Finding help for addiction can be a challenging journey, but it’s an essential step towards reclaiming your life. Traditional programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) have long been a cornerstone of different approaches to recovery for those who struggle with substance use. But therapy also plays a critical role in supporting these traditional programs.
No matter what your history is, we understand that everyone’s path to recovery is a unique experience, so we’re here to support you and walk you through your options if you’re not sure that a traditional program like AA is the right move for you.
What’s the difference between addiction recovery programs like AA and group therapy?
While most people have heard of AA, you may not know what these addiction recovery programs actually involve. A traditional program is typically based on a 12-step structure, incorporating group meetings and the shared experiences of participants.
The goal of a 12-step program is to provide attendees with a sense of community and support from other individuals who have been in their shoes and understand the struggles of addiction firsthand. This can be thought of more like a support or fellowship group, as these programs are typically led by a peer rather than a therapist.
Group therapy, although a similar setup when it comes to providing a supportive community, is facilitated by a licensed and trained therapist. They’ll guide discussions and provide insights into behavioral patterns that lead to addiction, along with offering support and guidance for coping strategies. These sessions also come with a fee, whereas programs like AA and NA are often free and hosted locally in the community.
Traditional programs like AA usually only meet once a week, while groups may meet as frequently as two or three times a week, depending on the individual needs of those within the group. This is also often part of a wider recovery plan, where individuals meet one-on-one with a therapist between group sessions.
One of the biggest differences between AA or NA and group therapy is the focus of the sessions. Group therapy is primarily an opportunity for individuals to explore and discuss the underlying issues that contribute to their substance use disorder, such as a traumatic experience, mental health disorders that they’re currently experiencing, or previous attempts at recovery through unhealthy coping techniques.
Within the group setting, members are encouraged to both share their experiences and provide support and advice to other members of the group, while being guided by a trained therapist. AA and NA meetings are traditionally the opposite of this—members aren’t giving advice to each other, and are instead simply sharing their own backgrounds in an empathetic way.
Traditional programs are also more focused on maintaining sobriety through following each of the 12 steps laid out in the program. While group therapy dives deeper into the psychological aspects of addiction and root causes of substance use, traditional programs are primarily tasked with helping those attending sessions with staying on course throughout their recovery.
What is a 12-step program?
The core of programs like AA and NA is their 12-step approach to sobriety. This was originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous but has since been adapted into other substance use disorder recovery programs.
These steps are a structured framework for individuals to acknowledge their addiction, seek support from their community, and take responsibility for their actions through self-reflection and personal growth.
As outlined in 1938 by AA, the 12 steps to recovery are:
Admitting powerlessness over the addiction
Believing that a higher power (in whatever form) can help
Deciding to turn control over to the higher power
Taking a personal inventory
Admitting to the higher power, oneself, and another person the wrongs done
Being ready to have the higher power correct any shortcomings in one’s character
Asking the higher power to remove those shortcomings
Making a list of wrongs done to others and being willing to make amends for those wrongs
Contacting those who have been hurt, unless doing so would harm the person
Continuing to take personal inventory and admitting when one is wrong
Seeking enlightenment and connection with the higher power via prayer and meditation
Carrying the message of the 12 Steps to others in need
This approach to recovery has helped millions of people worldwide to achieve sobriety, along with recovering from other behavioral addictions like gambling.
It’s important to acknowledge that this approach may not be right for everyone and need alternatives to an AA 12-step program instead. Some people don’t resonate with the more spiritual aspects of 12-step programs, while others may need the more individualized approach of one-on-one therapy instead or as a supplementary support to group therapy.
Where do alternatives to AA fit in?
For those looking for alternatives to AA meetings or traditional 12-step programs, there are plenty of options available that fit around your individual needs or preferences for recovery and treatment. These approaches offer alternative support structures and philosophies that may better align with your beliefs or personal practices.
One-on-One Counseling
Individual therapy or counseling can be highly beneficial when you’re still at the start of your recovery journey. Although there are certainly benefits to traditional 12-step programs, these are more focused on peer support, while therapy takes a more comprehensive approach to your overall life and recovery.
One-on-one therapy is a safe and confidential place for you to explore your thoughts and feelings around your substance use. With this personalized approach, you can work with a trained therapist who specializes in your type of addiction. They’ll work with you to explore the underlying causes of your substance use or addiction, and develop coping strategies that work long term.
They can also help you address any ongoing mental health challenges you may be facing, allowing you the opportunity to rebuild your life holistically in a way that supports lifelong recovery.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is also an excellent alternative to AA that can form part of your overall recovery plan, alongside individual counseling. For those looking for a long term, 3-to-5 year investment, group therapy could be the right solution. The clinical team you work with during this time will provide numerous opportunities to check in with you and the rest of your group.
Much like a 12-step program, you’ll have peer support throughout your group therapy, providing you with a sense of validation and support from those going through a similar experience. But the interpersonal feedback and advice from different perspectives that you can receive in groups, unlike traditional programs, can be a significant positive to choosing an approach like this.
As a group, you’ll work with the leading therapist to map out goals, track your progress, and celebrate the successes of both you and other individuals in the group. Groups are also a good way to seek organized, therapist-led support more affordably than individual therapy, while still benefiting from the community support aspect that a traditional program offers.
Find group therapy support in your community
Although 12-step programs can be highly successful when you’re looking for an effective approach to recovery, it’s vital that you don’t underestimate the role that group therapy can play too. By addressing the psychological, emotional, and behavioral aspects of your substance use, you can take positive steps towards long term recovery and sobriety.
At Integrative Counseling Services, we offer both group and individual therapy in a welcoming and supportive environment, with a dedicated team of professionals who are there to support you. Schedule your first appointment today to start your treatment assessment and, from there, we’ll work together to create a care pathway for your journey to recovery.