Recovery from addiction is a personal journey, and there are many pathways designed to support people along the way. Each pathway has its own philosophy, methods, and focus. Below is a description of six popular recovery programs: SMART Recovery, Twelve Steps, Recovery Dharma, White Bison, The Phoenix, and LifeRing. Some people try several different pathways before finding the one or two that best fit them, and that is ok and a part of the journey.
1. SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery stands for “Self-Management and Recovery Training.” This pathway focuses on empowering individuals to take control of their lives and make positive changes. It’s based on science and uses techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). SMART Recovery meetings are centered on building skills like managing emotions, setting goals, and handling urges. Unlike some other programs, it doesn’t require participants to believe in a higher power—it’s all about practical tools.
2. Twelve Steps
The Twelve Steps program is best known through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). This pathway emphasizes spiritual growth and the support of a higher power (though it’s not tied to any specific religion). Participants work through twelve steps, which include admitting they have a problem, making amends for past harm, and helping others in recovery. Meetings are often very structured and rely heavily on sponsors.
3. Recovery Dharma
Recovery Dharma combines Buddhist principles with addiction recovery. It focuses on mindfulness, meditation, and self-awareness to help people manage cravings and understand the root causes of their addiction. The pathway doesn’t require participants to be Buddhist but encourages practices like meditation to develop a sense of peace and balance.
4. White Bison
White Bison is a recovery pathway rooted in Native American traditions. It’s part of the Wellbriety Movement, which teaches the importance of living a balanced, healthy life. White Bison focuses on healing from addiction while reconnecting with cultural heritage, spirituality, and community. Ceremonies, storytelling, and sharing circles are often part of the process.
5. The Phoenix
The Phoenix is a recovery pathway that centers around fitness and physical activity. It encourages people to build strength—both physically and emotionally—through activities like yoga, running, climbing, and group workouts. Participants must have at least 48 hours of sobriety to join events, and the focus is on creating a positive, supportive community.
6. LifeRing
LifeRing focuses on creating a personal recovery plan, which they call a Personal Recovery Program (PRP). This pathway doesn’t rely on spirituality or higher powers but instead encourages self-reliance and peer support. Meetings involve open discussions where participants share their experiences and encourage one another. LifeRing is secular, meaning it’s not connected to any religion or spiritual beliefs.
How They’re Different
Each program takes a unique approach to recovery:
Faith vs. Self-Empowerment: Twelve Steps emphasizes faith and spirituality, while SMART Recovery and LifeRing focus on personal control and science.
Cultural and Spiritual Focus: White Bison is tied to Native American traditions, and Dharma Recovery uses Buddhist teachings.
Activity-Based Recovery: The Phoenix helps people recover through fitness and community activities.
Structured vs. Flexible: Twelve Steps and SMART Recovery have structured steps or tools, while LifeRing and The Phoenix allow more flexibility.
Choosing What’s Right for You
Recovery is a journey, and there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The best recovery pathway for you is the one that fits your values, needs, and lifestyle. Some people find comfort in spirituality, while others prefer practical strategies or community-based support. It’s okay to try different pathways to see what works best for you. Remember, recovery is about finding what helps you live a healthy, fulfilling life. Whatever pathway you choose, support is available, and you’re not alone. If you are looking for help exploring different pathways, consider working with a recovery coach as they are trained to help people with this very thing.
Deciding on the right recovery approach is an important step on the path to sobriety. Two popular options are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery. While both aim to empower people to overcome addiction, they take very different views of recovery goals and processes. Here’s how to decide which one might be a better fit for you.
What Is SMART Recovery?
SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is a nonprofit organization that teaches self-empowerment and skill-building to manage addictive behaviors.
The program centers on a set of 4 guiding recovery goals:1
“Build and maintain motivation
Cope with urges and cravings
Manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Live a balanced life”
SMART Recovery is a legitimate, evidence-based program recognized by healthcare professionals and used in treatment centers worldwide.
