Substance abuse is a major public health concern. In 2015, 81% of people ages 12 and older reported alcohol use and nearly 50% of people in this age group reported illicit drug abuse. Additionally, nearly 21% of people ages 12 and older reported abusing prescription drugs in 2014 9. Chronic drug and alcohol abuse can lead to substance addiction, a progressive condition characterized by continued use despite significant impairment in a person’s life.
12-step programs are the most widely accessible recovery tool in the U.S.
It can be challenging to quit drug abuse on your own, but substance abuse treatment programs are available to aid you in the process. There are many types of treatment programs, the two major categories being inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient programs, which provide patients with intensive, 24-hour care, adopt various philosophies surrounding substance abuse treatment, allowing individuals to choose a well-suited and financially feasible program.
While some programs may use alternative modalities, a number of treatment programs incorporate the 12 steps of recovery as part of their approach. In fact, 12-step programs (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous) are the most widely accessible recovery tool in the U.S., with 12-step meetings available both during and after treatment 2. When researching treatment programs, it’s important to find a treatment program that matches your clinical needs, values, and beliefs.
Does Alcohol Detox Sound Right For You?
It can be difficult to realize when you have a problem or if you need alcohol detox treatment. Because a drinking dependency can sneak up on you, it’s very important to take the concerns of others seriously. Family members and friends are often the first to realize there’s a problem. Sometimes they see behaviors that aren’t easy for individuals to notice once alcoholism has started to set in. Read MoreTwelve-step programs are based on the foundational principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a community-based support group for recovery from alcohol abuse, and are a popular choice for those looking to get clean and sober. Other programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA), are founded on the 12 step-model to help members address their drug addictions.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to remain sober.
The 12-step philosophy has three main components: unity, service, and recovery 2. The 12 steps are a set of principles grounded in spirituality whereby the individual is encouraged to rely on a Higher Power of his or her own belief, although no religious affiliations are involved. Further, some program members will initially adopt the fellowship to fill the role of a Higher Power. The Higher Power concept is unique to the individual and all variations are welcomed in 12-step programs.
Members of AA, NA, CA and other fellowships are encouraged to procure a sponsor, someone who ideally takes the individual through the 12 steps. Many people benefit from the guidance and support of a sponsor who is further along in the recovery process. Attending meetings, working the steps with a sponsor, and service work are all predictors of increased abstinence from drug abuse 3. Systematically working the 12 steps of recovery is a cornerstone of the 12-step program. Generally, a member will look for a sponsor with whom they feel comfortable being honest with, as part of the step work requires admission of past actions while abusing drugs or alcohol. The only requirement for membership of AA, NA, and other fellowships is a desire to remain sober.
The following is a list of some of the most common 12-step substance abuse recovery programs:
You can work through the requirements of the 12-steps list at your own pace or as negotiated by you and your sponsor. The 12 Steps of AA are as follows 5,6,7:
It is important to remember that 12-step programs aren’t your only option. There are many non-12-step programs available for people seeking a different approach.
Non-12-step programs offer evidence-based scientific approaches to addiction treatment. Rather than adhering to any one static treatment model, non-12-step programs are constantly evolving to incorporate advances in scientific and addiction research. While many people benefit from 12-step programs, the programs themselves are not scientifically-based. Instead, 12-step programs are founded on a spiritual component. Alternatives to 12-step programs are more secular, which can better suit the needs of non-religious people.
Members work to help one another develop new skills and strategies for maintaining sobriety
Non-12-step programs are similar to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous in that they are are free and open to anyone who is committed to sobriety. Although they are often conducted in a group environment, these AA alternatives focus less on the sharing of personal experiences. Instead, the group members work to help one another develop new skills and strategies for maintaining sobriety. Alternative support groups take confidentiality and anonymity as seriously as AA and NA, and all participants agree to keep what they learn in group to themselves. Much like 12-step meetings, non-12-step meetings can be integrated into the treatment plan of someone enrolled in an inpatient or residential addiction treatment program.
SMART Recovery is the leading addiction recovery support group program based on self-empowerment. SMART Recovery is a global recovery community that includes free support groups based on the latest scientific research. Participants learn the newest tools and techniques for maintaining long-term sobriety. The SMART Recovery 4-Point Program helps people recover from issues such as:
SMART Recovery offers face-to-face meetings along with daily online meetings.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is a nonprofit group founded on the principles of secular addiction treatment. For more than 30 years, they have helped people recover from alcohol, drug, and food addictions. They maintain a network of autonomous peer-run local support groups.
LifeRing Secular Recovery is an international organization of people who support one another’s recovery by sharing practical experiences and skills for sober living. LifeRing emphasizes positive, practical, and mindful steps to successful sobriety. They believe that you can overcome your addiction by strengthening your Sober Self. Through in-person and online meetings, people in recovery share advice and encouragement to support their Sober Selves.
Women for Sobriety (WFS) is an abstinence-based self-help program for women with drug or alcohol addictions. For many women, these groups offer a much-needed alternative to 12-step programs, which are often mixed-gender. WFS acknowledges the special needs of women in recovery and aims to nurture feelings of self-worth. WFS offers several recovery tools that help women develop coping skills and personal growth strategies.
Not everyone feels at home in 12-step programs, which is why there are so many viable alternatives. Instead of the one-size-fits-all 12-step approach, you might find that you need a more targeted approach. Many people benefit from non-12-step programs that are designed to meet their unique needs and belief systems. You may benefit from non-12-step programs if:
Alternatives to 12-step programs vary greatly in terms of their treatment approach and methods. To find a non-12-step program that will work for you, consider some of the following questions when you evaluate your options:
So, whether it’s a traditional 12-step program or a variation of non–12-step meeting you’re interested in, just connecting with others pursuing recovery is a great step toward sobriety.