Understand the difference that nontraditional rehab options offer.
There are many choices when seeking assistance with drug rehabilitation, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed. As you begin to do more research, you will discover that a number of recovery professionals promote “alternative” methods of rehabilitative therapy. When faced with the choice between attending a traditional “Twelve Step” or non-traditional rehabilitation treatment facility, you will want to ask yourself a few key questions: “What are the benefits of the treatment?” “Is there a difference in success rate?” “What is unique about this technique or approach?” and, of course, “What should we expect?”
How does Non-12 Step Treatment differ from 12 Step Programs?
The primary distinction found between traditional (12 Step) and Non-12 Step rehabilitation lies within the theories behind the root cause of the addiction itself. 12 Step Programs believe that the dependence of drugs and alcohol is the primary problem. In other words, the problem stems from the addiction. By focusing on the abuse of the substance, the patient should start recovering from the addiction.
Non-traditional rehabilitation facilities take a different approach to the treatment of addiction. Non-12 Step programs believe generally acknowledge that substance dependence plays a significant role in the patient’s illness, but there are also likely many underlying issues that need to be addressed, as well. The biggest difference is the perception of what actually constitutes treatment. We will elaborate in the following medical analogy:
If you happened to fall and break your arm, you would most likely head to the doctor. You would be surprised if your doctor refused to look at your arm, did not bandage it or take x-rays, but instead just gave you a prescription for painkillers to make it more comfortable for you. Hopefully, you would want your doctor to look at your arm in order to see if it had any fractures and ensure the bones would heal properly.
Both situations deal with the immediate problem, but only one would ultimately solve the underlying issue. The same applies when treating someone with substance abuse – you can’t hope to provide long-term treatment without addressing the underlying issues.
The Motivation is Different
The underlying approach is not the only difference between traditional (12 Step) and non-traditional rehab options. Traditional rehabilitation emphasizes the need for a higher power and the acceptance of addiction. When you think about that you may ask yourself “Where does personal responsibility fit in here?” Accepting that you are powerless means taking personal responsibility out of the equation. For some patients, it may seem like the treatment is suggesting “It’s not up to you whether or not you succeed”.
Non-traditional rehabilitation facilities take an opposite approach. They strive to empower the client, to let them know if they want to make a change it has to come from them, that nobody can do it for them – not their children, family or loved ones. By offering help, support, and encouraging change, the patients come up with their own motivation to find something that can help them overcome their drug dependency. This can occasionally push them farther than expected or make them uncomfortable.
Ultimately, what matters is whether the patient has the internal motivators to make a lasting change for long term sobriety. If not, everything done in recovery is just temporary and as soon as the client gets the chance they will return to their old ways.
An Alternative Treatment Plan
Some patients, after choosing a traditional 12 step rehabilitation center, begin to feel their treatment is inflexible and/or that there is no way to make accommodations if the patient has special requests or needs after they enter treatment. Patients all go through the same procedure and are expected to make changes following the same steps. If the client doesn’t improve or show willingness to change, the program is never to blame. Many 12 Step followers say the program is ”infallible” and “works as long as you want it.”
While personal responsibility is critical, focusing blame upon the client, who is likely already sad and feeling defeated due to their current situation, will push them farther away from recovery. It is beneficial when those assisting with treatment remember to empathize with the client – to imagine how they might feel if they were in the position of the client fighting addiction, one of the most difficult challenges a person can experience in their entire life.
Alternative programs focus on highly individualized treatment plans. This means that regardless of the pace the client moves through treatment, the professionals at the center will make the necessary adjustments to allow the program to work for them and accommodate their needs. If their first approach isn’t seeing any results, they will change the plan to meet the pace of the client whether it be positive or negative. Until they find something that works, they will continue to change the plan. There is no “one size fits all” answer for drug rehabilitation, and nontraditional treatment is the best example of this.
A Chance At Actual Recovery
The “12 Steps” (which is also known as the traditional approach) suggest that drug and alcohol dependence is an incurable disease. Clients can only solve this lifelong problem by attending meetings on a regular basis.While this may work well for some patients struggling with addiction, others have reported feeling at a disadvantage no matter how much effort they put in.
Non-traditional treatment looks at drug and alcohol addiction as a serious, multifaceted affliction. Facilities know if not treated it can be fatal, but they believe there is a solution. That solution is found in long-term rehabilitation and extensive therapy.
Why Opt For A Non 12 Step Drug Rehab?
Non-traditional drug rehabilitation facilities across the United States are reporting increasing rates of success. These programs offer long-term inpatient treatment that can last three months or more, depending upon the client’s individual needs. Furthermore, in order to achieve effective detoxification for the whole body, holistic biophysicals are often recommended to augment the client’s rehabilitation treatment.
The traditional, “12 Step” program may in fact be the method of drug rehabilitation with which most people are most familiar, but in recent years, many discoveries have been made with regard to the most effective and preferred treatment methods according to those patients who have successfully battled addiction. Many clients want to try a nontraditional approach, and it’s proven to be the more effective way to deal with substance abuse with the goal of achieving long-term sobriety.