Accountability partner and the twelve steps

[veevee]

How important is it to find an accountability partner for help during the recovery process?
Does it have to be someone that a person trusts alot, or does the pa have to take something of a risk?
When does a pa start the 12 steps...is it when they feel ready or are the 12 steps something you never really are ready for and you just have to start it?
Also, is it healthy for the pa's recovery group to tell the pa not to go into specifics about the addiction because it might be to much for his so to handle?
Sorry so many, I am new and just learning about it.
Thanks for your response!

[mell]

Vee,

Good questions here. I will attempt to answer (from my own perspective of the steps). This is my view, from my experience and understanding.

How important is it to find an accountability partner for help during the recovery process?

Very important, vital to recovery, IMO. We need to answer to someone who can guide us (tough love when needed).

Does it have to be someone that a person trusts alot, or does the pa have to take something of a risk?

Trust is essential. The risk is in developing the relationship and exposing yourself to another person, which in many cases, is completely foreign to most PAs.

When does a pa start the 12 steps...is it when they feel ready or are the 12 steps something you never really are ready for and you just have to start it?

I think the PA has to 'buy into' the 12 steps. They should attend some meetings first, then decide if it is right for them. After that, a PA has to get a sponsor to work with. You can't do the steps alone.

Also, is it healthy for the pa's recovery group to tell the pa not to go into specifics about the addiction because it might be to much for his so to handle?

My understanding is that it has to come out, but only after the PA is ready. This doesn't mean we can stall forever...... disclosure is for the PA, not the partner. The PA has to establish some recovery time, and understand where they are at to get the value of disclosure.

Sorry so many, I am new and just learning about it.
Thanks for your response!

Hope this helps.