“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles with it.” – Margret Fuller
One thing I have noticed as I have progressed through this world of addiction and recovery, is how important it is for people to find the best recovery options that will fit their specific needs. 12 step is often the first place people turn, but there are many other options out there. It has been so interesting to me to learn about other recovery options that are available.
This is Part 2 on non 12 step recovery options, so if you missed Part 1, be sure to read that post.
Here are four more recovery options including a treatment center that uses a non 12 step approach.
“My makeup wasn’t smeared, I wasn’t disheveled, I behaved politely, and I never finished off a bottle, so how could I be alcoholic?” Betty Ford
Women For Sobriety
Women For Sobriety, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women overcome alcoholism and other addictions. It is the first national self-help program for women alcoholics.
Dr. Jean Kirkpatrick founded Women For Sobriety, Inc. in 1975. What amazed Dr. Kirkpatrick is not that she was an alcoholic, but that in all the years of her drinking, not once was she diagnosed as alcoholic.
From the beginning she felt that women alcoholics had the same problems she did, with little or no self-esteem, depression, loneliness and excessive feelings of guilt. She knew that she had found a way to overcome these feelings and felt other women would benefit from her experience.
Women For Sobriety, Inc. has received over thousands of letters from women and their families that expressed what Jean felt was true; women do have special problems in recovery, and in order for them to have lasting sobriety, programs for them must address these needs, especially the building of self-esteem.
WFS has been providing services to women alcoholics since July, 1976, and have self-help groups all across this country and abroad. Based upon a Thirteen Statement Program of positivity that encourages emotional and spiritual growth, the “New Life” Program has been extremely effective in helping women overcome their addictions and embrace a new positive lifestyle.
Life Ring – Empower Your Sober Self
Life Ring is a network of positive support groups for living free of alcohol and other “drugs.”
“Imagine that inside of each person who is struggling with drug and/or alcohol issues, there is a conflict between a voice that wants to keep drinking/using, and another voice that wants to be free of the drug and lead a better life. We abbreviate these voices as the “A” (the addict self) and the “S” (the sober self).
After each meeting, the “S” in each person is stronger than before. At some point, the person experiences a transformation. The “S” grows stronger than the “A” and rises to the top. Sobriety stops being an uphill battle and becomes almost second nature. So long as people avoid putting alcohol/drugs into their body, they can realize whatever potential lies within them and live full, productive lives.
This “S-to-S” connection is the engine of the LifeRing recovery process that they practice in their meetings, both in person and online. They call it “Empowering Your Sober Self.”
The LifeRing process is strength-based; it works by positive reinforcement of qualities that you already have. You can find a meeting, books, brochures and other information by visiting their website.
Moderation Management
Moderation Management (MM) is a behavioral change program and national support group network for people concerned about their drinking and who desire to make positive lifestyle changes. MM empowers individuals to accept personal responsibility for choosing and maintaining their own path, whether moderation or abstinence. MM promotes early self-recognition of risky drinking behavior, when moderate drinking is a more easily achievable goal.
MM offers a supportive mutual-help environment that encourages people who are concerned about their drinking to take action to cut back or quit drinking early before drinking problems become severe.
They offer a nine-step professionally reviewed program, which provides information about alcohol, moderate drinking guidelines and limits, drink monitoring exercises, goal setting techniques, and self-management strategies.
As a major part of the program, members also use the nine steps to find balance and moderation in many other areas of their lives, one small step at a time.
The program agrees that no one solution is best for all people with drinking problems. There are many possible solutions available to each individual, and MM suggests that each person finds the solution that is best for him or her.
MM is good place to begin to address a drinking problem. If MM proves to be an ineffective solution, the individual is encouraged to progress to a more radical solution.
“One day in retrospect the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.” – Sigmund Freud
Secular Organizations for Sobriety
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is an alternative recovery method for those alcoholics or drug addicts who are uncomfortable with the spiritual content of widely available 12-Step programs.
SOS takes a reasonable, secular approach to recovery and maintains that sobriety is a separate issue from religion or spirituality. SOS credits the individual for achieving and maintaining his or her own sobriety, without reliance on any “Higher Power.” SOS respects recovery in any form regardless of the path by which it is achieved.
It is not opposed to or in competition with any other recovery programs. SOS supports healthy skepticism and encourages the use of the scientific method to understand alcoholism.
The organization is a non-profit network of autonomous, non-professional local groups dedicated solely to helping individuals achieve and maintain sobriety. There are groups meeting in many cities throughout the country.
“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart… Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” -Carl Jung
Passages
Passages is a treatment center located in Malibu, California. Their philosophy is that they do not believe that drug and alcohol dependency is a disease. Instead, they believe that the addiction is caused by:
1. Chemical Imbalance
2. Events of the Past that you have not reconciled
3. Current conditions you can’t cope with
4. Things you believe that aren’t true
The center feels that anyone who is abusing drugs and alcohol is doing so because of one or more of those four causes. Over the years, they have learned through extensive research that addiction is not the problem, but rather a symptom of a deeper underlying issue. You can contact Passages at 866-504-3849.
If you have a non 12 step treatment experience, I would love to hear your thoughts in comments. Have you tried any of these programs? What in your opinion is the best treatment or recovery program?
Be well,
Beyond Addiction:
Embrace the New Life
This FREE Ebook will show you how to create the LIFE you want after addiction.
- Accept and cope with your family's addiction.
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Cathy…
Not surprisingly, Women For Sobriety is the one that spoke to me. Being among women and sharing our stories, I think would allow me to feel more connected…but who really knows until you’re dealing with it in real time
Question….Dr. Jean Kirpatrick is not the same one who worked in the Clinton administration (and others I believe)…or is she?
