Non 12 Step Programs

Non 12-step programs are merely drug and alcohol programs that do not use the 12 steps of any AA, NA or CA meetings. It is best for each individual to find a treatment and recovery program that works best for them whether it’s 12 step based or not. If you feel like a non 12-step program may be right for you than you might want to look into these different therapy options. I’m going to give you two examples of non 12-step programs. Please note that these are only a small percentage of the type of non 12 step treatment programs and therapies out there. If you want to know more please look further into it.

I personally do not how successful an alcoholic and  drug addict can be using non 12 step programs but I believe they are there for a reason and if you should choose to utilize a non 12 step program than maybe some of the ones listed below will interest you.

The first well recognized non 12-step program is SMART recovery. SMART recovery uses a four-point program and self-empowerment techniques to help a person stay sober. The four points in SMART recovery are:

• Enhancing Motivation
• Refusing to act on urges or use
• Managing life’s problems in an effective and sensible way without drugs and alcohol
• Developing a positive and balanced lifestyle

SMART recovery as a non 12-step program is one of the most well known program to stop drug abuse and drinking. As for its effectiveness I cannot attest to it.

The two kind of therapies that are paramount for using non 12 step programs are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET). These two kinds of therapies are very prominent in drug and alcohol treatment programs that are non-12 step programs. They use a 5 points system to address the needs of the alcoholic and addict in order to help them stay sober based off of these two therapies. These 5 points are:

• Balancing, identifying, and regulating all emotions, avoiding the traps of impulsivity and dumping anger on others.
• Understanding and maintaining a secure sense of self. For example, the stable self is sometimes a container with boundaries and limits and sensitive areas. Adults can become aware of how they are either affirmed or invalidated by others.
• Identifying and not avoiding realistic conflict with others. Learning conflict resolution skills.
• Maintaining adequate self-care. All medical and nutritional needs are addressed.
• Dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders; how do alcohol use and depression feed into each other? How do amphetamine use and anorexia feed into each other?

They also use the above mentioned therapies to try and create a cognitive and motivational change in the alcoholic or addict in order to give them a more positive outlook and the ability to take the action needed to change their life.

I cannot vouch for any non 12-step programs as I used the 12 steps in order to recover from my alcohol addiction. Nothing else I tried worked, however everyone has their own unique journey in recovery and if you find yourself leaning more towards utilizing a non 12-step program to then go for it! Just remember if it doesn’t work there are other solutions out there and it might be worth a shot to try a 12-step program.

If you think you have a problem with alcohol please don’t hesitate to call 877-711-HOPE(4673) or go to our site www.palmpartners.com to speak with an addiction specialist now.