The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous has been applied to many different addiction treatment programs. For those who take comfort in religious traditions and the concept of a higher power, the program has been hugely successful. Do all rehab treatment centers use the 12 step program? No. If you are not comfortable with the idea of a deity or with the idea of surrendering in any form, you can find treatment options that provide you with more autonomy and comfort.
Because addiction is a disease that has a huge impact on brain function, it is understandable that there are many people who take great comfort in the concept of higher power and community that is fully enmeshed in the 12 steps. Breaking the mental connection based on the uncontrollable need for drugs and alcohol is incredibly tough to do on your own.
When You Require a Different Focus
However, there are others in the process of detox and rehab who are very uncomfortable with the concept of embracing their own powerlessness. If you grew up in a home scarred by abuse or neglect, embracing the idea of powerlessness may be very off-putting. If the idea of seeing yourself as out of control may cut away and the remainder of your confidence.
In such cases, the person seeking help may strive instead to look for motivation or build goals that will allow them to rely on their own strength. For those who are not particularly religious, the faith-based compunction of a 12 step program can be unproductive or isolating.
The SMART Recovery program focuses on finding internal strength rather than reaching out to supporters or up to heaven. Not only does this community of supportive people provide a struggling addict with complete privacy, but the programs run 24 hours online and feature a chat group that you can use to connect with others in struggle.
The focus of SMART Recovery also includes an emotional control element. If you have ever cycled from euphoria to despair as you struggled to control your substance abuse, working with a community of other folks who are also trying to find equilibrium could be very empowering.
Because negative thought patterns and mental self-abuse is often suffered by those dealing with addictive cravings and emotional distress, women doing the work of managing addiction may prefer to focus on the tenets of Women for Sobriety. This group employs 13 different goals, starting with positive thinking early in the day.
There are many women who have been raised and taught to be supportive helpers and caregivers. Should they find themselves in need of care, they may struggle to reach out for help. Additionally, there are still strong indications that women\’s voices are often over-ridden in group settings.
In a group that includes only women, the ability to freely express yourself may be an ideal fit. Do be aware that there is a focus on personal growth that may or may not include spirituality. If you are not comfortable with the 12 steps because of the spiritual component, review the tenets of this group closely to make sure that you will be comfortable with the requirements to participate in this group.
Another option for those who have challenges with the religious component is the Secular Organization for Sobriety or SOS. Those who join SOS have only one requirement to join and stay in the organization. They must abstain from drugs and alcohol. It is requested that you donate to the group to cover basic costs.
SOS offers support for those working to stop drinking and using drugs. There are also groups that help those who struggle with compulsive eating. Be aware that each group is autonomous. If you find a local group but don\’t feel comfortable, you can find a group online that may suit your needs more effectively. Because SOS groups are not connected, you may struggle to find an in-person meeting when you\’re traveling or if you relocate.
The decision to go through detox and rehab will require you to face many challenges. If you have shied away from detox or rehab in the past because you just can\’t draw support from the 12 steps doctrine, you are not alone. It is possible to get support through other programs. Ready to get started? Call us today at 833-820-2922.