Frequently asked questions
Question: What is a Non-12 Step Drug Rehab?
Answer: many non-12-step programs like ours return power to the individual. Whereas 12-step programs will tell you that you’re powerless over your addiction, many non-12 step programs will teach you that you have all of the power within that’s needed to conquer your addiction.
Group-based substance abuse recovery support can be an extremely effective part of a person’s care plan. For many people, this means participating in 12-step programs. But these may not be the best fit for everyone.
We’ve put together this article to help you figure out whether pursuing a treatment plan that utilizes a 12-step program is right for you. Keep reading to learn more about this type of substance abuse recovery support and the alternative options that are available to you.
Understanding 12-step programs
Before diving into the alternatives to 12-step programs, let’s first take a moment to review what 12-step programs are. The first 12-step program (Alcoholics Anonymous) was created by Bill Wilson in 1935. Since then, other 12-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous and Overeaters Anonymous have copied the model.
The general philosophy of this program is that people who are addicted to harmful substances have lost control over their addiction. It also involves placing faith in a greater power to restore the person’s life. Many drug rehab facilities have non 12 step programs.
A 12-step program can be very helpful. But some people won’t agree with some of its core teachings. If that’s you, then don’t worry. You can still get group-based recovery support while healing from addiction without having to go to 12-step meetings. We’ll talk more about that below.
How they fit into a traditional treatment plan
12-step programs generally aren’t considered a complete treatment for substance abuse. Instead, they’re used alongside things like supervised detox, rehab, and therapy. The same is true of non-12-step programs.
The purpose of these programs is to give people some social support while they recover from substance abuse. It can be extremely helpful to have other people to talk with about what you’re going through in a judgment-free place. And that’s exactly what both 12-step programs and non-12-step programs provide.
How non-12-step programs are different
While 12-step programs are mostly the same, non-12-step programs can be quite different from one another. This is because there is no philosophy or set of practices that unify them.
Instead, each facility will offer its own kind of non-12-step program. For example, at the House of the Rising Son, we get rid of labels like “addict” and “diseased”. We focus on behavior instead.
Additionally, many non-12-step programs like ours return power to the individual. Whereas 12-step programs will tell you that you’re powerless over your addiction, many non-12 step programs will teach you that you have all of the power within that’s needed to conquer your addiction.
It’s also worth mentioning that most non-12-step programs incorporate other types of healing into a patient’s recovery plan. For example, you might get the opportunity to participate in things like yoga, meditation classes, and other things that help you regain control over your mind.
Having access to this type of multi-disciplinary substance abuse recovery support can be very helpful for many different types of patients.
Deciding which option is right for you
Now that you know about both 12-step and non-12-step programs, you may want to figure out which is right for you or for your loved one. There really is no right or wrong answer here. Each can be an effective type of support for substance abuse recovery.
As you make your decision, try to think about your philosophy towards substance abuse recovery. Do you believe that you have the power within to overcome your addiction? Or do you think you need the help of a higher power to overcome your problems?
Millions of people have used 12-step programs to successfully recover from addiction. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to use it as well. You may find that a non-12-step program is a better fit for your needs.
Just remember, you don’t have to make the decision right away. It could be a good idea to go to a 12-step meeting to see what they’re like for yourself. Then, if you find that you don’t like it, you always have the option of getting into a non-12-step program instead.
Get the non-12-step help you want at the House of the Rising Son
If you think that a non-12-step program is the best option for you, then you have to check out the House of the Rising Son. We provide holistic treatment programs that are completely customizable to meet the unique needs of each of our patients.
You’ll get to participate in:
- Individual therapy sessions
- Group therapy sessions
- Yoga, weight training, and other exercises
- Nutrition education
- And more
So why wait? Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help.
