More than 20 million people in the United States who are aged 12 years and older struggle with a substance use disorder, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. When this fact is coupled with the realization that this chronic disease has a relapse rate of between 40 and 60 percent, the importance of aftercare options is evident. Today, there are alternatives to AA that make it easier for everyone to find a good fit.
12-Step Approaches To Addressing Addiction
AA — or Alcoholics Anonymous — is probably the best known 12-step program. A support group for people who are recovering from alcohol use disorder, AA places an emphasis on looking outside one’s self and relying on a higher power to help them rise to the challenges of recovery.
While many people gravitate toward the spiritual nature of AA, others don’t find that approach to be as helpful as they’d like. Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives to AA that can make it easier than ever before to find a place where you are comfortable.
Alternatives To AA
In many cases, alternatives to AA still tend to rely on peer support as a mechanism to help prevent relapse. Additional tools and resources are often available to minimize that possibility as well. The following list of AA alternatives can provide you with a glimpse of the options that are available today:
Secular Organizations For Sobriety (SOS)
A non-profit recovery support organization that offers secular services, SOS is available to anyone who desires a life free of drug and alcohol abuse. The only membership requirement is that one must continue to practice abstinence. It’s also free and confidential to become a member. However, SOS may request donations. SOS doesn’t permit any outside funding.
Sobriety, confidentiality, and responsibility are SOS themes that permeate its culture. The organization evolves using research-based methods and doesn’t espouse a single addiction theory.
Women For Sobriety (WFS)
WFS was the first support group solely for women who were struggling with alcohol use disorder. A nationwide program, WFS is a non-profit organization that uses its Women for Sobriety “New Life” Program to change negative thoughts and behaviors into those that support a happier and healthier life in recovery.
Membership is confidential. It encourages women to follow the 13 statements. The WFS outlines these statements. It also integrates holistic forms of healing so women can easily implement their recovery process into their everyday life.
Refuge Recovery
Built on the teachings of the Buddhist mindset, the Refuge Recovery program approaches recovery as something that all individuals have the potential to experience. They can free themselves from addiction which causes suffering in their lives.
Refuge Recovery outlines four truths:
- Addiction creates suffering
- Repetitive cravings cause addiction
- Recovery is possible
- There is an available path to recovery
Refuge Recovery provides a spiritual approach that is vastly different from AA and other sobriety programs.
Alternatives to AA are an important option for those who are struggling with addiction. The right aftercare program builds connections and boosts support. It also provides a safe place to work through the challenges that sobriety will bring.
Promises Behavioral Center provides access to both 12-step programs and non-12-step programs. We know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to substance use disorder treatment or recovery. Therefore, at Promises Behavioral Health, we give you an individualized treatment plan. We tailor this program specifically to your needs.
Our other services include the following:
- Art therapy
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Couples counseling
- Family therapy
Get started on the road to your recovery by contacting us today at 844.875.5609.