Alcohol treatment programs have come under fire in the media recently with regards specifically to the 12 Steps and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) because of what is being referred to as non-scientific treatment plans and an emphasis on religion. They believe these are some of the reasons why it is not always a success. Rather than knocking the 12 Steps and AA, it’s great to take a look at how the 12 steps can do a great job in supplementing evidence-based treatment such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and counseling.
The 12 Steps Alcohol Treatment Program
The 12 Step alcohol treatment program consists of clients working their way to recovery using the 12 steps below.
- Admitting powerlessness over alcohol.
- Believing a higher power can restore our sanity.
- Turning our will and lives over to God.
- Make a thorough moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitting to ourselves, others and to God our wrongdoings.
- Be ready to have God remove all of our character defects.
- Ask God to remove our shortcomings.
- Make a list of everyone we’ve harmed and be willing to make things right with them.
- Make amends directly with those we’ve hurt except in cases where it would cause them further harm.
- Continue working on the personal inventory and admit wrongs.
- Use prayer and meditation to get in closer contact with God for the strength and knowledge for recovery.
- Carry this message to others following our spiritual awakenings.
The Evidence-Based Alcohol Treatment Program
The evidence-based alcohol treatment program uses psychotherapy as the main treatment method. Psychotherapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, have been proven to be highly effective in the treatment of substance abuse and addiction as these types of treatment uncover the underlying causes for the issues handing clients valuable information to work with for recovery efforts. The most common forms of psychotherapy include one-on-one counseling, family, group and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Combining the Efforts of the Program Types
Using a combination of the 12 steps and an evidence-based alcohol treatment program can greatly improve your chances for success. Non-religious or non-spiritual clients can still utilize the steps as they see them from a modified viewpoint (i.e. replacing the word “God” with “recovery”). Even evidence-based treatment programs do not simply work just by showing up for the rehab program. Recovery requires hard work, dedication and commitment for the best chances at long-term, continued success.
If you or someone you love is having problems with alcohol abuse, chemical dependency or addiction, recovery from a drug abuse program, like the one at Destination Hope, may be the answer. Remember that recovery from addiction and alcohol abuse treatment means learning how to cope with intensely emotional situations, and identifying when you need help and support. Treatment for addiction relapse, counseling, and aftercare can help you do this, so please call us today. Destination Hope is a full-service addiction and health treatment facility in Florida for men and women who suffer from substance abuse and behavioral health issues.
