12 Steps to Healing Through Christ
Addiction is powerful. But so is faith. The LDS Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) offers a structured, Christ-centered path for those struggling with addiction. Based on a 12-step program for Latter-day Saints, it brings spiritual healing, community support, and the light of Christ into one’s darkest moments.
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, over 20 million Americans currently suffer from substance use disorders. That number includes members of all faiths—including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While the Church teaches health through the Word of Wisdom, it also extends grace, community, and support to those battling addiction.
This guide introduces the Church’s doctrine on addiction recovery, outlines the ARP 12 steps, and shares how both individuals and families can find hope, healing, and a new start through spiritual and clinical help.
The LDS Approach to Addiction: Truth, Mercy, and Support
“The worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” – Doctrine and Covenants 18:10
In the LDS faith, addiction isn’t a moral failure—it’s a mortal struggle. The Church acknowledges that addiction can enslave the body and spirit. That’s why its recovery model blends gospel principles with psychological understanding.
The LDS Addiction Recovery Program was adapted from the original 12-step program, developed by Alcoholics Anonymous. But instead of a generalized “Higher Power,” LDS participants place their trust in Jesus Christ. The ARP emphasizes the Savior’s role in repentance, forgiveness, and lasting transformation.
This program also encourages local community support, as groups are held regularly in Church buildings and led by missionaries or members who have walked the same path. Whether someone is dealing with alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, or other destructive behaviors, they are never alone.
In Utah, for example, where the LDS Church has a strong presence, hundreds of ARP support groups meet weekly. These meetings are free, anonymous, and confidential.
Understanding the 12-Step Program for Latter-day Saints
What Makes the LDS 12-Step Program Different?
While the ARP mirrors the original 12 steps, each principle is rooted in scripture and guided by gospel teachings. It begins with admitting powerlessness over addiction and ends with sharing the hope of recovery with others.
Overview of the LDS 12 Steps
- Honesty – Admit the problem.
- Hope – Believe that the power of God can restore us.
- Trust in God – Decide to turn our will over to God.
- Truth – Make a thorough inventory of our lives.
- Confession – Admit our wrongs to God and another person.
- Change of Heart – Become ready to have God remove our weaknesses.
- Humility – Ask God to remove shortcomings.
- Forgiveness – Make a list of people we’ve harmed.
- Restitution and Reconciliation – Make direct amends when possible.
- Daily Accountability – Continue personal inventory.
- Personal Revelation – Seek through prayer and meditation.
- Service – Share this message of hope with others.
Each step in the LDS Addiction Recovery Program includes a study guide, scriptures, and reflections. For many, it’s a daily spiritual practice—a tool not just for sobriety, but sober living.
How the Church Supports Members and Families
Group Meetings, Missionary Mentors, and Resources
Unlike many rehabs, ARP is completely free and led by trained Church-service missionaries and peers in recovery. Participants are invited to attend weekly support groups, either open to the public or specifically tailored (e.g., men’s, women’s, pornography recovery).
Meetings typically begin with prayer, followed by personal sharing, scripture reading, and journaling. No one is forced to speak, and confidentiality is respected.
The Church also offers:
- ARP manuals and step guides (print or PDF)
- Local leader training
- Family support meetings
- One-on-one counseling referrals
- Official resources on LDS.org and the Life Help portal
Additionally, many participants supplement Church support with clinical therapy, faith based rehab programs, or Mormon rehabs offering detox to rehab and dual diagnosis treatment.
Supporting Families and Loved Ones
Addiction affects everyone—not just the person struggling. The LDS Church recognizes this and encourages family healing through:
- Specialized family support meetings
- Bishop-led counseling
- Forgiveness and boundary-setting resources
- Encouragement to seek external help, including faith based rehabs and Christian or Mormon rehab centers
Why Faith + Treatment Work Together
“God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” – Rick Warren
Healing from addiction is a long road, and it’s not one-size-fits-all. But the LDS Addiction Recovery Program can be life-changing, especially when paired with professional addiction treatment.
According to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), people who combine peer support groups with clinical rehab are more likely to maintain sobriety after treatment.
Faith-based programs work because they address the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. For Latter-day Saints, incorporating gospel teachings into addiction recovery provides added strength, hope, and a personal connection to the Atonement.
Those who attend both ARP and inpatient or outpatient treatment—including Mormon rehab centers—often report:
- Lower relapse rates
- Stronger emotional resilience
- Increased sense of community
- A deeper understanding of their divine worth
Find Help in Your State: Arizona
In Arizona, several faith based rehabs are available for members of the Church seeking a clinical layer to complement their ARP journey. Whether you’re in Phoenix, Mesa, or Gilbert, many treatment centers understand and respect LDS values like family, service, chastity, and clean living.
There Is Always Hope
Addiction can make you feel broken. But through the LDS Addiction Recovery Program, healing is possible—not just physically, but spiritually.
With the support of Church groups, the strength of Christ, and additional tools like Mormon rehab, therapy, and detox to rehab programs, you or your loved one can begin again. A life of purpose, peace, and faith awaits.
Want to get started?
Visit the official Church ARP site or talk to your local bishop. If you need a professional evaluation, consider a faith based rehab center near you.
