Traditional treatment programs for people with substance abuse issues tend to be 12-step programs. They focus on abstinence for life and belief in a higher power. However, these may not be as effective as once believed. In this article from the Daily Beast, people criticize these programs for not being “evidence-based” treatments – that is, those with peer-reviewed research to back them.

Because of this, alternative ways to treat substance abuse have come on the scene in recent years. Here are some of the key characteristics of these programs.

Alternatives to 12-Step Programs

Many of these alternatives take a unique approach that vastly contrasts with traditional Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous approaches. They include:

• Avoiding Labels

  These programs do not label people as “enablers,” “addicts,” or “alcoholics” to avoid using any negative and off-putting terminology.

• No Spiritual Guidance

  The belief in a higher power fuels the 12-step program, so people who have no faith may not attend. These beliefs provide another option.

• No Abstinence

  These programs replace alcohol and drug abstinence with moderate usage. No Abstinence may help people who struggle to commit to avoiding a substance for life.

• Harm Reduction

  This is a way to treat people who are not “ready, willing, or able to give up substances.” It teaches safer ways to use such substances per an overview of addiction from the Center for Addiction and Mental Health.

• Medications

  Many programs advocate for the use of anti-craving medications such as naltrexone. It decreases cravings for alcohol and blocks the effects of opioids. Medline has details on this medication.

• Motivational Interviewing

  This is a way to counsel a patient to lead him in a more positive direction in his behavior. Learn more at Motivational Interview.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  Developed to prevent substance abuse relapse, CBT helps people “identify and correct problematic behaviors” by applying other skills to combat drug abuse, according to NIDA.

• Community Reinforcement And Family Training (CRAFT)

  This approach teaches families of loved ones with substance abuse disorder to take care of themselves while helping their loved ones.

The Downside of Alternative Treatments

However, opponents who support programs like AA warn about the dangers of these alternatives. David Rotenberg, the executive vice president of a large rehab center, says, “Most drug addicts and alcoholics would love to drink just a couple of drinks, and they try to do so, with poor results.” Anyone who has a life-threatening addiction should probably avoid these. Read more about the controversy in this article from Patheos.

Some of these programs are only offered in one or two locations so access may be difficult. Others are virtual. That’s a plus if you don’t have a 12-step program nearby. But, it can be a challenge for anyone who struggles with commitment or self-reflection. Accountability is easier with visibility. It’s also easy to hide a lack of progress behind a screen.

While many of these programs have a free component, others sell books and guides to help you. Still, others are elite recovery programs, a less affordable option than 12-step recovery.

If you have a substance abuse problem, it’s essential to select the right program. Whichever you choose, it’s critical to maintain your health by eating a nutritious diet to bring your body back in balance. And, you can help boost your brain and support recovery with exercise that fits your lifestyle and body type. Talk to your doctor and treatment team before starting a fitness program.

Conclusion

Twelve-step programs are not for everyone, but today, there are lots of alternative options to traditional recovery methods. They have their downsides, so choose carefully.