21st Century Help for Substance Use Disorders: 12-Step Programs are NOT the Only Way!

The most widely-known group when thinking of where to send people with an alcohol or drug problem is AA (or any 12-step program). However, most widely known does not equal the most effective. In fact, it doesn't work for most people, so they are still out there not getting the help they need. It is imperative that we do something, and one thing to do is to start making people aware of the other methods that are available. Addiction is not a "one-size-fits-all problem, and it's not a -one-size-fits-all solution. There are many, many treatment methods for those suffering with substance use disorders. The methods range from total abstinence to advocating for harm reduction. They offer individualized treatment, customizing a plan of action for the individual. The National Institute on Drug Abuse seems to agree, stating: “No single treatment program is right for everybody. Matching the treatment program to each individual’s needs is critical to success.” A few examples of alternatives to AA include the following: *SMART Recovery www.smartrecoveryrn *Rational Recovery www.rational.orgrn *Women For Sobriety www.womenforsobreiety.orgrn *The Sinclair Method www.sinclairmethod.comrn *Harm Reduction Therapy www.harmreduction.orgrn *HAMS: www.hams.cc • Cognitive Behavioral Therapyrn• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy *Naltrexone *Ibogaine *Ketamine • Acupuncture • Yoga As you can see, there are numerous alternatives to 12-step programs, so whether you are having problems with the religious aspects of the 12- step program, or you have been in and out of AA for years, yet cannot seem to stay sober, or you simply do not want to go to a 12-step program, I encourage you to take a look at what has been researched to find out what resonates with you. Many of the programs are not mutually exclusive with each other. You now have more than one choice to form your own plan; one that works for you, whether that ends up being moderation or total abstinence. What’s important is that you will now have the knowledge of your options to make an educated decision. And knowledge is power! One problem remains…in our current system, many people are confronted with this dilemma: Either accept the 12-step model, even though you are not committed to it, nor is it the most appropriate program for you, or be stigmatized as being “non-compliant” or “in denial.” This labeling is especially commonplace in rehabs, sober livings, and our court system where 12-step meetings are mandatory, and they are the only “treatment” offered. The question is…is our goal to get as many people into AA as we can, OR is it to get people the help they really need? There are many paths to recovery. It shouldn’t matter which one a person takes, as long as it works for them.