Non-12 Step Recovery Programs Recommended by the AMA

Finding the right rehab program for an alcoholic can be a challenge. There are a number of programs that have different goals for patients and different methods to reach these goals. Some rehab facilities focus on individual therapy while some focus on group activity. Some rehab programs are mainly concerned with relaying as much information about the disease to the patients as they can attain. Other rehab centers may focus on teaching their patients to live a healthy life and use dietary supplements to balance brain function. One of the best resources for potential patients to start researching potential rehab centers is the American Medical Association, or AMA.

The AMA supports most rehab centers that use the 12 step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The Association also has shown support and recommendation toward Rational Recovery. This center is one of the non- 12step rehab facilities recommended by the AMA because it has a proven success rate of recovery. Rational Recovery is a facility that takes a different spin on the rehabilitation process. The center allows each individual to focus on his or her own journey. They do not have basic steps to follow and they do not hold recovery meetings. This type of recovery center believes that group meetings are only available for those who fear relapse. Self-doubt is discouraged in a Rational Recovery program and therefore, meetings are not needed because there is no fear of a relapse. The Rational Recovery program offers no facility or center for a patient to attend. It simply provides the materials and support needed for the patient to complete the program at home.

Non- 12step alcohol rehab facilities recommended by the AMA are scarce since the Association is such a big supporter of Alcoholic Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. However, many potential patients may choose to search for their own non-12 step programs. A patient may decide on a non- 12 step path because he or she has tried the program in the past and wasn’t happy with the results. A lot of 12 step programs also include looking to a spiritual faith or Higher Power for guidance. Patients who are uncomfortable in using their spirituality for the purpose of recovery may turn to an alternative non-12 step program for their journey.

Since non- 12step alcohol rehab facilities recommended by the AMA are scarce, the AMA also refers its visitors to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. This site is also extremely helpful for those who are starting their research on recovery facilities. The Council offers a full page of links to different recovery centers, some of which offer a non-12 step program for their patients. Whether to attend a traditional 12-step program on a non-12 step program is a personal choice that should be examined by all potential patients before deciding on a particular recovery center.