Question:
What are some alternatives to 5 step groups?
Answer:
Peer support groups are an important part of long-term addiction recovery. They are free groups where people recovering from addictions get support from others in recovery. Attending these groups can provide a sense of community as well as accountability in refraining from substance use. Research shows peer support groups are most effective when combined with formal addiction treatment.
Until the 1970s, 12-step groups were the only option of its kind for people in recovery, but today there are several alternatives to 12-step programs for those who don’t relate to their focus on a higher power. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was the first 12-step program, and has been the inspiration for other 12 steps like:
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) for people with drug addictions.
- Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) for people struggling with unhealthy relationship patterns.
- Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA) for people with bulimia, anorexia, and other eating disorders.
- Gambling Anonymous (GA) for people with gambling addictions.
- Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) for people with sex addictions.
Recent decades have given rise to a number of alternatives for Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs. They function in similar ways as the 12 Steps, with local meetings run by members. Some offer both in-person and online meetings.
Here are five popular alternatives to the 12 Steps:
- SMART Recovery
- Refuge Recovery
- Women for Sobriety
- Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.)
- LifeRing Secular Recovery
1. SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is a secular alternative to AA and other 12-step groups. Groups like AA encourage members to admit they are powerless over their alcohol addiction and embrace a Higher Power. SMART Recovery views substance abuse as a dysfunctional habit that people can have personal control over. The approach integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy, and other research-based approaches to behavior change. SMART Recovery stands for self-management and recovery training. SMART meetings are typically led by trained facilitators who guide participants through structured discussions.
It is based on their “4-Point Program.”
Building and maintaining the motivation to change.
Coping with urges to use by developing healthy coping mechanisms for managing cravings and difficult emotions.
Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in an effective way without addictive behaviors, including learning new coping mechanisms for emotional regulation.
Living a balanced, positive, and healthy life.
Participants are encouraged to set personal goals for their recovery journey.
2. Refuge Recovery
Refuge Recovery draws on Buddhist philosophy to help people who are coping with urges and other difficulties in sobriety. Much of the teachings in Refuge Recovery are based on the Buddhist philosophy that the root cause of suffering is people’s desire to push away pain while seeking to fill an unquenchable thirst for pleasure. Participants learn how drinking alcohol and using drugs keeps them stuck in suffering. The program encourages self discovery as participants explore their underlying emotional needs and patterns, helping them better understand themselves and their behaviors. Through mindfulness and other Buddhist practices they learn to have compassion for themselves and the pain they’ve experienced and acquire healthy ways to cope with difficult feelings and urges.
3. Women for Sobriety
Sociologist Jean Kirkpatrick created Women for Sobriety (WFS) in 1976 for women with addictive behaviors. The alternative to AA and NA views drug and alcohol abuse in women as a symptom of common problems experienced in this population. This may include low self-esteem, trauma, depression, shame, guilt, and gender inequality. Alcohol and drug abuse becomes a way to cope with these situations. WFS groups encourage participants to work on the underlying reasons and faulty thinking that feed their drug or alcohol use disorder. Participants are encouraged to set their own goals for recovery, tailored to their personal circumstances, and learn how to take care of their core needs and become aware and self-fulfilled.
This 12-step alternative focuses on behavior change through:
Positive reinforcement
Group involvement
Taking care of the body
Cognitive approaches
4. Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.)
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is a 12-step alternative for people struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction, or food addiction. It’s based on the writings of its founder James Christopher who got sober in 1985 and decided to inspire a recovery program for non-religious substance abusers. SOS believes people can stay sober based on personal integrity, values, and beliefs. It does not adopt the 12-step concept that turning over your life to a Higher Power is the only road to recovery. The SOS sobriety approach is “sobriety priority.” This means that anyone can stay sober if they make sobriety their number one life priority. SOS supports individuals in their efforts to maintain abstinence, and total abstinence is a core principle of the program. SOS meetings are typically peer led, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and support.
SOS encourages participants to:
Acknowledge they are an alcoholic or addict.
Re-affirm and accept this daily.
Do whatever is needed to make sobriety a priority everyday because drinking or using drugs is not an option.
Refrain from drinking or using drugs no matter what difficulties arise and accept that life is uncertain but can also be very good.
Share with confidence as sober people.
Know that each person is responsible for their life and sobriety.