History and Background of SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery was founded in the early 1990s by Dr. Joe Gerstein, a physician who recognized the need for a nonreligious, science-based alternative to AA’s 12-Step program. The program quickly gained traction and has since grown into a global movement with chapters in over 30 countries and formed the SMART Recovery Global Research Network2 to ensure their approach remains informed by current addiction science.
Benefits of SMART Recovery
One of the main benefits of SMART Recovery is its flexibility. Unlike AA, there’s no requirement to believe in a higher power or admit powerlessness over addiction.
“Recovery is a very individual journey.3 What works for one doesn’t work for another,” says Leigh Proctor of UK SMART Recovery, “so we need to have as many options as we can to help people.” SMART can be combined with other recovery strategies, including 12-Step programs.
Many people find success attending both SMART Recovery and AA meetings simultaneously, as the programs complement rather than compete with each other.
You can attend both in-person and online meetings, which are open to anyone struggling with substance use disorders or addictive behaviors, regardless of the specific substance or the severity of the addiction.
Philosophy of SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery principles4 aim to help members gain independence from addiction through “proven tools and techniques drawn from many effective approaches to recovery including cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and various relaxation techniques.”
SMART doesn’t take a position on whether or not addiction is a disease. Religion and spirituality aren’t a part of the program, but members are welcome to incorporate their spiritual beliefs as they see fit.
SMART Recovery is abstinence-based, and is not a moderation or harm reduction program. But it also acknowledges that slip-ups are a normal part of the recovery process and does not stigmatize relapse.
AA is a global phenomenon, recognized as one of the most successful support groups for people battling alcohol addiction. AA is based on the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions,6 a set of specific actions and principles members follow to stay on a lifelong path to sobriety.
The program has its origins in Christian ideology, but its language has been broadened to refer to “spirituality” and a “higher power” to be more accessible to people of all faiths.
History and Background of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
AA traces back to 19357 in Akron, Ohio, where Bill Wilson, a stockbroker struggling with alcoholism, met Dr. Bob Smith, a physician facing similar challenges. Wilson’s spiritual awakening led him to believe that sharing experiences could be key to recovery. In 1939, they published the now-famous Big Book,8 outlining AA’s core principles, which established AA as a cornerstone of addiction recovery.
Benefits of AA
One of the most significant benefits of AA is its widespread accessibility. Meetings are held all over the world,9 free of charge, offering a supportive space for people struggling with alcohol use disorder. AA’s anonymity10 allows members to freely talk about their experiences without fear of judgment from their wider community.
AA is a strong community. Members can connect with others who understand their struggles and find support, accountability, and belonging. This camaraderie and shared purpose help members stay committed to long-term sobriety.
Many people also enjoy the program’s structured approach to recovery. By following the program step by step, members develop a framework for self-reflection, personal responsibility, and spiritual growth. Sponsorship in AA provides a deeper level of personalized support, which can be vital, especially in early recovery.
Philosophy of AA
AA’s core recovery philosophy is based on the concept of a higher power,11 a universal force that offers guidance through the challenges of recovery. This doesn’t necessarily equate to a specific religion—the focus is on finding a source of strength outside oneself.
The 12 Steps guide members through a process of self-examination, admitting powerlessness over alcohol, seeking help from a higher power, making amends for past wrongs, and developing a relationship with their spirituality. The Steps also emphasize the importance of helping others, which reinforces AA’s community and lets members find purpose in supporting peers on their recovery journeys.
What Are the Differences Between SMART Recovery and AA?
While both SMART Recovery and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) aim to empower people to overcome addiction, they differ significantly in their approaches. Understanding these main differences can help you determine which approach—or combination of approaches—might work best for your recovery journey.
SMART Recovery:SMART Recovery meetings12 focus on interactive discussions where participants work through challenges using practical tools, with facilitators guiding problem-solving exercises rather than following a set script. They’re structured discussions focused on skill-building and problem-solving. Participants share experiences and offer support, but there’s no requirement to share personal stories or stick to a specific format.
AA: Meetings typically involve a speaker sharing their story of addiction and recovery, followed by open sharing from other members. The focus is on personal narratives and testimonials about powerlessness over alcohol and the importance of a higher power.