One last thing…because of you I am having several people following me on twitter whose expertise is dealing with addiction. How do you like that??) Fran
Fran Sorin recently posted..20 Quotes To Inspire Faith …And Usher In Spring
Hi Fran,
I agree. There are still so many disparities with regards to women that I believe women have separate needs when it comes to addiction and recovery. A recovery group with just women could be very helpful and supportive situation. My daughter’s rehab was just women, as well as her sober living home and it gives that bonding that they cannot find any other way. One of our most important connections in life is connecting with our gal pals, so it all makes sense to me.
Good question. No, this is not the same Dr. Jean Kirkpatrick.
I love it that you have people following you that are experts in addiction. Bravo! Helps so much to be able to talk about the subject openly! Thanks for all your support Fran!!
Cathy recently posted..Are You Interested in Non 12 Step Addiction Treatment? (Part 1)
Cathy, I am so grateful to you for taking the time to pull this two-part list together. Although my heart lies in the 12 Steps, I believe that each of us is responsible for our own recovery and that means owning what works for us. A huge part of the recovery process lies in humility which for me means that I don’t have all the answers and certainly not the answers that are best for YOU! Thanks for your good work.
B Well,
Beth
Beth Wilson recently posted..Coming Soon: Relaunch and Site Upgrade!
Hi Beth,
I so agree. For many years I only was familiar with the 12 step program, and felt that it was the only way. Doing the research on these two posts has opened my eyes to some wonderful options that will meet the needs of people looking for alternative programs.
As I have said before, but good to repeat, I am not an expert or professional in this field, just a mom who has experienced addiction in her family, so my goal is to share as much information as possible, so that people can find their way to recovery. Take care.
Cathy recently posted..Two Must Read Books on Addiction and Recovery
It’s wonderful to see what organizations are out there to help people. Thanks for sharing Cathy!
Betsy at Zen Mama recently posted..A Dark And Stormy Night Miracle!
Hi Betsy,
It is wonderful that there are many options for those seeking recovery. Take care.
Cathy recently posted..5 Non 12 Step Recovery Options (Part 2)
So brilliant of you to share these specific places – it can be overwhelming to try and research on one’s own and you’ve delivered a true guide.
Evotive | Aileen recently posted..Facebook Marketing, Are You Doing It Wrong?
Hi Aileen,
It is overwhelming when people are starting out. 12 step programs are relatively easy to find, but non 12 step can be a bit more challenging. These programs will all be listed on the resource page. Take care.
Cathy recently posted..Are You a Parent that Needs to Let Go of Denial and Enabling?
I like the Passages option. It does seem to me that alcoholism is (usually) the result of underlying issues. Even if alcoholism seems to be genetic for a family, I think some of that is related to negative thought patterns, ineffective coping skills and other issues passed down through generations. Of course, this is just something that feels true to me; so I can’t say it’s a fact. I just love that this option is available and that you’ve shed some light on it. I’ll pass this on.
Nea | Self Improvement Saga recently posted..20 Ways to Make a Healthy Relationship Out of a Crappy One
Hi Nea,
Underlying issues, in my experience clearly are part of the picture, and many have a duel diagnosis, so they are dealing with not only the addiction, but other issues such bi-polar, ADD, depression, etc. The underlying issues cannot be dealt with until the alcohol/drugs are out of the system, so that needs to be the first step. I’m glad Passages resonated with you and please do pass it on to anyone who might be interested.
Cathy recently posted..Two Must Read Books on Addiction and Recovery
Hi Cathy, I’m glad they have a program just for women. That could be very helpful to women who have suffered from abusive relationships who want to recover in what they feel to be a safe environment for them emotionally.
(I was wondering about Dr. Jean Kirkpatrick too, but the ambassador’s name is spelled Jeane Kirkpatrick.)
Carolyn recently posted..Poll: Do You Suffer from Nomophobia?
Hi Carolyn,
I agree that programs for women could be beneficial, as well as men only programs. Men and women are affected by addiction in different ways, and for some this might be a more comfortable situation. Take care.
Cathy recently posted..Are You a Parent that Needs to Let Go of Denial and Enabling?
Hi Cathy,
Thank you for part 2. As you’ve said, it’s so important people understand there are options to fit their individual needs; that treatment for addiction is not “one size fits all.”
Lisa Frederiksen – BreakingTheCycles.com recently posted..International Brain Awareness Week March 12 – 18
Hi Lisa,
So true and sometimes people don’t have all the information that they need when they are trying to make these decisions. Hopefully with more information online, including your site, Breaking the Cycles, people will feel more informed.
Cathy recently posted..Little Joys Were Sprinkled Upon Me: Meet Mark Matthews
Thanks Cathy for putting this important list out there for the ladies that need to over come there addictions.
When it comes to women and addiction i believe that self-esteem does play a big part in it. low self-esteem can destroy. it is so important for women and men to know how important and special they are in this world.
You are helping many people Cathy, keep up the good work.
Blessing to you,
Debbie
Debbie @ Happy Maker recently posted..How to have a great day while you take a shower and get ready in the morning!
Hi Cathy,
This two-part article is very informative. Thank you for sharing. It’s really great to know what help is available. It can be very overwhelming. Treatment Talk provides a valuable service, I think.
Marianne recently posted..In the End, Only Love Matters
Wow!! I highly appreciate your recovery tips. These kinds of recovery tips are mostly required by addicted people. I think “Life ring” is one of the best recovery options for people. The positive thinking is always beneficial for addicted people to recover from any kind of addiction. Thanks…
Hi Nicholas,
Glad that you found the recovery tips helpful. Life Ring does seem to have many positive aspects to it and is beneficial to many. Everyone need positive motivation, but especially people in recovery. They need to know that it is possible to recover and that they can do it as well. Positive thinking is essential. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.