5. LifeRing Secular Recovery
LifeRing Secular Recovery supports participants in being the leader of their recovery — knowing their triggers and knowing what they need to overcome them. It focuses on strengthening the “sober self” and weakening the “addicted self.” In meetings, which are typically peer led, members support each other through shared experiences and practice drawing on their sober self to connect with other people’s sober self. Regular meeting attendance is encouraged to help participants strengthen their sober self and maintain progress. Participants are encouraged to share practical experiences that help them stay sober. LifeRing is an alternative to AA and NA that believes each individual should find what best supports their sobriety and use it to stay sober. It proposes that the “addicted self” is still there, and will always be there, so people in recovery must work hard everyday to lead with their sober self.
Recovery Program Effectiveness
Evaluating the effectiveness of a recovery program is a vital step for anyone seeking to overcome addiction. Research shows that programs like SMART Recovery, which focus on self-management and recovery training, can be highly effective in supporting long-term recovery. The SMART Recovery Handbook serves as a valuable resource, guiding individuals through evidence-based strategies for behavior change and personal growth. Unlike traditional 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery offers a secular recovery approach that empowers participants to take control of their recovery journey.
Studies have found that individuals who participate in SMART Recovery and similar programs often experience significant improvements in coping skills, emotional and spiritual growth, and overall well-being. These programs emphasize the importance of support groups and mutual help, allowing participants to set their own recovery goals and work towards a healthy life at their own pace. LifeRing Secular Recovery and Secular Organizations for Sobriety are other examples of alternatives that prioritize self-management and personal responsibility, rather than relying on a higher power or admitting powerlessness.
When choosing a recovery program, it’s important to consider key components such as program structure, the availability of support groups, and how well the program aligns with your personal beliefs and recovery goals. By selecting a recovery program that fits your needs—whether it’s a secular organization, a 12-step group, or another mutual help group—you can increase your chances of achieving long-term recovery and building a fulfilling, balanced life free from addiction.
Looking For Help?
Support groups are a critical part of long-term recovery, but most people will also require a formal addiction treatment program. Footprints to Recovery offers both 12-step treatment approaches and alternatives to 12-step programs. We educate you on all of the options available, so you can find what best fits with your beliefs, needs, and preferences. Support is available through both in person and online meetings, and local meetings are held in many communities to foster peer support and engagement. In addition to the programs described, other groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous AA are available for those seeking support.
Footprints offers both inpatient rehab and outpatient treatment programs at our addiction treatment facilities. Alcohol and drug detox is also available. Our treatment providers use a combination of evidence-based addiction therapies and holistic approaches to help you address all aspects of substance abuse — physical, emotional, and spiritual. You’ll have an individual treatment plan tailored to your needs. Depending on the Footprints location, your recovery program may include:
Individual therapy
Group therapy
Family therapy
Co-occurring disorders treatment / dual diagnosis treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
EMDR and other trauma therapies
Art therapy
Massage therapy
Fitness and yoga therapy
Chiropractic services
Some recovery programs also allow for controlled use as a recovery goal, depending on individual needs and preferences.
If you’re struggling with drug abuse or alcohol abuse, give us a call. We’ve helped thousands of people take back their lives from addiction. We can help you too.
Final Thoughts on Recovery
Recovery from addiction is a deeply personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to approach recovery with an open mind and a willingness to explore different treatment options and support groups. Programs like SMART Recovery and Alcoholics Anonymous offer valuable resources and a sense of community, which can be essential for maintaining abstinence and achieving long-term recovery. Support groups provide encouragement, accountability, and a safe space to share experiences, helping individuals develop the coping skills and self-management strategies needed for a healthy life.
For those facing co-occurring disorders or substance use disorders, seeking professional addiction treatment is crucial. The National Institute on Drug Abuse and other reputable organizations offer guidance and information on effective substance abuse treatment and recovery programs. Remember, recovery is not a linear process—setbacks can happen, but with the right support and resources, it is possible to overcome addiction and build a balanced life.
Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you work toward your recovery goals. By taking advantage of support groups, developing strong coping skills, and focusing on emotional and spiritual growth, you can achieve lasting change. Whether you choose a 12-step program, a secular recovery group, or another path, the most important thing is to find a recovery program that supports your unique needs and helps you move forward toward a fulfilling, healthy life.
Add Your Heading Text Here
