If you or someone you love has been dealing with substance abuse problems, then finding the right treatment plan is the first step toward healing. However, most rehab centers use the same 12-step methodology. This works for some people, but for others, it’s simply not the right fit.
Non-12-step rehab programs may be a better option for you. They utilize a different approach that emphasizes personal responsibility and customized support. Keep reading to learn more about how they work.
What is Non-12-Step Rehab?
To understand what non-12-step rehab is, we first need to be clear about how 12-step programs work. They typically force patients to attend regular 12-step meetings, which follow the 12-step ideology made famous by Alcoholics Anonymous.
This ideology has helped many people recover. But it also says that you’re powerless over your addiction and involves a belief in a higher power. Some people have problems with those two points and the way that the meetings revolve around them.
Non-12-step programs specifically avoid these dogmatic beliefs. They say that you do have the power to beat your addiction and give you the tools to achieve that based on what you need as an individual.
With non-12-step programs, you won’t have to sit through long meetings where you only read from a book. You’ll still learn from others in group-based settings. But it’ll be much more targeted and designed to help you specifically achieve your recovery goals.
How Does non-12 step rehab Work?
Non-12-step recovery programs revolve around 1-on-1 therapy sessions with your psychologist. These are how you’ll discover the root causes of your addiction problem and design personalized tools for overcoming them.
Additionally, you’ll also spend time working in a group setting with the other patients in your facility. This is done primarily through group therapy sessions, but also may happen during group outings and alternative healing methodologies.
The main difference between non-12-step recovery and 12-step programs is that with non-12-step recovery, you get a more personalized plan designed specifically with your needs in mind instead of blindly getting placed into the same 12-step-centric program that everyone else uses.
Which is Better, 12 Step Rehab or Non 12 Step Rehab Programs?
You can make a case that non-12-step rehab is better than 12-step programs. It allows for more personalization during the treatment process and gives you the freedom to hold onto your own beliefs instead of buying into what the 12-step program teaches you.
However, 12-step programs have successfully helped millions of people across the planet recover. They have a proven track record of success that cannot be ignored. The answer to this question may come down to the quality of the rehab center that you choose.
Non-12-step programs allow for more flexibility in the treatment plan. If the rehab facility doesn’t take full advantage of that added flexibility, then you may not get any more out of the program than you would in 12-step rehab.
But if your treatment center really takes advantage of these differences and creates highly personalized plans for every patient, then it’ll be difficult not to get more out of a non-12-step program.
This is why it’s important to take your time and think carefully while choosing a treatment center for the substance abuse recovery process.
Is Non-12-Step Rehab Right For Me?
Non-12-step rehab programs are a great fit for many individuals. But they may not be necessary for everyone. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine whether this style of treatment makes sense for you.
Have you enjoyed 12-step programs in the past?
Substance abuse recovery treatment is a highly personalized thing. What works best for some patients may not work at all for others. That’s why you should look to your own experience first when answering this question.
Have you been to 12-step meetings in the past? How did you feel about them? Did you stop going because you didn’t believe in the ideology or didn’t enjoy the meetings? Or were you relatively happy with the progress you made in them?
If you haven’t ever tried a 12-step program before, then you can proceed to the next questions.
Do you believe in the 12-step ideology?
12-step programs are highly ideological. They revolve around giving up control of your addiction to a higher power and say that you have no control to beat your addiction on your own.
Those two points are okay for some people. But for others, they go against what they believe in. If you fall into the second category, then a non-12-step rehab may be a better option.
12-Step Rehab May Not Be The Right Choice For You
Rehabilitation is a critical aspect of addiction recovery, but it may not always be the best option for everyone. The 12-step program, which has been used for decades, may not be suitable for everyone, as it may not meet their individual needs and preferences. Let’s explore together some of the reasons why the 12-step program may not be the right choice for everyone.
- Lack of Evidence-Based Approaches: The 12-step program is not based on scientific evidence and has not been proven to be effective for everyone. While it has helped some people, there is no empirical evidence to support its efficacy.
- Non-Religious Approach: The 12-step program is based on religious principles, which may not be suitable for everyone. Many people may not believe in the same religious principles or may not want to participate in a program that is based on religion.
- One-Size-Fits-All Approach: A 12-step program is a standardized approach that does not take into account individual differences and needs. This approach may not work for everyone, as each person’s recovery journey is unique.
- Focuses on Abstinence: The 12-step program emphasizes the importance of complete abstinence from drugs and alcohol. However, this may not be the best approach for everyone, as some people may need a more gradual approach to recovery.
- No Medical Intervention: The 12-step program does not provide medical intervention or support, which may be necessary for some people who are struggling with addiction.
- Stigma: The 12-step program may be associated with stigma and shame, as it is often associated with addiction. Some people may feel uncomfortable participating in a program that is associated with addiction and may prefer a different approach to recovery.
- No Ongoing Support: The 12-step program does not provide ongoing support or follow-up, which may be necessary for some people to maintain their sobriety.
- No Alternative Approaches: The 12-step program does not provide alternative approaches to recovery, which may be necessary for some people who are struggling with addiction.
- Does Not Address Underlying Issues: The 12-step program does not address the underlying issues that may contribute to addiction, such as mental health issues or trauma. This may limit its effectiveness for some people who need to address these issues in order to achieve lasting recovery.
- No Personalized Treatment Plan: The 12-step program does not provide a personalized treatment plan, which may be necessary for some people who are struggling with addiction.
- No Medical Monitoring: The 12-step program does not provide medical monitoring, which may be necessary for some people who are struggling with addiction.
- Does Not Address Relapse: The 12-step program does not address the issue of relapse, which may be a common problem for some people who are struggling with addiction.
While the 12-step program has been effective for some people, it may not be the right choice for everyone. It is important to consider individual differences and needs when choosing a rehabilitation program and to explore alternative approaches that may be more suitable for each person’s unique recovery journey.
Are you interested in a personalized treatment program?
Non-12-step programs tend to be a lot more personalized than 12-step treatment simply due to the fact that they don’t have to shoehorn 12-step meetings into the plan.
You’ll still get to participate in group-based healing, but it’ll be more aligned with what you need as an individual instead of what the 12-step ideology says is best for you.
However, as we highlighted earlier, the facility you choose has to do something valuable with this personalization opportunity. That’s why the quality of the facility you select becomes much more important when you choose a non-12-step program.
Get Started with Your Non-12-Step Rehab Program
If you think that a non-12-step rehab plan is right for your needs, then your next step is choosing a facility. Zoe Behavioral Health may be just the partner that you need to finally beat your drug or alcohol problem.
We design highly personalized non-12-step rehab programs for every patient. No matter what your needs are or where you’re at in the recovery process, we can get you set up with the ideal treatment plan to get you to go your goals as soon as possible.
You’ll get to work individually with highly-trained psychologists in group settings and even participate in holistic healing activities.
So why wait? Get started with your rehab journey today. We hope to hear from you soon.