12 Step Alternatives

[TommyCelt]

My name's Tommy and I'm an alcoholic. God-willing I will be 12 years sober come August 31, 2013.

"Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path..."

Maybe so. But "our path" isn't the only path. It works for a huge number of people. It's worked for me, although I don't attend meetings anywhere near as often as I used to. Let's be pragmatic - whatever stops an alcoholic/addict from destructive behavior toward themselves or others is a good thing!

This is a place to discuss any non-12 step recovery programs we've experienced; their pros, their cons, recommend/stay away from.

Here's the non-12 Step link at SoberRecovery to start...

http://www.soberrecovery.com/links/alternativetreatmentcenters.html

[libodem]

1. Good to have

A reference of alternatives. Thanks.

[annabanana]

2. They look expensive.

There's a huge opportunity for corporate exploitation in this field. And there's no shortage of people looking to take advantage of the most vulnerable.

[TommyCelt]

3. annabanana, I agree

Like all rehabs, they ain't cheap.

A post I answered earlier today got me thinking about non-12 Step solutions to alcoholism and drug addiction. I admittedly haven't done all that much research in that area, dining my reocvery in the rooms of AA. I'm looking to learn, myself.

[Old Codger]

4. It comes down to

Whatever works, there is never a good reason to limit your options... Personally I used AA, it seems to work best for the majority and has been my mainstay for the last 29 years but anything that will help you stay sober/clean is a good program.

[NMDemDist2]

5. thanks Tommy

it's never been AAs stand that they are the 'only way'

Anything that can help someone is good in my book.

[nvme]

6. I do mean to be critical

If you are posting at least make sure it isnt to a bunch of rehabs and other commercial ventures.

[TommyCelt]

7. @nvme

I use the website soberrecovery when I need an online meeting. I admit I merely linked to their non-12 Step page wothout delving into it. If that's all there is (and especially if it violates term of service) I will delete the OP.

Here are a couple of others...

http://smartrecovery.org/
"SMART Recovery® is the leading self-empowering addiction recovery support group. Our participants learn tools for addiction recovery based on the latest scientific research and participate in a world-wide community which includes free, self-empowering, science-based mutual help groups."

http://peele.net/
The Stanton Peele addiction website (online program)

[Stuart G]

8. I did some research..on the above two..

smartrecovery...seems to be legit..meetings at no cost but a donation. (according to wikepedia ) and are available in many places.
I have never gone, but may be a good adjunct to AA...

Staton Peele..seems to be dangerous..while the content of his program seems ok, at first glance...that website above, has no..
yes no reference to how much this on line program costs..none. after more than an hour search I did find one link, which I cannot find again,.... to a cost of about $700..for the softwear and a few calls to a counselor.
Far more worrying is the idea that the
providers of this program do not want you to know how much it costs. Why? So, for the outsider, not wanting to go to a 12 stem program..it seems that smartrecovery might be worth a try, since there are volunteers and a donation is requested, not required..

But I would stay away from Staton Peele, only cause his program refuses to tell what it will cost to take...that is all folks..

Stuart G

[TommyCelt]

9. Thanks for the research, Stuart n/t