Before we talk about a Non 12 step treatment, it might be helpful to know what 12-step treatment is first. Twelve-Step programs are one of the most popular techniques used in recovering from alcohol, drug, or behavior addictions. These programs are a form of group therapy that utilizes a stepping stone technique to reach a life of abstinence and recovery. Each step is has a particular mission to accomplish to heal the many different facets of addiction. These are as simple as learning a mindset, such as “admitting powerlessness over the addiction.” They may also have an assignment or end goal such as “contacting those who have been hurt.” The basic premise of any group therapy (including twelve-step) is achieving abstinence with the help of a social community. The beauty of these programs is that they are free of charge and generally readily available. The programs are intended to be conveniently available for anyone who needs help and wants to get help. A significant portion of those who suffer from substance abuse have limited resources. This lack of finances could be a direct relation to their drug usage (i.e., losing a job due to drug use) or the drug use could be an immediate effect of the stressors involved with low-income living, or neither. Due to the fact that many people who have substance use disorders have limited access to finances, 12-step therapies are a viable option. Not only do these programs help people recover from addictions, but it also helps people stay in recovery by attending meetings and assisting others through recovery and sobriety. at Coalition Recovery, we are 12-step optional. We ask our clients to attend 12-step meetings, but the basis of our treatment is entirely different.
An Overview to 12 Step Alternatives
In many treatment centers, 12 step programs are used to help addicts and alcoholics recover from substance abuse. While these programs can be valuable for many people, unfortunately, they are frequently used as the only answer to addiction, and there are no 12 step alternatives provided or even explained to patients. At Coalition Recovery, , our team believe in providing our community access to every offered resource that may help them on their journey in sobriety. That’s why we offer 12 step alternatives as well as optional participation in 12 step programs during treatment.
Why Do People Whoose 12 Step Alternatives?
12 step programs are based on the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, which was started in Akron, Ohio in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. Various other examples of 12 step programs that were begun based upon the principles and method of Alcoholics Anonymous consist of Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, and Co-Dependents Anonymous. These programs are spiritual in nature and stress the value of acknowledgment of and connection with a Higher Power of the individual’s choosing. In these recovery addicts, alcoholics and groups usually attend meetings with other recovering people and get a sponsor that helps them to work the 12 steps. The 12 steps are a technique of recovery that entail methods such as taking an inventory of one’s resentments and faults, working to let go of character defects, and prayer and meditation in order to connect spiritually to a Higher Power. The first step in these programs is to admit powerlessness over substances and unmanageability as a result of using or drinking. For some individuals, this method is effective in treating addiction, and these 12 step participants are often able to attain multi-year sobriety by using these steps. Nonetheless, for some individuals, these methods are ineffective and can sometimes be discouraging. 12 step alternatives are often necessary for individuals who don’t connect to 12 step fellowships or find a solution to their addiction within them.
Common 12 Step Alternative Support Groups
There are a couple of various 12 steps alternatives offered to individuals for whom the 12 step version did not work. They include:
SMART Recovery
This support system is based upon the viewpoint that self-empowerment can help individuals conquer addiction. In contrast to 12 step programs who highlight acknowledgment of powerlessness in order to channel a Higher Power, SMART Recovery advocates empowerment and option for addicts and alcoholics that strive for sobriety. The program is based on 4 factors, which include “building and sustaining motivation; dealing with urges; taking care of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors; and living a balanced life” (SMARTRecovery.org.) SMART Recovery has meetings run by an experienced facilitator and provides in person support system along with online meetings. To the writing tasks provided to individuals by their sponsors in 12 step programs, SMART Recovery groups do provide homework assignments, however they are different in approach and content that 12 step work.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.)
For lots of addicts and alcoholics, their primary complaint with 12 step recovery fellowships is that those programs are spiritual in nature, requiring a relationship to a Higher Power such as God in order to be worked thoroughly. For these people, the Secular Organizations for Sobriety was created. S.O.S. programs are non-religious and non-spiritual in nature. Like 12 step fellowships, these groups worry the importance of discretion and abstinence from alcohol and drugs. Normal S.O.S. meetings are concentrated on group discussion, and emphasize the importance of logical thought and taking responsibility for actions. S.O.S. meetings are usually face to face and take place throughout the nation (SOSsobriety.org.).
Refuge Recovery LifeRing Secular Recovery
Like S.O.S., LifeRing is a non-profit organization that does not concentrate on spirituality or choosing a Higher Power yet rather is based upon secular techniques like self-constraint. LifeRing promotes the core ideology that every addicted person is composed of an Addict Self and a Sober Self, and the program is geared towards minimizing the impact of the former and strengthening the latter. This is done with in person and online meetings, where peer support and discussion is highlighted (LifeRing.org.).
