A Non 12 Step Program Versus a 12 Step Program

The completion of an alcohol rehab is just the start in the battle against alcoholism. An alcoholic may have to deal with urges or cravings for alcohol his or her entire life. Hopefully the completion of rehab has given the alcoholic the tools needed to learn how to live a sober life and deal with these cravings in a healthy manner. Some alcoholics who seek treatment may turn to a non 12 step alcohol rehab.

While a 12 step program focuses on group therapy sessions and going through the twelve steps of recovery, a non 12 step alcohol rehab focuses more on the biological and physiological differences alcoholics deal with on a daily basis. The program then combines the powers of natural supplements, medications and social therapy interaction for the patient. According to the Assisted Recovery Centers of America, a non 12 step alcohol rehab uses safe medications to change the mentality up of patients. This treatment combined with what is called “talk” therapy helps patients to become more biologically balanced and figure out what keeps them craving these unhealthy behaviors.

One of the similarities between a 12 step program and a non 12 step program is the focus on personal goals. Both programs are designed to set and achieve goals for each patient. In a 12 step program, however, a patient is required to meet each goal that is predetermined by the program for each step. A non 12 step alcohol rehab allows each patient to set his or her own personal goals when starting treatment. The patient’s progress is measured by the counselors by seeing how close he or she is to achieving the previously set goals.

Most 12 step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, focus their steps on accepting faith and a Higher Power into one’s life. A non 12 step alcohol rehab program may have some spiritual goals for patients, but they are more individualized according to what the patient believes. Since each patient is required to create his or her own goals upon entering the program, he or she can elect to not include spirituality or faith as a part of the recovery process.

Many patients find comfort in attending a rehab center that supports Alcoholics Anonymous because they know there will be relapse prevention meetings wherever and whenever they are needed. However, there are also many non 12 step alcohol rehab centers that offer meetings and support after the program has been completed. If an alcoholic knows he or she will need constant support after completing a program, a center should be chosen that supports the graduated patient for as long as it is needed. Programs such as the St. Jude Retreat House, offer continuing education courses for those who have completed the rehab program. Courses like this allow patients to keep learning about their disease and how to keep a positive attitude about recovery.