2. Foundation
SMART Recovery: This program adopts a secular, science-based approach. It emphasizes self-help and developing practical skills to manage urges and maintain sobriety. There’s no requirement to believe in a higher power.
AA: The spiritual aspects of AA are central to the program. The 12 Steps emphasize admitting powerlessness over alcohol13 and relying on a higher power for help. While not affiliated with any specific religion, AA encourages members to develop a relationship with a higher power of their understanding.
3. Length of Membership
SMART Recovery: There’s no defined timeframe for participation. People can attend meetings for support as long as needed, whether actively battling addiction or maintaining long-term sobriety.
AA: A core tenet of AA is lifelong membership. Even after achieving sobriety, members are encouraged to continue attending meetings to offer support to newcomers and maintain their own connection to the program’s principles.
4. Labels
SMART Recovery: The program avoids labels and encourages members to focus on managing their behaviors and achieving their recovery goals. “We need to change the thinking that there’s only one way to recover and to see people not as addicts, but as people.14 It’s about seeing a person,” says Proctor.
AA: AA embraces the label “alcoholic” as a core part of its identity. Members are encouraged to identify as alcoholics, even in long-term recovery, as a reminder of their past struggles and the importance of continued vigilance.
Exploring Which One Is Right for You
SMART Recovery and AA differ in approach, but they share the goal of empowering people to achieve and maintain sobriety. Recovery is a personal journey, and the most effective program is the one that best supports your mental health.
Considering factors like your preferred meeting format, the importance of spirituality in your recovery, and your comfort level with labels can help you decide which program might be a better fit.
If you’re unsure where to start, most inpatient and outpatient rehab centers offer peer support groups for addiction that incorporate elements from both AA and SMART Recovery programs. These programs can provide a safe, supportive environment to explore different recovery options and connect with others on a similar journey.
A: Neither program is universally “better”—the most effective approach depends on your personal needs, beliefs, and preferences. SMART Recovery works well for people who prefer a secular, skills-based approach, while AA may be better suited for those who find strength in spirituality and structured steps. Many people find success with either program, and some people find they benefit from attending both.
Q: Is SMART Recovery legitimate?
A: Yes, SMART Recovery is a legitimate, evidence-based program founded by medical professionals and backed by scientific research. It’s recognized by healthcare providers, used in treatment centers, and has chapters in over 30 countries. The program incorporates proven therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing.
Q: How is SMART different from AA?
A: The key differences include:
Approach: SMART Recovery is secular and science-based; AA is spiritually focused.
Meeting format: SMART meetings are skill-building discussions; AA meetings involve sharing personal stories and working through the 12 Steps.
Philosophy: SMART emphasizes self-empowerment; AA emphasizes powerlessness and reliance on a higher power.
Membership: SMART has no set timeframe; AA encourages lifelong membership.
Labels: SMART avoids labels like “addict”; AA embraces the “alcoholic” identity.
Q: What is the success rate of SMART Recovery?
A: Success rates for SMART Recovery are difficult to measure precisely due to varying definitions of success and limited large-scale studies. However, research shows that people who engage with SMART Recovery tools and attend meetings regularly have positive outcomes comparable to other evidence-based treatments.15 Success depends largely on your personal commitment level and how well the program’s approach matches your needs.
Q: What happens at SMART Recovery meetings?
A: SMART Recovery meetings are interactive, discussion-based sessions focused on practical problem-solving. Participants share current challenges and work together to find solutions using SMART tools and techniques. There’s no set script—meetings adapt to address the needs of attendees that day. Facilitators guide discussions, but encourage participant interaction and peer support.
Q: Does SMART Recovery have a higher success rate than AA?
A: Research suggests both programs can be effective, with success rates being roughly comparable when participants actively engage. The best program is often the one that best matches your personality, beliefs, and preferences rather than one that has universally higher success rates than the other.
Q: Can I attend both SMART Recovery and AA meetings simultaneously?
