Alternative Methods of Recovery

For someone in his or her first addiction treatment program, or experiencing a program of recovery for the first time, a 12-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous can be intimidating. Here are some of the basic information that you need to know about the different options when it comes to getting and staying sober:

12-Step Programs:
Originally, the only 12-step program was Alcoholics Anonymous, founded in 1935. Over the years, however, other 12-step fellowships have emerged, each focused on a different type of addiction: Narcotics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, even 12-step programs for sex addiction, gambling, over-eating, and co-dependency. They all vary from one another, but the central tenant is the same, which is one alcoholic or addict helping another to get and stay sober.
These programs are referred to as “12-step” because they each are centered upon a twelve-step program of action to recover from alcoholism and other addictions. The twelve steps are about getting to the core of a person’s problems that led them to drink and drug uncontrollably. This is achieved by a course of action outlined in those twelve steps which include: the person admitting that they have no control over their drug and alcohol use; accepting what is known as “a higher power” so that they realize they are not in control of everything; relieving guilt and shame by listing all the resentments they have and wrongs they have committed, and first admitting them to another human being and then attempting to make amends for their bad behaviors; and finally going out and helping someone else with this disease.
People are often dismissive of 12-step programs because they perceive them as religious. While there is a element of spirituality that is important to fellowships like Alcoholics Anonymous, it is not a religion or religious cult, and people who identify themselves as atheists or agnostics do recover by being members of these anonymous programs and working their twelve step programs

People are often reluctant to join a 12-step program because they require complete abstinence from all mind-altering substances. Someone who is in treatment for their first time for a particular substance may reject the idea that they cannot use any substance, especially legal ones like alcohol that are not as frowned upon in society as illicit street drugs. However, anyone who has been a member of a 12-step group has seen individuals transfer their addictions from one substance to another, ultimately having to get help for their new addiction, or end up returning to their preferred method of intoxication.

SMART Recovery:
Another program of recovery that has gained a strong following in recent years is SMART Recovery. SMART Recovery is an alternative to 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous that embodies the same basic idea of people suffering from substance dependence supporting one-another in a group environment. SMART Recovery is considered a more secular and scientific approach to treating addiction than most 12-step programs, and takes a lot of it’s techniques from the school of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is often used in treatment settings to instill positive behaviors and practices in people suffering from mental disorders, addiction, or those who have a dual-diagnosis of both. Likewise, SMART Recovery focuses on teaching coping mechanisms for dealing with urges to drink or use drugs.

Whatever your preference is for recovery support groups or programs, it is important that you not attempt to do this alone. Speaking to a professional in the field of addiction treatment is vital to ensuring that you learn a variety of techniques to help combat the disease you suffer from.