Non-12-Step Recovery Programs: Alternatives to 12-Step Meetings

12-Step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, have helped many people recover from drug and alcohol addiction. But they don’t work for everyone. If you’d like to try a different approach, many non-12-Step programs are available to help you achieve and maintain sobriety.

Non-12-Step Recovery Programs

There are various non-12-Step recovery programs available to those who feel they could benefit from a non-12-Step approach. A few of the more well-known programs include LifeRing Secular Recovery, Secular Organizations for Sobriety, SMART Recovery, and Women for Sobriety.

LifeRing Secular Recovery

LifeRing Secular Recovery is an anonymous, peer- and abstinence-based organization dedicated to providing a safe meeting space and non-judgmental recovery conversation.¹ The program offers support and encouragement for members through empowerment and sharing of experiences. Members discover which strategies work best for them and continue to develop and refine them throughout recovery.¹LifeRing uses the 3-S philosophy of Sobriety, Secularity, and Self-Help.

Secular Organizations for Sobriety

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is a nonprofit network of independent local groups that are dedicated to helping people achieve and maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol. The SOS program values ongoing scientific research on addiction and doesn’t subscribe to just one theory of addiction.²

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery (Self Management for Addiction Recovery) is a 4-point program that is focused on empowerment and reliance. The program evolves as addiction knowledge does, and it uses scientific and psychological research.³ SMART Recovery emphasizes a stigma-free and evidence-informed approach to overcoming addictive behaviors and leading a balanced life.³

Women for Sobriety

Women for Sobriety (WFS) is a nonprofit organization that helps women achieve sobriety through a 13-statement program focused on positivity and growth.⁴ WFS offers regional and online meetings that address the unique needs and challenges of women in recovery. The WFS New Life Program is “inclusive of all women, regardless of financial resources, race, religion, abilities, and backgrounds.”⁴

What’s the Difference Between 12 Step vs. Non-12-Step Programs?

12-Step programs (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Heroin Anonymous, etc.) tend to have a spiritual outlook on recovery. The 12 Steps list “God” as a higher power to help you achieve and maintain abstinence, and they follow a set of “traditions” that are outlined in the Big Book of AA.

In addition, 12-Step programs:

• Require that you to admit that you are powerless over your addiction. Alcoholics and addicts are seen as having no control over their use and will always be addicts whether they are sober or not.
• Operate on the basis that addicts have moral defects. These must be admitted and rectified in the recovery process.

Whereas, non-12-Step programs:

• Tend to revolve around the pursuit of knowledge and self-reliance. These programs foster empowerment through encouragement and education.
• May change their approach according to scientific research. Unlike 12-Step programs, which follow a consistent approach, non-12-Step programs are also constantly evolving to adapt to new addiction research.

Find Non-12 Step Meetings Near You

Regardless of the state you reside in, a non-12-Step program likely meets in your area. Meetings are often a component of rehab, but you can also find these gatherings by searching online or asking your doctor, counselor, or peer.

You can visit the following websites to find non-12-Step program meetings near you:

• LifeRing: Find a Meeting
• Secular Organizations for Sobriety: Find a Meeting
• SMART Recovery Meetings in Your Area
• Women for Sobriety: Meeting Finder

Are There Non-12-step Rehabs?

A number of non-12-Step drug and alcohol rehab facilities are available for those who aren’t partial to 12-Step recovery programs. These programs generally use a well-rounded and scientifically proven approach to recovery. They may use evidence-based addiction treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy or rational emotive behavioral therapy.

Many work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs. They may also incorporate holistic treatments such as yoga, exercise programs, nutrition plans, and massage.

Do Non-12-Step Addiction Recovery Programs Work?

Yes. Non-12-Step addiction recovery programs have helped countless people get sober and live a happy and healthy life. Many of them have a more secular approach compared to the spiritual philosophy of standard 12-Step programs. People who aren’t religious often find the secular approach to be more consistent with their beliefs.

Non-12-Step Support Programs for Family Members

SMART Recovery Family & Friends is designed to help those affected by the substance addiction of loved ones.⁵ Just as SMART Recovery uses research and empowerment for recovering addicts, the Family & Friends approach is science-based and uses tools from the CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) approach, created by Dr. Robert Meyers. Family & Friends has both in-person meetings and online support meetings.

Start Your Recovery

If you or someone you love is interested in joining a non-12-Step program or are already participating in one, you may also benefit from an addiction treatment program. Rehab can help people safely stop using drugs and alcohol and learn ways to maintain sobriety.

Depending on your unique needs and where you are in your recovery journey, you may enter different rehab levels of care, including medical detox, inpatient treatment, and/or outpatient treatment.

Learn More About 12-Step & Non-12-Step Recovery Programs

• Alternatives to Traditional 12-Step Programs
• Finding Recovery Programs and Support Groups
• Types of Treatment Programs
• Faith-Based Treatment Programs
• AA Big Book
• AA Promises
• AA Recovery Programs
• Frequently Asked Questions
• 12-Step Addiction Recovery Programs
• Step 1
• Step 2
• Step 3
• Step 4
• Step 5
• Step 6
• Step 7
• Step 8
• Step 9
• Step 10
• Step 11
• Step 12