A: Absolutely. Many people successfully combine both programs, as they complement each other well. SMART Recovery’s practical tools can enhance the spiritual foundation of AA, while AA’s community support can strengthen SMART’s self-empowering approach. There’s no requirement to choose just one program.
Q: Can SMART Recovery be combined with AA for addiction support?
A: Yes, SMART Recovery explicitly encourages combining their program with other recovery strategies, including Twelve-Step programs like AA. The skills-based tools from SMART can work alongside AA’s spiritual principles to provide a more comprehensive recovery approach tailored to your individual needs.
Q: What are the key differences between SMART Recovery and AA?
A: The main differences center on:
Foundation: SMART is secular and evidence-based; AA is spiritual.
Personal power: SMART emphasizes self-reliance; AA emphasizes admitting powerlessness.
Meeting structure: SMART focuses on skill-building discussions; AA follows structured sharing and step work.
Timeframe: SMART has flexible participation; AA encourages lifelong involvement.
Identity: SMART avoids addiction labels; AA embraces them as part of recovery.
Q: How do the principles of SMART Recovery differ from those of AA?
A: SMART Recovery’s 4-Point Program focuses on building motivation, coping with urges, managing thoughts and behaviors, and living a balanced life through practical skills. AA’s principles center on the 12 Steps, which emphasize spiritual awakening, admitting powerlessness, making amends, and helping others. SMART principles are action-oriented and self-directed, while AA principles are spiritually guided and community-supported.
12-Step programs are a popular method for addiction recovery. It’s easy to access free meetings, both online and in person. You can even find rehab centers that support your journey through the Steps. And while these programs have clear benefits, they’re not the only way to heal from addiction.
Recovery is a personal process, and principles of 12-Step recovery aren’t right for everyone.
There are as many pathways to healing as there are people in recovery.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous or other 12-Step fellowships, non-12-Step rehabs and support groups can help.
Non-12-Step Treatment Models
In 12-Step rehabs, providers use the Steps to frame your healing process. You might attend A.A. or N.A. meetings, receive chips to mark sobriety milestones, or talk through each Step with your therapist. But if this approach doesn’t resonate with you, you may feel excluded or disconnected during addiction treatment.1 In that case, these other approaches to recovery may be a better fit.
Evidence-Based Treatments
If scientific studies show that a treatment is effective, it can be called an evidence-based method. And it’s easy to find evidence-based treatment in rehab. But even the most respected methods may or may not be effective for you. Talk to your treatment provider about which types of therapy are the best fit for your personal recovery goals.
The most common evidence-based treatments are medication-assisted treatments (MAT) and behavioral therapies:
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses pharmaceuticals to treat addiction and prevent overdose. These prescriptions are usually combined with talk or behavioral therapy. Studies show that MAT can decrease the risk of relapse and increase treatment retention rates. If you’re curious about MAT, talk to your treatment team about your options. Medications can be helpful for some people, but you should only ever take them as prescribed.
Behavioral therapies teach you skills to manage your thoughts and feelings about addiction. The idea is that by improving your behavior, you can also improve your mental health. There are several popular types of behavioral therapy:
In cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), patients learn how to identify and interrupt behavioral patterns related to addiction.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teaches you specific strategies for coping with life’s challenges. This treatment is formatted like a class and has a focus on mindfulness.
Experiential Therapy in Rehab
In a rehab that offers experiential therapy, patients heal through fun, interesting activities. These treatments let you learn new skills, discover your strengths, and process your emotions in a different environment.
Nature immersion therapies to reconnect with yourself
Adventure therapy to build resilience and self-confidence
Fitness activities to release stress
Art therapy to express your feelings in a new medium
Because these activities let you heal by doing, they can be a welcome break from talk therapy. And since most of them are group activities, they also help you work on interpersonal skills.
These sessions can be fun and engaging, but they’re no substitute for other treatments. Rehabs typically offer experiential therapies alongside other modalities, like talk or behavioral therapies. This combined approach lets patients get to know themselves from several different angles. And it may give you a more complete picture of your own needs.
