Alcoholics Anonymous is one recovery program that attracts people looking for peer support to beat an addiction It is not the only program available for recovery. While you are in a detox program, you might be introduced to programs such as SMART Recovery, LifeRing, Women for Sobriety, or Secular Organizations for Sobriety. Each program is designed to help individuals looking for ways to eliminate drinking in an effort to maintain wellness. Not everyone is suited for the 12-step program Alcoholics Anonymous. Other programs have been developed to reach those who are not interested in AA and what it had to offer.
Alternatives to AA and SMART Recovery
One of the more popular alternatives to AA is the SMART Recovery program. The goal of this program is to empower the individual who is in treatment in an effort to strengthen their overall recovery. SMART Recovery is Self-Management and Recovery Training that helps those struggling with an addiction. Find the strength within to beat your addiction. It is a peer support group that holds meetings throughout the world. SMART Recovery helps people overcome addictions to alcohol, drugs, eating, and other addictions. The four-point program includes:
- Getting the motivation to change and learning how to stay motivated
- Learning how to deal with urges to use
- Dealing with thoughts and feelings without turning to substances
- Living a healthy, productive and balanced life
When you get the support of your peers and you are able to learn positive strategies to deal with your emotions, recovery becomes possible. You can find meetings to talk to peers and get the support you need.
Other Alternatives to AA for Recovery
Three other programs have been developed as alternatives to AA, but they are not as widespread as AA or the SMART Recovery program.
- LifeRing is a secular recovery strategy. It is a program to support those in recovery that is based out of California and it is designed to be a non-12-step option to recovery.
- Secular Organizations for Sobriety offers online meetings as well as in-person meetings for those dealing with an addiction to substances, gambling, food, and other addictions.
- Women for Sobriety is a program for women by women, focusing on the need to nurture feelings of self-worth. The goal is to grow emotionally and spiritually
Programs that describe themselves as secular have been created as a way to break free from the higher power method described in AA. While some individuals state that AA is not religiously based, it began through a belief in a higher power. AA has similarities in messaging to Christianity.
Understanding Your Recovery Options
With the number of recovery programs growing, you don’t have to fit into the AA model if it doesn’t work for you. The goal in recovery is to find peer support and learn how to live without substances. As you heal in recovery, you will meet others in your life who inspire you. As you find meetings and try out different recovery programs, you will figure out what works best for your needs. Whether you are looking for empowerment, or you want a program specifically for women in recovery, you can find support that works for you. Recovery is possible, and there are alternative programs to AA you can find in the community.
Start Your Sober Journey Today
Get the help you deserve at Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Fort Lauderdale or Jupiter, Florida. During your detox, you can learn about alternatives to AA and find productive ways to grow in your recovery. Contact us today at 866.294.5306 and start your path to recovery one day at a time. Get help today.
