Tag: Twelve Step

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The Serenity of Healing in Irish Rehabs

If you’re looking for a naturally restorative place to start recovery, a rehab in Ireland could be the perfect fit. With a quiet countryside and history of relaxing recreation, Ireland offers a calm environment for care. And among its lush greenery, you can feel safe as you begin the challenging work of healing.

Peaceful Healing on the Emerald Isle

Preparing for rehab can be hectic at best. You’ve made a big decision, and your whole life is about to change. Even good changes can be disruptive, which is why many patients prefer to go to rehab in tranquil settings. And thanks to a few key features, Ireland is one of the most peaceful countries1 in the world.

Therapeutic Greenery

Ireland’s nickname, “The Emerald Isle,” perfectly describes its lush green surroundings. The refreshing air coming off of the Atlantic Ocean brings moderate weather year round. The rich landscape sits under gray skies, nourished by consistent rain and mist. 

For many people, this climate is the perfect environment for healing. In fact, having a naturally beautiful view reduces pain2 and anxiety levels—even if you can only see it through a window. But in most of these programs, you can also explore the outdoors during your time in rehab.

Tee Up for Recovery Success

Ireland has a rich history of golf, with over 300 world-renowned golf courses. So if you’re an avid golfer looking to perfect your swing as you heal, some Irish rehabs, like RósGlas Recovery, offer tee times in addition to therapy sessions.

Finding Harmony

Ireland is known around the world for its spirited folk music. In that tradition, rehabs like RósGlas Recovery boast music therapy programs. And this treatment isn’t just for skilled musicians. You might even listen to music, instead of making it yourself. Music therapy lets you relax, express yourself, and appreciate the local culture. Irish folk music encourages you to celebrate who you are at your core—including your strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.

Discover Your Ideal Treatment Approach in Ireland

Ireland is more than just a peaceful place to start recovery. Its rehabs also offer a wide variety of therapies, including personalized treatment plans. Here, you can find a center that aligns with your values and recovery goals. 

Private and Personalized Treatment Programs

To encourage recovery on your own terms, many Irish rehabs treat only small groups of clients. And some, like RósGlas Recovery, treat just one client at a time. With this approach, you’ll receive highly personalized care. 

Individualized treatment and strict confidentiality go hand in hand. This type of rehab is a great fit for high-profile clients who need total privacy during recovery. From the safety of a protected environment, you can focus on what matters most: your own healing journey.

Irish Rehabs Address Co-occurring Disorders

Healing from co-occurring disorders is a dynamic process. And in a rehab that specializes in this type of treatment, you’ll find more sustainable success. 

At rehabs like Smarmore Castle, for example, you’ll find comprehensive care for drug addiction, behavioral addiction, and mental health diagnoses. For example, you might attend therapy that addresses both shopping addiction and depression at the same time. Rather than treating these conditions separately, you’ll address the root cause of everything you’re going through. 

Robust 12-Step Programming

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has a strong presence in Ireland.3 In fact, there are over 750 AA groups throughout the country. And many Irish rehabs, like the Rutland Centre in Dublin, use the same 12-Step approach in their residential programs. 

When rehabs use 12-Step facilitation (TSF), their treatment program is structured around the 12 Steps. Most of the time, that means you’ll attend AA (or other 12-Step group) meetings as part of your schedule. And outside of those meetings, your other treatments will explore the same themes. For example, in 1:1 therapy, you might define your recovery goals based on the 12-Step framework. 

Going to a 12-Step rehab can ease your transition to the next stage of recovery. Whether or not you stay in Ireland after treatment, AA and other 12-Step meetings are available all over the world. You can even attend them remotely. Regular meetings can help you maintain the same routine you developed in rehab, even when other parts of your life are in flux.

Getting There

If you’re traveling abroad to rehab in Ireland, your journey probably won’t be too complicated. You can find non-stop flights into Dublin from many major European and North American destinations. And if you’re coming from a different region, you can fly into London Heathrow and then travel to Ireland by plane, train, or boat. 

Once you’re on the Emerald Isle, public transportation is widely available through rail travel and buses. Many Irish rehabs also offer private pickups from the airport to simplify your journey. But even if you make your own way there, it’s always best to have a travel companion on your way to rehab.

Settle Into Healing in Ireland

Recovery presents challenges, no matter where you go to rehab. But in Ireland, you can face them in a peaceful, supportive environment. With Ireland’s beautiful scenery, cozy weather, and culture of kindness, you’ll be able to take a deep breath—perhaps your first one in a while. 
To learn more about each program’s pricing, treatment approach, accommodations, and more, search our collection of rehabs in Ireland.

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Is 12-Step Recovery Right For You?