Holistic Treatment for Addiction and Mental Health
Holistic rehabs use a variety of treatment methods to address recovery. The goal is for people to heal not just from their addiction, but also from any other mental, physical, and spiritual issues they’re facing.
Many of these centers offer individualized treatment plans for all their patients. They may offer a wide range of holistic therapies:
Many people are drawn to 12-Step groups because they’re so easy to access. You can attend them in rehab, in your hometown, or even online. But if these support groups don’t meet your needs, there are other ways to build community while you recover.
There are a few reasons the 12 Steps might not be right for you. But commonly, A.A. and similar groups work best for people who find strength in spirituality. If you prefer a more scientific approach, you might consider alternative support groups.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training)5 is a secular approach that encourages self-empowerment to overcome addiction. Meetings are free and led by people who have used SMART in their personal recovery. Members support each other in learning healthier coping skills throughout recovery.
As a social worker in New York explains, SMART Recovery helped them recover6 because they are a “free thinker who is more oriented to understand addiction in logical and behavioral terms rather than spiritual or disease terms.”
Instead of adopting the 12-Step belief that you are powerless over your addiction, SMART Recovery teaches that you are capable of changing your life by consciously working on yourself, alongside peers and professionals.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.) is a “nonprofit network of autonomous, nonprofessional local groups dedicated solely to helping individuals achieve and maintain sobriety.” Their meetings take place both in person and online.
These meetings are open to anybody trying to live a sober lifestyle. They welcome religious and non-religious people to support each other in a secular setting. According to their founder, James Christopher, S.O.S. is inclusive of all pathways to recovery.7 In other words, you can attend S.O.S. meetings as part of a larger recovery plan.
Women for Sobriety
Women for Sobriety (WFS) hosts meetings in the US and Canada for women recovering from addiction. Led by women, WFS provides an inclusive environment for recovery for all women, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The meetings are based on 13 emotional and spiritual affirmations, and are facilitated by a person who has achieved 1 year of sobriety within the WFS program. They start with a reading of the affirmations, followed by introductions. Then group members take part in a discussion around the weekly topic.
One member explains that the WFS approach is “wonderful for women8 because it’s such a positive program. It met my needs and built my self-esteem.”
LifeRing Secular Recovery
LifeRing Secular Recovery is an anonymous organization that encourages abstinence through their 3-S philosophy: sobriety, secularity, and self-help.
They require members to remain completely abstinent. And while these groups welcome members of any religious belief, LifeRing supports “recovery methods that rely on human efforts9 rather than on divine intervention.”
Moderation Management
For people who want to change their relationship with alcohol, rather than become completely sober, Moderation Management (MM) is a harm reduction non-profit group that encourages bringing mindfulness to your consumption of alcohol.
MM promotes moderation as a pathway towards a healthier lifestyle. Through small, attainable steps, and peer-led group meetings, they support participants in their journey towards more manageable drinking.
While harm reduction can be helpful for some people, it’s not the right approach for everyone. For example, if you have high-functioning alcohol addiction, you might not even realize how much of a toll drinking takes on your life. In that case, harm reduction could just push the problem farther down the line. Instead, finding treatment that helps you get completely sober—12-Step or not—might be a better choice.
Explore Alternative Pathways Towards Recovery
You have a wide array of choices for rehab. And while the 12 Steps are hugely popular, they’re not the only option. You have the right—and even the responsibility—to heal in a way that meets your needs. If 12-Step treatment isn’t right for you, there are countless other ways to start recovery.
Connect with a non-12-Step rehab today to learn about different treatment philosophies, insurance options, locations, and more.
Rehab is designed to provide structure as you begin the process of recovery. There are countless ways to heal, and it’s important to choose a framework that meets your specific needs. While many people benefit from 12-Step rehab programs, others prefer a more holistic approach to addiction treatment.
Recent research shows that 12-Step programs have a hugely positive impact,1 and may even be “the most effective path to abstinence.” However, there is some question as to why this is true. For example, 12-Step programs offer social support,2 which is essential during recovery, but is not unique to this philosophy. At most inpatient rehab programs, you’ll be able to build community with or without following the 12 Steps.
