

· It can damage the goal of the entire 12-step group as members would be distracted. 

It can affect other members, who are interested to work on their sobriety.

· If the relationship would not work, one thing that can happen is a relapse.

· People new to recovery are weak. When people take advantage of them, especially in a 12-step meeting, it can be considered as exploitative.

· Getting involved romantically as soon after heroin abuse treatment finishes is not recommended because it can divert their attention in their recovery.

· Some new members may feel that relationships in the AA meetings are a form of betrayal. Instead of focusing on their heroin addiction treatment and recovery, they are focused on the relationship goals.

BELOW ARE TIPS TO AVOID FALLING TO 13 STEPPERS IN AA MEETINGS:

· As much as possible, avoid dating one year following your heroin substance abuse treatment. Getting sober should be your priority and not dating.

· If you really want to date immediately after heroin addiction treatment, make sure that you and your partner are serious about your recovery. Both of you should work on your recovery goals.

· Inform your sponsor, counselor and/or support network before you start seeing someone in AA, NA and other recovery group.