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When it comes to recovering from substance abuse, there are several alternative options to traditional twelve-step programs (i.e., Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)). Unlike these rehab options, non 12-step rehabs treatment programs avoid labeling addiction as something outside of an individual’s control and instead prioritize individual choice and power in overcoming substance abuse.
For those who are seeking out substance abuse treatment options, choosing between a more familiar twelve-step program and exploring alternative secular organizations can be difficult. However, understanding the differences between them and the methods of treatment they offer can make this process much easier.
Originally created by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in response to alcohol addiction, the 12 Steps are a list of spiritual principles presently used to help guide individuals through the process of recovering from any form of addiction.
Whether it be from drugs or alcohol, this approach features a list of, as suggested by the name, 12 steps to recovery, the principles of which are:
In an attempt to be more inclusive, there are quite a few variations in the 12-Step approach that have formed since its original development. These include:
Unlike the 12-step belief that individuals have no control over their addiction, non 12-step rehabs options focus primarily on self-empowerment and choice. These alternative programs are typically secular, and encourage individuals to rely on their own personal strength and desire to become sober, rather than through surrendering to a higher power.
Contrary to the more strict 12-step approach, because these alternatives are fairly recent in their development, their approach to addiction recovery is relatively flexible, changing in response to new research as it is provided.
Both 12-step and alternative addiction treatment options focus on the use of community support and peer support groups in supporting members in their recovery and maintaining sobriety.
They both also aim to provide recovering individuals with tools and skill for staying off of drugs and alcohol, although these may differ in nature.
While many individuals find traditional 12-step programs to be effective addiction treatment options, they are not always applicable to everyone. There are several reasons as to why someone may want to consider a non 12-step recovery option, including:
They have previously tried and been unsuccessful with a 12-step approach.
According to studies done comparing the success rates of 12-step programs such as AA and alternative recovery options, both approaches maintain equal levels of success in achieving and maintaining sobriety.
After undergoing their initial drug or alcohol rehab treatment, individuals may be encouraged to seek out methods of helping them maintain long-term sobriety. Some of these may include:
The cost of rehab can often be a deterrence for many individuals seeking addiction treatment. Fortunately, most insurance policies will cover a variety of addiction treatment options, including inpatient programs, outpatient programs, medical detox, or similar programs.
Of course, the level of coverage offered will vary depending on the individual’s insurance provider, specific insurance coverage policy, and previous addiction history. Furthermore, other factors such as the location, quality of care offered, and additional services or amenities available at certain rehab centers will further affect the overall cost of treatment.
In order to receive more information on what forms of addiction treatment and recovery are included in their coverage, individuals should contact their personal insurance provider.
There are several other addiction recovery programs individuals can choose to receive help from that do not follow a 12-step approach, with some of the most common alternatives to 12-step rehab programs being:
LifeRing Secular Recovery is an abstinence-based 12-step alternative that prioritizes providing safe meeting spaces for individuals to discuss their recovery process and progress. LifeRing focuses on self-control and willpower in staying sober, and follows a 3-S Philosophy of Sobriety, Secularity, and Self-Help.
Furthermore, LifeRing encourages members to focus on strengthening what they call the “Sober Self” or “S,” and dismantling the presence of their “Addict Self” or “A.”
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery is an organization that prioritizes the motivation and determination of an individual in overcoming their addiction. They focus on all sorts of addictions, including gambling addictions, eating disorders, and more.
The SMART Recovery program utilizes a science-based 4-Point Program in their recovery method, which, as follows:
Women for Sobriety is an “Organization of Women, For Women,” serving as one of the first non 12-step recovery programs dedicated to helping women struggling with drug and alcohol abuse. This organization is an equal-opportunity recovery program open to women of all social, cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds.
The program focuses on treating underlying disorders that can lead to developing an alcohol or drug addiction, helping women in recovery achieve emotional growth, a stronger sense of self-worth, and a balanced life.
The Secular Organization for Support (S.O.S) is a nonprofit organization that seeks to assist individuals struggling with drug and alcohol abuse recover in an open-minded, flexible, and safe environment. The program is free to anyone who wishes to join, and is kept running through outside donations.
Because S.O.S does not adhere to any specific religious, theoretical, or philosophical approaches in its recovery method, members are expected to take full responsibility over their recovery process.
The program’s main focus serves to provide individuals who are overcoming addiction with support groups and positive reinforcement on their journey.
The Refuge Recovery program is a non-12 step alternative that focuses on helping individuals struggling with alcohol or drug abuse to overcome their addiction through principles based in Buddhism.
The Refuge Recovery program does not require adherence to any particular belief system, but rather asks that members are willing to trust in the process and put in the hard work for their recovery. This program prioritizes a traditional Buddhist formula in its approach to recovery, consisting of what the program refers to as the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.
Moderation Management (MM), or controlled drinking, is a method of helping non-dependent problematic drinkers to reduce their alcohol intake and the negative behaviors their drinking may cause.
This method focuses on learning how to consume alcohol at a reduced rate, rather than completely eliminating usage of this substance. Individuals who practice moderated drinking often do so to help reduce instances of binge drinking, as well as the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
Whereas abstinence-based treatments for alcohol addiction focus on completely eliminating alcohol from an individual’s life, moderation methods seek simply to reduce drinking behaviors and activities.
For individuals who are struggling with alcohol addiction, it is highly recommended they seek out substance abuse treatment options that seek to help clients achieve complete sobriety.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse and need immediate help, our team at Rehabs Of Armerica can help you find American addiction centers best suited to your recovery needs.
For individuals struggling with addiction that need immediate help for their dependency, medically assisted treatment options may be necessary. Because severe addiction can create the risk of a medical emergency should an individual attempt to quit on their own, professional treatment in a medically supervised detox setting can reduce or prevent this possibility.
These treatment centers do not adhere to a 12-step approach, but rather focus on ensuring clients receive treatment that is individualized and clinical in nature. Extra precautionary measures are taken by these treatment facilities in ensuring their clients’ health and recovery needs are met. These will typically include constant professional care and supervision, as well as medications meant to help combat withdrawal symptoms.
Furthermore, medical addiction treatment centers may also help clients identify any co-occurring disorders that are promoting their abuse of substances. These individuals will then either receive treatment for these disorders during their stay at the treatment center or will be encouraged to seek further help after their initial recovery.
The list of American addiction centers is quite extensive, with some of these treatment facilities offering services more suitable to certain individuals over others. Even narrowing this list down to specifically non-12 step rehabs, researching which rehab centers will best suit an individual’s needs can be stressful.
Typically, individuals will want to find a facility that combines several of their top care needs. Some factors that may be helpful to keep in mind when looking for rehab centers include:
For more tips on what to look for when comparing rehab centers, click here.
Life with addiction can be difficult and lonely, and finding the right treatment options may feel impossible for many individuals. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use and is ready to find help, you don’t have to do it alone.
Here at Rehabs Of Armerica, our team is dedicated to helping you find the best treatment programs for your needs and supporting you in taking that first step to recovery. If you are ready to find a non 12-step rehabs alternative that works with your goals, call our 24/7 hotline now, and let us help you get started on a path to a healthier, happier life.
Edward lives and works in South Florida and has been a part of its recovery community for many years. With a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Massachusetts, he works to help Find Addiction Rehabs as both a writer and marketer. Edward loves to share his passion for the field through writing about addiction topics, effective treatment for addiction, and behavioral health as a whole. Alongside personal experience, Edward has deep connections to the mental health treatment industry, having worked as a medical office manager for a psychiatric consortium for many years.
