The Road Less Traveled in Addiction Treatment
When you think of addiction recovery, what do you picture? If you answered a circle of chairs, a pot of coffee, and conversations like “Hi, my name is…. and I’m an alcoholic,” then we understand. This is often portrayed as treatment as usual through television, movies, and personal experience. In our society, Alcoholics Anonymous and 12-step programs dominate a large portion of addiction treatment and have become synonymous with recovery. But they aren’t the only options! In fact, traditional methods may not actually be the best option for everyone, which is why non-12-step recovery is gaining popularity.
Non-12-step recovery programs offer a fresh approach – one that moves away from rigid steps, embraces evidence-based and scientific research, and (brace yourself here), doesn’t require you to label yourself as an “addict” or “alcoholic” for life. So, why is there an increasing number of people exploring this alternative path to healing? Let’s break it down.
What is Non-12-Step Recovery?
In simple terms, non-12-step recovery is an approach to addiction treatment that doesn’t follow the traditional 12-step model. Instead of leaning into the aspects of powerlessness and finding a higher power, non-12-step recovery embraces evidence-based methods, flexibility, and personal empowerment. Several modalities are involved in non-12-step recovery, including:
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy: This is one of our favorites, so we have a whole section on this, so keep reading! Hint: It’s the VIP of alternative treatments!
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Changing your thinking can truly change your life.
- Motivational Interviewing: Need some motivation? We can help you gain confidence that you’re capable of big things.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment: Sometimes, science can offer a helping hand to get through the early stages of recovery, when cravings are highest.
- Holistic Treatment: We know that kale can’t fix everything, but holistic practices like yoga, acupuncture, breathwork, and nutritional therapy can give you a boost of wellness during treatment.
Why Choose An Alternative Treatment Program?
There are several reasons why someone may prefer to seek an alternative treatment program, especially for recovery.
Spirituality Isn’t For Everyone
Let’s be honest: some people have a complicated relationship with the concept of a “higher power” or spiritual aspects of recovery. Although traditional 12-step programs do not require a belief in a specific religion or higher power, the introduction of a spiritual component can be a dealbreaker for some. Non-12-step recovery does not include the usual secular approach.
Empowerment Over Powerlessness
Treatment philosophies in 12-step programs include the concept of being powerless over addiction. While some individuals resonate with this idea, others may find it disempowering. Within non-12-step recovery approaches, individuals in recovery are encouraged through personal responsibility and self-efficiency rather than powerlessness. Some find the “taking control” of your life approach to be more effective than surrendering to something that does not feel authentic to them.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Traditional treatment programs tend to follow a structured format based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Although this helps some individuals, it does not necessarily address the unique needs of each person. Some people may have additional concerns, such as mental health disorders, trauma, or family dynamics. Non-12-step recovery programs often create a more personalized approach with unique tailoring of treatment to individual needs rather than an umbrella approach for all.
Success Rates: They Are Different Than You Think
Many people aren’t aware of the success rates of various addiction treatment methods. Surprisingly, studies have shown that traditional 12-step programs have limited success rates. A study published by the Journal of Addictive Diseases reported that the success rates of Alcoholics Anonymous are estimated between 5% and 10% – meaning the vast majority of participants drop out or experience relapse. Alternative programs that focus on cognitive, behavioral, and mindful interventions have demonstrated much higher success rates. So, while 12-step programs work for a small population, they aren’t the miracle cure that they can be perceived to be.
What Is Missing In Treatment As Usual (TAU)?
Treatment as usual, or TAU, is like using an outdated GPS system. It might get you to your destination, but not without a few frustrating misdirections. So, what’s missing?
- Customization: TAU often lacks consideration for unique individual needs. Not every person benefits from the same method, which is why options of alternative treatment focus heavily on personalized care.
- Scientific Backing: Although popular, the 12-step methodology is not rooted in modern psychological research. Non-12-step recovery integrates scientifically backed treatments that are aligned with current medical and psychological understanding.
- Mental Health Integration: Many struggling with addiction also have co-occurring mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD. Often, TAU can overlook these underlying issues, causing the treatment of a symptom rather than the whole problem.
Mindfulness-Based Treatment: An Addiction Recovery Game Changer
Among the rising non-12-step recovery approaches, mindfulness-based treatment continues to prove to be one of the most effective. Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals develop awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and cravings without acting on them.
Mindfulness practices have been used for thousands of years, but their integration into addiction recovery only gained ground in the late 20th century. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, laid the foundation for applying mindfulness to addiction treatment. Additional treatment methods, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and mindfulness-based relapse prevention, emerged to help individuals break from addictive behaviors.
To top it off, the research is compelling! Studies have shown that mindfulness-based intervention highly reduces substance use behaviors and cravings, as well as increases emotional and stress regulation. Additionally, JAMA Psychiatry, a peer-reviewed journal, concluded in 2021 that mindfulness-based treatment was more effective than traditional relapse prevention methods.
Centered As Your Mindfulness-Based, Non-12-Step Program
Centered utilizes a mindfulness, non-12-step recovery-based program, which has been proven to provide lasting results following treatment. Our therapies focus on teaching skills that allow you to be more aware of the present moment. Additionally, these techniques serve to help you feel more acceptance towards experiences you have encountered. The goal of mindful recovery is to foster a non-judgmental attitude towards thoughts, emotions, or sensations you may be feeling and experiencing.
At Centered, we utilize holistic methods to improve mental, emotional, and physical functioning through the use of mindfulness-based recovery practices. Here, you will be exposed to various practices such as meditation, sound therapy, art therapy, breathwork, yoga, and more! These practices allow you to approach yourself with more compassion and understanding! Ultimately, this is a key component in the success of your recovery journey. At Centered, you will experience a structured, professionally led program that revolves around accountability and connection with others.
No one has ever felt relief by being overly critical of themselves as they go through a difficult season. Our holistic approach focuses on guiding you towards a more emotionally and mentally healthy space that is necessary for long-term healing. Our programs help you to understand how your patterns of behavior are formed. Ultimately, this knowledge will lead you on the path to effectively move past them.
So, What’s The Verdict?
If you’re considering various recovery options and feel that 12-step programs might not be the best fit for you, you’re not alone. Non-12-step recovery offers an alternative that is science-backed, individualized, and empowering. Mindfulness-based treatment such as Centered stands out as a powerful alternative for addiction recovery. We help our clients cultivate self-awareness, motivation, and healthier coping skills for a well-rounded approach. We are here for you to walk toward wellness together!
Centered is located in the heart of Roswell, Georgia, and is an executive mindfulness-based, non-12-step recovery outpatient treatment program. When choosing the best drug and alcohol treatment program, keeping all these different aspects in mind is essential. Our staff will always tailor your treatment to your needs and goals for the future!
Whether you prefer to attend treatment in person or need virtual telehealth services, we can help! Centered has been providing meaningful, quality care to Georgia residents since 2017, and we have the most Google Reviews of any treatment provider in the state!
If you have been considering an alternative addiction treatment path or you have been struggling with mild mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, overwhelming stress, or burnout issues, and would like to understand the difference that a mindfulness-based, non-12-step recovery program can make, please give us a call at 979-366-4124 to speak to one of our Admissions Team counselors today!
