12-Step Recovery Programs · Costa Rica Treatment Center
A proven framework for millions. One of several we offer.
The 12-step model has helped more people achieve lasting sobriety than any other recovery framework. At CRTC it is one of the pathways we offer. Not the only one. Because lasting recovery depends on finding what genuinely works for each person.
The most widely used recovery framework in the world
The 12-step model originated with Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935 and has since been adapted for virtually every type of addiction and many behavioral and mental health challenges.
Programs including AA, NA, CA and many others all share the same foundational 12-step framework.
The model is built around several core principles: honesty about the problem, acknowledgment of a power greater than oneself, making amends for past harm, supporting others in recovery and ongoing personal reflection. The community dimension of 12-step, the meetings, the sponsors, the fellowship, is one of its most powerful features. Many people maintain 12-step involvement for decades after completing treatment.
At CRTC we have an active English-speaking recovery community connection and clients have access to meetings and 12-step facilitation as part of the program.
12-step facilitation at CRTC
Guided introduction to the 12-step framework
Tony Feeney, our Addiction Recovery Specialist with 15 years of experience and certifications in both 12-step facilitation and SMART Recovery, leads the 12-step component of the CRTC program.
12-step facilitation at CRTC is a formal therapeutic process, not simply attendance at meetings. Clients are guided through the first steps, introduced to the principles and supported in exploring whether the framework genuinely resonates.
CRTC also maintains a connection to the English-speaking recovery community in Costa Rica, giving clients the opportunity to attend meetings and begin building the community connections that support long-term recovery.
We offer multiple recovery frameworks so you can find what works
At CRTC we respect the 12-step model and offer it as one of our recovery pathways.
We also offer SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and other frameworks for clients for whom the 12-step model is not the right fit.
Clients are introduced to multiple frameworks during treatment. The goal is not to assign a recovery model but to help each person discover the framework, or combination of frameworks, that they will genuinely continue after discharge.
When I arrived at CRTC, I was hopeless and broken. The night before, I had almost ended my life with a bottle of methadone pills just to make the pain stop. I didn't really feel like I deserved another chance at recovery.
Before coming to…
I'm so grateful I chose CRTC. They gave me the knowledge to understand, address and change my self destructive behaviours. I really liked the holistic approach to heal my mind, body and spirit. The program content was comprehensive enough…
Life changing, world class luxury recovery treatment center. Are you ready to fly far from home, touch down in San Jose International Airport, drive through lush rainforest to a luxurious million dollar property in the heart of the Costa…
No. The 12-step framework is one of several recovery pathways offered at CRTC. Clients are introduced to multiple frameworks and supported in finding what genuinely works for them.
Are there meetings available in Costa Rica?
Yes. CRTC has a connection to the English-speaking recovery community in Costa Rica and clients can attend meetings as part of the program.
What if I have tried 12-step before and it did not work?
That is a very common experience and does not mean 12-step will never work for you or that it is the only option. Our clinical team will work with you to explore what factors contributed to previous difficulties and what approach is most likely to support lasting recovery this time.
Two centers. One philosophy.
Available at both centers
San José · Rohrmoser
A warm, structured residential environment in the heart of San José.
