12-Step Alternative Treatment Centers - Programs for Change

The 12-step alternative treatment programs that are available today appeal to those who have already tried the 12-step approach and not succeeded with it or those who have an aversion to this approach for a variety of reasons. Not all approaches to recovery from drug or alcohol addiction works for every single person, so finding a method that works, can sometimes be very challenging.

Meditation

Twelve-step alternative programs cater to the disenfranchised that may not accept traditional treatment. These centers offer substance abusers hope and help when traditional methods haven't worked or are not in line with a person's belief system.

Over 90-percent of the current drug and alcohol treatment centers currently use some parts of the 12-step process integrated within their treatment models. This means that for those who have tried traditional addiction treatment and not succeeded with it, that perhaps an alt method or methods are needed to kick the addiction.

Some of the alternative 12-step methods promote that alcohol and drug addiction is not a disease, abstinence is not the only solution, people are not powerless over addictions, God or higher power based treatment is not necessary and public meetings and life-long support groups are also not necessary. While some see these as radical ideas, others are relieved that they can take a different recovery path than the norm.

With some alt programs, substance abusers may receive services that are non 12-step based but found within the confines at traditional treatment centers. Other services are not only alternative to 12-step but to traditional addiction therapy models as well.

12-step Alternative Programs

• holistic therapy
• cognitive-behavioral therapy
• biofeedback
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• experiential treatment
• motivation therapy
• social / educational programs
• self-esteem building
• life skills training
• medical treatment
• nutritional supplements
• psychological counseling
• alternative medicines
• yoga, Tai Chi and meditation training

While 12-step methods may work for the majority of people in recovery, non 12-step treatment also offer others hope and help when it comes to dealing with substance abuse and addiction. Choosing the right alcohol or drug treatment center that will is engaged in working with this specific population is of the utmost of importance. It is necessary to note that not all methods will work for all people, so it's important to have choices when it comes to addiction treatment.