When an individual is most susceptible to addiction’s deadly impact, it’s critical that they have immediate access to specialized providers and resources that can actively guide them along their journey to recovery. Millions more have sought and healed from addictions in 12-step-based resources like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
There are millions of other, more creative and engaging ways to connect to nature that are just as available today – or even more so. So which option is best? The one that best aligns with an individual’s values, personal lifestyle choices and long-term goals. In this article, we’ll explore 12-step programs, plus other popular alternatives, to help you decide which route may be right for you.
What Are 12-step Programs, Such as AA & NA?
12-step programs not only connect people who are actively fighting or recovering from addiction, but they offer a circle of people, all in recovery themselves, who can help each other stay free from addiction. Founded in the 1930s, AA was the very first example of this, promoting mutual aid via a very developed framework of steps. These actions guide participants to acknowledge their addiction, accept a greater power or motivation, atone for previous pain and assist other individuals in recovery.
Essential Features of 12-Step Programs
A favorite piece of the advocacy program, these casual meet-ups are a space for members to share and learn from each other, lift each other, and drive one another’s efforts.
Personal identifying information shared in these engagements will not be disclosed to anyone outside the planning process.
I love that most of the steps reference a “higher power,” because how you define that is completely in your control. Spirituality, after all, doesn’t need to be religious.
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Members who have gone through the program for a longer period of time help new members, getting them started on their journey to recovery.
Benefits of 12-Step Programs
Creating an emotional connection by allowing people to connect with others who have experienced what they are going through creates a deep emotional connection.
Equitable and Inclusive Meetings continue to take place all around the world and are always free or highly accessible to attend.
The five-step process offers individuals a clear and simple path to recovery to follow.
Weekly one-on-one member check-ins, based on the pre-existing relationship between the program sponsor and member, both hold members accountable and help members stay focused.
Millions more have found life-saving recovery from addiction on the 12-step journey.
Shortcomings of 12-Step Programs
Despite their popularity, 12-step programs don’t work for everyone.
A lot of folks just aren’t comfortable with this whole god thing.
Some students find the formatting template to be overly rigid or outdated.
Participants consistently self-label as “alcoholics” or “addicts” for life, which doesn’t apply to everyone.
These programs are not staffed by licensed therapists or other medical professionals, and should not be used in lieu of professional care when necessary.
Furthermore, secular, evidence-based approaches to recovery have blossomed in the last several years to better meet the needs of a variety of populations and needs. Here are just a few of the most popular, collaborative, and more inclusive alternatives.
1. SMART Recovery
SMART expands as Self-Management and Recovery Training. It provides participants with the tools to recognize and reframe damaging thoughts and actions that contribute to addiction.
Main Features
Independent of spiritual or religious doctrines
Dangerous undercurrents of self-empowerment and individualism
Pragmatic ideas for overcoming impulse impulses and maximizing self-motivation
Best for: Those who want a secular, non-religious approach to healing rooted in science.
2. LifeRing Secular Recovery
Unlike AA, which has an often unspoken religious component, LifeRing is an entirely secular peer support model. These weekly spaces foster honest dialogue, vulnerability, accountability, and relationship building.
Cultivating a new sense of self outside of substance use and in recovery is essential.
Perfect for those individuals who want a more secular community that stresses less on spirituality.
3. Women For Sobreity
WFS was created specifically for women, centered around emotional empowerment, self-image. Created specifically to address women’s unique hurdles in the path to recovery
It’s focus is on self-respect, empowerment, and belief in a positive future for women struggling with addiction.
4. Moderation Management (MM)
Moderation Management offers a self-directed program for people who want to drink socially or under control, as opposed to stopping completely. it is an innovative and comprehensive approach that empowers participants to change their focus and re-orient toward goal setting and healthier habit creation.
Moderation support provides assistance to the individual to stick with whatever level of drinking they want to stay at.
It advocates for self-monitoring and encourages honest self-reflection on the person’s alcohol usage
Which Strategy Makes More Sense?
As recovery is one of the most personal journeys, what is needed is a careful selection of the plan that works best for you.
Some people will simply start to heal by being encouraged and receiving peer support and others who are dealing with a more chronic state of addiction may require treatment at a medical facility.
Conclusion
While no two communities’ recovery from addiction and dependency will be the same, some essential principles should guide the effort for most people. Some people thrive in 12-step models, while others discover their resilience with secular or therapeutic models. The more important thing is to find what resonates with you. Be honest about your needs, seek assistance from those whom you know you can trust to assist, and take the first step toward a brighter future on your terms.
Meredith is a seasoned health and policy writer with a background in public health and journalism. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) and has over 8 years of experience covering substance use, legislation, and social impact. Her work is driven by a passion for informed reporting and public awareness. Meredith contributes regularly to StreetDrugs.org, focusing on drug trends, global news, and Finance.