It’s also important to note that spirituality is a component of every 12-Step program. If you’re not interested in faith-based recovery, these groups may not be right for you. Various rehab facilities offer different 12-Step groups, such as A.A. and N.A., as well as non-12-Step programs. Before choosing which residential rehab you’ll attend, it’s best to learn as much as you can about the available options.
What Is 12-Step Recovery?
Alcoholics Anonymous is the best-known 12-Step program.3 A.A. is “an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.”
Members of A.A. attend group meetings,4 most of which have a similar format: initial announcements are followed by a reading of the 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions. Then a member will share their story. This may be followed by a group conversation, or more structured time for other members to describe their experiences. This structure is simple but effective. As one member writes, “I always feel a little better after it’s over.”
Many 12-Step groups follow similar formats, such as Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, and Al-Anon, which is intended for people who love someone who struggles with substance misuse. These groups define the 12 Steps slightly differently, but all share a similar philosophy.
The 12 Steps
The 12 Steps are a list of actions that group members undertake during the process of recovery. In this process, members normally begin by admitting they have a problem. Then, you’ll connect to a higher power, sometimes called “God as we understand him.”5 Although 12-Step groups are historically rooted in Christianity, they welcome people of all faiths, including people who don’t ascribe to a specific religion. Nevertheless, the spiritual aspect of this philosophy isn’t right for everyone.
In the process of connecting with a higher power, members then make “a searching and fearless moral inventory”6 of themselves and their lives. This ruthless honesty lays the groundwork for the great changes that come with recovery. By admitting your struggles to yourself, to another person, and to your version of a spiritual source, you may come to a new understanding of your emotional experience.
In Step 9, members seek to make amends7 to any people they may have hurt, “except when to do so would injure them or others.” Through this process, members begin to consider the effects their actions have on their communities. There is a difference between intent and impact. As you learn more about yourself, you’ll also learn how to meet your needs in a healthy way, while participating in a supportive community.
One goal of the 12 Steps is to achieve a spiritual awakening. Step 12 refers to this directly: “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps,8 we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” Members are encouraged to meditate, pray, and cultivate an ongoing spiritual practice.
In these groups, you’ll be encouraged to “work the steps” throughout the process of recovery. As you encounter new challenges, you may return to the steps again and again, not always in numerical order. In stressful times, these strategies can help you focus on your goals, avoid relapse, and make the healthiest choices available. The 12 Steps are more than a checklist; they can become a way of life. However, the steps themselves are just one component of recovery. The social aspect of 12-Step groups is also an essential part of the process.
Social Support in 12-Step Programs
Experts agree that social support—or a lack thereof—has an extremely significant impact on people with substance use disorders.9 Some researchers have even postulated that “opioid addiction serves as a substitute for social attachment.” In one study, a subgroup of substance users exhibited “severe negative affect and intense craving” when exposed to perceived social rejection.
This evidence suggests that without community, people in recovery may be especially vulnerable to cravings. Whether or not those cravings lead to relapse, one thing is clear: strong interpersonal relationships are an important part of healing. Because 12-Step groups include a built-in community of people on a similar journey, they may help members get the support they need. Programs like A.A. even encourage members to become sponsors,10 actively supporting people at earlier points in the healing process.
In most residential rehabs, you’ll be in a cohort of people who share some of your life experiences. If your program is based on the 12 Steps, you’ll have even more structured opportunities to give and receive peer-to-peer support. For example, the program at Genesis House is firmly rooted in this philosophy. They treat substance misuse as “a three-fold disease: spiritual, physical, and emotional.” Residents are introduced to the 12 Steps as soon as they arrive. They continue to engage with the steps in individual therapy, and in the evenings they “are transported to local AA/NA meetings…where they will network with others in recovery and learn more about how to stay sober.”
Non-12-Step programs are ideal for people who don’t ascribe to a spiritual practice, or those who simply want a different kind of structure. There are countless approaches to recovery from substance misuse, such as evidence-based treatment, individualized treatment, and experiential therapy. And even without faith in a higher power, it’s possible to heal in a holistic way.