Refuge Recovery
This program is based on a Buddhist approach and pathway to sobriety. This non-profit organization stresses the principles of understanding and compassion. The program’s core points are based upon the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism and consist of techniques to improves mindfulness, mercy, kindness, and concern. Refuge Recovery groups advertise an Eight-fold Path to Recovery that includes “understanding, communication, community and intention, action, service, effort, mindfulness and meditation, and concentration” (RefugeRecovery.org.) Meetings are conducted in-person or by phone. There are a number of various other 12 step alternatives offered to recovering people who don’t find that AA, NA, or similar programs have helped them in overcoming their alcoholism or addiction. Most of these methods use peer support and group discussion methods to form fellowships of similar people that can help one another to make better choices and to continue to be abstinent from the mind- and mood-altering substances.
12 Step Vs. Treatment
Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to Non 12-step support. Think of addiction treatment just like any other health problem you might have. If you have a stomach ache for multiple days, you have a couple of options on what you can do to remedy the situation – go to a medically licensed doctor or ask someone who has gone through the same problem. If you ask a friend they may suggest what worked with them – like taking some Tums. That may help you. If it does, great, you saved some time and money. If not, you may need to seek professional help. This is like deciding between a 12-step approach and seeking professional clinical treatment. Going to a doctor, while it may cost money, can be much more successful than asking a someone with similar experiences. Chances are, if you have insurance that covers a medical examination, your first choice will be to go to a doctor. If your resources are limited, you may ask a friend first, see if this approach works; if the method does not work, then your final option would be to see a doctor. Why are medical doctors more successful? Well, the doctor has been through countless training and education to be licensed and know exactly what is wrong with you and understand the proper way to treat you. The same ideology goes for a psychiatrist, therapist, or licensed mental health counselor. Here at Coalition Recovery drug rehab Tampa, Fl, we have all three to assess you individually. Multiple opinions by experienced personnel never hurts, right?
Non 12 Step Treatment
While 12-step programs can be successful for some people it is not necessarily the case for everyone. 12-step treatment is free and convenient, but this does not make it entirely effective. This is where Non 12-step therapy comes in. Non twelve step is precisely what it sounds like, any substance abuse therapy technique that is not based on the 12-steps. These can be a variety of different therapy techniques. does not have to be a drug rehab or even costly. Some can be as simple as mindfulness techniques such as yoga or meditation. Many people may even have their own variation of the 12-step program. These type of variations are technically labeled “non-12 step therapy” because they are not exactly the 12-step. If you have not found 12-step therapy to be effective for you, be cautious of these type of “non-twelve-step therapies.” 12-step optional therapy refers to a treatment center providing the option of 12-step but does not base all of their treatment on the program. 12-step optional is precisely as it sounds – they give you the opportunity to partake, but do not force the program.
Non 12 Step Tampa Treatment – Coalition Recovery
The treatment here at Coalition Recovery Drug Rehab in Tampa Fl is a non-12 step program. Our treatment is entirely evidence-based psychological techniques. The techniques we use at Coalition Recovery is primarily CBT, DBT, and Positive Psychology. Along with evidence-based therapy, our Non 12-step therapy involves medically assisted treatment. Obviously, 12-step therapy on top of our treatment can only benefit an individual, which is why we suggest attending meetings; but when compared side by side, the clinical approach is significantly more effective. Here’s a walkthrough of a typical client at Coalition Recovery. On the first day of attendance, we perform a medical assessment (both physically and psychologically) for any abnormalities. Examples of these can include a genetic history, altercations/history with medications, and diagnosis of any diseases such as mental illness. We use this initial diagnosis to assess the proper course of action. This can be varied depending on how effectively the specific treatment method is working.
The Way We’re Different
At Coalition Recovery, we understand that every addict and alcoholic is an individual human being with their own life experiences, motivations, and story. For this reason, we never advocate a one-size-fits-all model of recovery. Unlike many treatment centers requiring 12 step meeting participation and don’t use any other options, we offer our customers 12 step alternatives if they are interested. We aim to keep our program dynamic and to satisfy the demands of each of our individual patients to ensure that they have the best chance of maintaining and accomplishing sobriety. Due to this approach, we never require our clients to join or attend meetings for 12 step programs. We do offer access to 12 step programs for patients who are interested, but we also work to make 12 step alternatives available to make sure that our patients can pick the support system that best meets their needs. If you’re tired of the same old thing and you’re ready for new, effective, and innovative treatment, call Coalition Recovery today at (888) 707-2873.
If you are looking for professional Non 12-step treatment, Coalition Recovery can help. We specialize in Co-Occurring Disorders such as Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and Trauma. We believe these are the underlying issues of addiction. Addiction is the side effect of these issues or just the coping mechanism to deal with these issues. For this reason, we believe professional medical help is the most advantageous method to treat addiction. Please feel free to learn more about our Coalition Recovery non 12 step Tampa fl Treatment Model by calling us at (888) 707-2873. We can provide you with a free and confidential consultation and overview. If you have found the 12-step method unsuccessful, try our professional evidence-based medical approach.
