Do I Have to Go to AA?

February 28, 2017Life in Recovery 1 CommentsTyler Collins

Many alcoholics in recovery have benefited by going to Alcoholics Anonymous, known as AA. Following their 12-Step program and receiving support from peers has been pivotal for many people to stay sober. We are all different, however, and one size doesn’t necessarily fit all, and I was one of the people it didn’t fit.

Fortunately, other programs have sprung up over the years that have been just as helpful, and I found a program that works for me. Some are 12-step programs and others are entirely different. It’s up to you to find the program that is right for you.

If Not AA, then What?

While AA is the gold standard, there are several other, longstanding, national, abstinence-based groups that have been equally effective for many people. Here are some of them:

• Women For Sobriety (WFS) – This group was founded in the 1970s by a woman named Jean Kirkpatrick. Ms. Kirkpatrick has a doctorate in sociology and overcame her own severe alcohol problem by devising this program. Her philosophy is that women who are alcoholics require different approaches than men. It is designed to bolster women’s self-esteem and works from a position of empowerment. Its focus is on replacing negative, self-destructive thoughts with positive, self-affirming ones, and it uses 13 affirmations that focus on a number of things from self-worth to emotional, spiritual, and physical growth. I found this to be the best fit for me.
• Celebrate Recovery – While this program does incorporate the 12 steps in some fashion, it is still a separate program from AA. Its steps are designed for all types of addictive behaviors, and they aim to eliminate habits, hang-ups, and hurts that lead to addiction. It has eight recovery principles that are based on the Bible’s beatitudes. Each one is translated into a step for recovery. Their step one is similar to AA’s, but with a Bible quote added afterward.
• Secular Organizations for Sobriety, (SOS) – This program was founded in the 1980s by James Christopher. After trying AA, he was uncomfortable with the idea of a higher power so he built his program around self reliance and personal responsibility. The program advocates handling problem drinking as a separate issue from any spiritual or religious beliefs. While it has no structured program, it works from the principal of what Mr. Christopher calls the “sobriety priority”, which operates from the standpoint of when using, alcohol or drugs become our main focus. When sobriety becomes your priority, you agree to not use, no matter what.

What About the 12-Step Programs?

The 12-step programs have their merits and have helped millions of people stay sober. Attending a 12-step meeting is one of the most amazing experiences one can have. You will see more courage, honesty, and support there than most other places.

There are two important reasons why 12-step programs are so successful. First, they are very effective for most people. Second, they are free and available everywhere. Almost every city in the country has a 12-step group. Other merits include:

• You decide if you have an addiction.
• You meet people who are experiencing the same thing.
• You see people who have recovered.
• You learn how other people have stayed sober.
• There is no judgement.
• You are reminded of the consequences of using.

At the end of the day, we all have a greater chance of recovery if we are offered different choices. My advice is to be open to any and all recovery experiences. Try them on and see which one fits.

If you or a loved one is suffering from any substance addiction, please call us at Lighthouse Treatment Center today. We are happy to provide a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced treatment advisors. Contact us today to discuss your situation in confidence – we are here to help.