For example, The Holistic Sanctuary in Baja California is a rehab facility with a “natural holistic healing program.” Clients do yoga, receive daily massages, and eat an organic diet. This approach “involves healing the patient’s spiritual health through meditation, catering to their physical health through exercise, and improving their psychological wellbeing through counseling.”
There are as many ways to heal as there are people with substance use disorders. Many clients benefit from a combination approach, attending 12-Step groups while also participating in different therapeutic modalities.
In the same way that medicines and psychotherapy can go together, AA and 12-Step can go together with in-depth psychotherapy and medications when indicated.
If you’re not sure whether 12-Step treatment is the right fit, you can talk to the admissions team at a rehab center to learn more. These questions may help you find out whether a program aligns with your specific goals for recovery:
In this program, is attendance of 12-Step groups mandatory?
How much time will I spend in individual therapy, compared to time spent in groups?
Do all your one-on-one therapists use the 12 Steps as a framework for recovery?
Will I be able to choose my own therapist?
Do your 12-Step groups include a sponsorship program?
In your philosophy, what does it mean for clients to connect with a higher power?
Does your program welcome people of all faiths?
Do you connect alumni with local support groups and/or 12-Step meetings after they complete inpatient rehab?
If at all possible, it’s best to know the answers to these questions before you begin residential treatment. The more information you have, the better you can plan for life during and after rehab.
Attending 12-Step Groups After Rehab
By design, 12-Step programs are extremely accessible. They’re free, they take place internationally, and they’re open to people at every stage of recovery. A.A., in particular, offers both open and closed meetings.12 Open meetings are available to anyone, including friends and loved ones of alcoholics, who do not have substance use disorders themselves. Closed meetings are only open to people who have substance use disorders, or those who believe that they might and want to learn more.
This accessibility can be especially important for people who have recently completed rehab. When you first graduate from a residential program, you may be in a vulnerable emotional state. Rehab is only the first chapter of a much longer healing process. When you arrive home afterward, you’ll begin establishing new routines, returning to some parts of your life, and letting go of others. Attending group meetings can help you stay grounded while encouraging you to form new relationships with people who live nearby.
A Step in the Right Direction
Whether or not 12-Step recovery is right for you, there’s a great deal to learn from this philosophy. For example, the process of healing from substance misuse is not a solitary one. There are certain aspects of recovery that must be your responsibility, but no one lives in a vacuum. By connecting with the people around you and finding peers who have survived similar struggles, you can learn a great deal about what it means to live a healthy life.
Like any other healing process, the 12 Steps can be a-linear. As you begin recovery, be patient with yourself. There are some lessons you may have to learn more than once, in new contexts or at different times of your life. That type of repetition is normal and even healthy. As you continue to change and grow, it can be helpful to ground yourself with a list of goals or strategies that you’d like to focus on throughout recovery. There may be 12 of them, or 2, or 37. The important thing is to find a way of healing that aligns with your unique values.
Frequently Asked Questions About 12-Step vs. Non-12-Step Rehab
What’s the difference between 12-Step and non-12-Step rehab programs?
12-Step rehab programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), follow a structured framework involving admitting a problem, connecting to a higher power, making amends, and achieving a spiritual awakening. Non-12-Step programs offer alternative approaches to recovery, focusing on evidence-based treatments, holistic healing, and individualized therapy.
Are 12-Step groups mandatory in all rehab programs?
The attendance of 12-Step groups varies at different rehabs. Some programs make it mandatory, while others offer a choice between 12-Step and non-12-Step options. It’s important to inquire with the rehab you’re considering about their specific approach to ensure it aligns with your preferences and goals for recovery.
Can non-religious people participate in 12-Step programs?
Yes, 12-Step programs welcome people of all faiths and those who don’t ascribe to a specific religion. While spirituality is a component, it’s not limited to a particular faith. These programs encourage participants to connect with a higher power as they understand it, which can be interpreted in a way that aligns with personal beliefs or values.
