Believe it or not the 12-step method is not the only path to sobriety. If you’re looking for a drug rehab program, you’re likely to encounter the 12-step method, but there are a handful of other options out there. Although 12 step and AA are practically synonymous with recovery and drug rehab, the word actually means to rehabilitate or restore. There are many paths to rehabilitation. The following are paths to sobriety that are alternatives to the 12-step method:
LifeRing Secular Recovery (LifeRing or LSR)
A secular and peer-run (similar to the Alcoholics Anonymous community) program for those who wish to recover from an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. The program can also serve those who are in relationship with someone who is an addict or alcoholic. LifeRing emphasizes to its members that they should experiment with a variety of approaches to maintaining abstinence and they can incorporate ideas from other recovery methods, such as those mentioned below. LifeRing also encourages the use of relapses as learning experiences, rather than an experience of failure. The LifeRing philosophy is based upon the three principles of sobriety, secularity, and self-empowerment. It uses an abstinence approach, meaning that abstinence is the highest goal, which is also similar to the AA philosophy. There are other programs, such as Moderation Management, which includes abstinence on its continuum to achieve, but doesn’t emphasize it in order to meet users where they are at in their process to get healthy. LifeRing, however, emphasizes sobriety and abstinence.
Rational Recovery
A alternative to the 12-step method that is made up of counseling, guidance, and direct instruction for addicts. Much of the program is offered free on the Internet as well as through books, videos, and lectures. The idea behind Rational Recovery is that a user has both a desire to quit and a desire to keep using, causing great ambivalence. In fact, this ambivalence is the definition of addiction according to Rational Recovery. To solve this ambivalence, the user needs to identify the addictive voice within, which is physiologically related to the our core survival functions such as hunger, sex, and need for shelter. When the desires of this inner voice are not satiated, the addict experiences anxiety, depression, restlessness, and irritability. The user needs to identify this inner voice and make amends with this part of the self. To do this, founder of the program Jack Trimpey developed the Addictive Voice Recognition Technique (AVRT).
Moderation Management
A path to sobriety that is secular and based upon relationships with others who are struggling with addiction, similar to the method of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It provides support groups to the public that are peer run and are for anyone who would like to reduce their alcohol consumption. However, unlike the AA and 12-step method whose goal is abstinence from alcohol and drug use, MM allows members to set their own drinking goals as they feel appropriate. They recognize that someone might want to achieve “controlled drinking”. It was founded in 1994 to create an alternative to the AA path to sobriety. They are for those who are not dependent upon alcohol but who want to limit their drinking, not necessary stop. The goal for members is to
Smart Recovery
A path to sobriety that is secular and scientifically based. It uses non-confrontational yet motivational methods which strive to change behavior as well as unhealthy thoughts of those who are still using drugs and alcohol. Those who attend SMART Recovery meetings, whether online or at a local community meetings, learn recovery methods that have been used in evidence-based addiction treatments. Evidence-based practices are those that are based upon research and have been proven to be successful in treating addictions to drugs, alcohol, and behavioral addictions. SMART Recovery uses therapies such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), which have all been success in creating change in clients. SMART Recovery emphasizes four points in the process of recovery: Building Motivation, Coping with Urges, Problem Solving, and Lifestyle Balance. These are used in combination with the various therapeutic method listed above.
The benefit to knowing four drug rehab alternatives the options that might meet your unique needs in your recovery.
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