Why the Steps Work For Some and Not For Others
If you’re familiar with recovery, you’ve probably heard of 12 Step Programs, which are essentially programs that embrace the 12 Step philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
AA has been around for many years, founded in 1935 by Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson. Later, in 1953, NA was founded under very similar principles. Both 12 Step groups are geared to help those who desire to quit drinking or using drugs to get and stay clean/sober. They are based on 12 Steps and 12 Principles that have helped millions of people successfully recover or manage alcoholism or drug addiction.
What Are the 12 Steps?
Both AA and NA are based on 12 Steps that are geared to help individuals learn about addiction/alcoholism and make some helpful life changes. The consensus among those who use the 12 Step model is that if someone is willing to “work the steps”, they are likely to recover.
Even better are those that attend the meetings and get a sponsor, work the steps, and then go over the steps one by one with their sponsor. The thought is that by answering the questions for each step and talking about them with a mentor, positive change is more likely to be experienced.
Non-12 Step Programs
Along with the popular 12 Step recovery programs are non 12 step recovery programs. These alternative support groups appeal to many individuals, offering a variety of philosophies that they are interested in. Though some non-12 step programs may not have as many meetings across the nation, there are more and more popping up all the time.
Here are several popular non-12 step programs:
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is not based on 12 steps, but rather embraces a cognitive-behavioral approach to recovery. It’s based on a 4-Point Program and helps those struggling with any addiction. Essentially, it approaches addiction and recovery from more of a scientific model, teaching self-empowerment, self-reliance and self-directed change. It uses motivational interviewing concepts and encourages attendees to view addiction as something that is curable, rather than continue to view it as a life-long disease to manage.
Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery is a non-12 Step Christian support group for those who want to tackle any addiction or “hang up.” Based on eight recovery principles, this Christ-centered approach to recovery is hosted in over 10,000 churches across the world. While it’s not based on the 12 Steps of AA, Celebrate Recovery does draw from some of the Steps.
12 Step Vs. Non 12 Step: Why Steps Work For Some
Why do some people benefit from 12 Step programs while others don’t? There are various reasons. Those who favor 12 Step programs tend to get a lot out of having a “step structure” to adhere to. They embrace and accept the various steps, and believe that working through them helps them stay sober and learn valuable life lessons.
Those that don’t care for 12 Step programs have perhaps tried attending 12 Step programs but didn’t get out of them what they wished. These are the ones who tried working the steps but maybe ended up relapsing. Or maybe they don’t care for the way the steps refer to a “higher power.”
There’s no clear-cut evidence that one support program works better than another. What substance use disorder experts do agree on is that giving people options regarding supportive groups can help them on their recovery path. After all, recovery is not a “one-size-fits-all” reality. In fact, a report by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Use Disorder in 2012 stated that those who promote “only one path” for recovery are promoting a path toward failure.
Trying Various Support Groups
The good news is that anyone trying to get sober or clean can try various support groups to see what resonates with them. Many people entering the recovery path will first try something like AA or NA because those are the groups they probably hear about most often. They’re also the most common 12 Step groups treatment facilities advocate.
However, more and more professionals are advocating non-12 Step groups like SMART Recovery or Celebrate Recovery. As a diverse population with differing beliefs, backgrounds, and comfort levels, having a variety of support groups for recovering alcoholics or drug addicts just makes sense. It shouldn’t be an issue of what’s “right or wrong”, but what works for each person.
What Support Group Should I Try First?
If you’re researching 12 Step vs. Non 12 Step programs, you may wonder what support group you should try first. This will depend on what type of atmosphere and/or philosophy you’re after. If a God-based support group is very important to you, consider Celebrate Recovery. If you’re more open about your higher power, AA and NA is a great fit. If you’re an atheist or not sure what you believe about God, SMART Recovery may be a wonderful fit for you.
What’s great is that you can try different groups and see what resonates with you most. Go to several meetings to get a general feel for the type of meeting and atmosphere. There may also be small or large groups in a city, so hop around to see what feels comfortable for you. If you’ve had a bad experience at one group, don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Try a different group or several other groups to see how they feel. Just because one group doesn’t jive with you doesn’t mean others will be the same.
The reality is that 12 Step vs. Non 12 Step groups isn’t really much of an issue because they all have some positive aspects and merit. Go ahead and attend some meetings to see what fits for you as you continue your recovery path.