You’ve probably heard of the 12 Steps, but what exactly does this approach to recovery entail? The 12 Steps provide a guideline to recovery itself, and the programs supplement treatment. Attending meetings provides you with social support and the means to maintain sobriety after rehab. Many people enjoy these aspects of this approach, and choose to attend 12-Step meetings in rehab and after returning home.

But while popular, 12-Step rehab isn’t for everyone. For one, the 12 Steps are rooted in Christianity, which may not resonate with people of different religious backgrounds or frameworks for understanding the world. And while these groups provide important social support, they’re not the only way to find community. But many people enjoy the spirituality component, as well as the robust social structure these groups provide.

Let’s take a closer look at what 12-Step recovery entails, and what other options exist, as you determine what approach sits best with you.

What Is 12-Step Recovery?

In 12-Step programs, people follow 12 designated steps to recovery. Members gather regularly as a group to review the Steps, share their stories, and get support for their challenges. These 12-Step meetings can be in person (called face-to-face, or F2F), online, or via phone, all around the world. Meetings might take place in a number of places: office buildings, churches, rehab centers—even parks or beaches.

After you finish rehab, you can continue attending meetings with 12-Step groups. Most cities have some kind of 12-Step program. Membership is open to anyone—the only requirement is a desire to change.

Many people attribute their recovery success to their involvement with the Steps. In fact, numerous studies reveal that involvement in A.A. increases the likelihood that people will stay sober.1 Members take comfort in the structure and social support the community provides, which could contribute to higher rates of abstinence.

What Happens at 12-Step Meetings?

Most 12-Step programs follow a similar format. For example, A.A. meetings often open with a “chair” (an A.A. member who leads the meeting) reciting the A.A. Preamble (a short passage about A.A.’s mission).2 They might follow the passage with a moment of silence or a prayer. Newcomers can introduce themselves, which is encouraged but not required. Then, members might read from “The Big Book,”3 which outlines a template for recovery. Depending on the meeting, members might discuss a chosen topic, speak about their journeys, or review a Step. After meetings, people might mingle, meet newcomers and others, and exchange contact information. This format is similar to other 12-Step programs.

In A.A., meetings can be open or closed.4 Open meetings invite anyone to attend, even friends or family of the person with the addiction. Closed meetings are only open to members themselves.

And according to Alcoholics Anonymous, the purpose of all A.A. meetings5 is for people to “share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover.” This is the foundation for the 12 Steps.

How The 12 Steps Guide Your Path to Recovery

According to A.A., the 12 Steps are a “set of spiritual principles”6 that serve as guidelines for a “way of life.” These fundamentals pave the way for life in sobriety.

The idea is that working through these steps will help you heal. But there aren’t necessarily any rules about how you approach them—you can follow them in order, or not. You can come back to different steps whenever you need to—whichever feels most relevant to what you’re going through. And while many of the steps reference “God,” you’re welcome to replace that with a higher power of your own choosing.

Spirituality and the 12 Steps

While the 12 Steps refer to a higher power—in this case, God—and have roots in Christianity, you don’t have to be Christian to attend meetings. In fact, you don’t need to have any religious background. It is helpful to be open to some degree of spirituality, especially since the goal of the 12th Step is to have a spiritual awakening. The program encourages members to develop a spiritual practice and to incorporate activities like meditation and prayer into their lives.

While spirituality is an important part of the 12 Steps for many people, the social factor is just as important—if not more.

Social Support in 12-Step Programs

People receive almost instant social support from 12-Step groups. You’ll be in a room full of people that have similar experiences and goals—and that makes it much easier to feel connected. And meeting other sober people is an essential part of the recovery process. People in A.A. find hope in being around others on the same journey.7 “The people I met thought like me,” said one member. “For the first time in my life, I felt like I wasn’t so crazy.”

Another member reflects: “I remember sitting in the A.A. meeting, and thinking, I’ve finally found a place where I belong.”

Research shows that people who have a good social support system are more likely to stay in addiction treatment longer,8 and less likely to relapse after rehab. Whether that’s friends, family, or friends you make at meetings, it’s important to surround yourself with those who support your journey.

Cutting ties with people who cue you to do things you’re working hard not to is a painful part of the recovery process. But the upside is that it creates more room in your life for relationships that support your well-being and growth. 12-Step groups make it easy to meet people with common goals, and even facilitate deeper connections by encouraging people to find sponsors. Sponsorship can have a profound impact on your success in sobriety—especially as a newcomer.

