Alcoholics Anonymous meetings have helped millions of people across the world. However, not everyone benefits from AA programs. Some don’t find the 12-steps useful, and others may need something a little more structured to begin with. If you’re interested in treatment, but want something different than Alcoholics Anonymous, you should know that there are alternatives to AA.
Different 12-Step Programs
In this day and age, there are many things that people can develop addictions to. Going to a program called Alcoholics Anonymous may make it hard to connect with peers in the meetings if you’re addiction isn’t to alcohol.
Although all addictions are the same biologically, it’s important to be with people who understand what you’ve been through specifically. About 20 years after Alcoholics Anonymous started, the fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous began. It’s now the second largest 12-step program. This program has helped many people who have a drug problem. Those with addictions to narcotic drugs can relate more easily to peers in an NA meeting than an AA meeting. There also several more 12-step, anonymous alternatives, including the following:
- CMA – Crystal Meth Anonymous
- HA – Heroin Anonymous
- CA – Cocaine Anonymous
S.M.A.R.T. Recovery as an Alternative to AA
It’s always good to at least give 12-step programs a try. However, if they aren’t working out, S.M.A.R.T. Recovery is another fellowship that’s been gaining popularity in recent years. This program is not a 12-step program. In fact, spirituality isn’t a core component of this program, either.
S.M.A.R.T. Recovery is a different methodology, based around cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This program is more than just a support group, but is more aligned a type of aftercare for people once they’ve completed treatment.
Other Alternatives to AA
As a result of modern medicine, experts have made many advances in the field of addiction. New practices like mindfulness are proving very successful for people in recovery from addiction. Although mindfulness practice comes from Buddhist origins, it’s a completely secular practice that doesn’t involve spirituality or religion. Many different types of therapy include mindfulness. It’s proving to be highly beneficial for people in recovery, because it helps strengthen the prefrontal cortex. Mindfulness is about improving moment-to-moment awareness and gaining control of impulsivity.
One of the most important first steps you can take to overcome addiction is seeking a rehab facility. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we know there’s more to recovery than just AA meetings. We want to help introduce you to different addiction rehab programs so you can find the one that best works for you. You can find out more by calling us today at 866-957-7885.
