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.