The Importance of Sponsorship in 12-Step Programs

Most 12-Step organizations connect people with a sponsor.9 A sponsor is a more senior member who supports your recovery journey. They’re available to talk to outside of meetings and can be a real lifeline in times of need. Sponsors also benefit from this relationship. Sharing what they’ve learned provides an opportunity to give back to the A.A. community, while reinforcing their own choice to live a sober life. It’s often helpful to find a sponsor with a similar background or experience, who can relate to you. They can share advice, hold space for what you’re going through, and be a place to turn to when you come up against an inevitable challenge.

One Crystal Meth Anonymous (C.M.A.) member describes how he owes much of his recovery to his sponsor.10 “I often think about how simple this tool is,” he says. “It helped me stay clean and sober that first year, especially in the face of so many challenges and temptations.” For example, soon after getting sober, he received a text from someone inviting him to do drugs again. He immediately thought of his sponsor, and how disappointed he’d be if he accepted. So instead of replying, he blocked the number.

“Everyone thinks their sponsor is the best, but I really believed it,” he said.

My sponsor demonstrated brotherly love, invested many, many hours, and instilled in me an unshakeable faith that gave me the strength and commitment to rebuild my life. For that, I am forever grateful.

How to Decide if 12-Step Recovery Is For You

If you still feel unsure whether or not 12-Step treatment is right for you, asking rehab admissions staff the following questions is a good place to start.

  • In this program, is attending 12-Step groups mandatory?
  • How much time will I spend in individual therapy, compared to time spent in groups?
  • Do all of your 1-on-1 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 or 12-Step meetings after they complete inpatient treatment?

The more you know, the better. This will help prepare you for both rehab and your new life afterwards. But if you make the decision that the 12-Step approach isn’t for you, there are plenty of other options.

What Is Non-12-Step Recovery?

Non-12-Step programs are exactly that—any approach that doesn’t follow the 12-Step methodology. This can be anything from experiential to holistic to evidence-based treatment, and so much more. How you choose to go about recovery is entirely up to you.

Popular Non-12-Step Approaches to Choose From

While non-12-Step approaches can fall into many different categories, some are more commonly seen in treatment:

Non-12 Step programs are usually secular, meaning they don’t follow any particular religious guidelines. However, you can also attend rehab facilities that don’t follow a 12-Step approach but still have a spiritual emphasis. These may cater to specific faiths or be non-religious.

Note that while these are just some treatment approaches available outside of 12-Step, many more exist. Exploring rehabs by treatment approach can be a great way to learn more.

Building Sober Community Outside of 12 Step

12-Step programs are renowned for their fellowship aspect, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find sober community without one! While you’ll form relationships in rehab, it’s important to have a plan in place for securing a support network beyond it.

Non-12-Step Support Groups

And not all support groups for people in recovery follow the 12 steps. Some organizations don’t follow a spiritual model at all, like SMART Recovery and LifeRing. Similar to 12-Step programs, these groups have meetings in person or online, all over the globe.

Interest-Based Groups and Activities

Finding ways to have fun without substances is an important part of staying sober. Abstinence without meaning and joy isn’t very motivating! Boredom and loneliness are common in early recovery—and are also known relapse triggers. Getting involved in new hobbies, meet-up groups, and activities can be a great way to avoid feeling idle and make new friends in the process. These can range from picking up an old sport to learning a new skill. Look for adult classes, meet-ups, and community events in your city. Your rehab may even offer to help with this as part of your relapse prevention and aftercare plan.

Stepping Into a New Life Chapter

The 12-Step method may just be what works best for you. Or it may not be your thing, and that’s completely fine. It’s also possible (and common) to combine recovery approaches. For example, you might choose to enroll at a non-12-Step rehab, then attend 12-Step groups to maintain your sobriety after treatment. There are multiple paths to recovery, and facilities that can offer exactly what you’re looking for.

With any approach you choose, remember to be patient with yourself. Healing isn’t always straightforward. You might hit bumps in the road here and there, but it’s important to keep going. Remind yourself why you started your recovery journey, and reach out for help when you need it.

See rehab facilities that offer 12-Step and non-12-Step programs to find options that interest you, compare prices, take a virtual tour, and more.

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12-Step vs. Non-12-Step Recovery: Which Is Best for You?

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.”

What Is Non-12-Step Recovery?

Although 12-Step groups are extremely valuable for some, they’re not the only way to get community support. One study found that “social networks that support recovery lead to enhanced treatment outcomes and sobriety11 regardless if this support stems from family, peer groups, or 12-Step programs.”

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.

– Dr. Thomas Gazda, Medical Doctor, Soberman’s Estate

Finding the Right Approach to Treatment

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.

To continue exploring various treatment philosophies, you can learn more about rehabs that offer 12-Step programs and non-12-Step treatment.

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.