Alternatives to AA/12 Step Programs

No matter where you are in your recovery, you have no doubt heard about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step based sober support groups. For well over seven decades, AA and other 12-step based groups have been the benchmark for addiction recovery in the United States.

In his seminal book, Resisting 12-Step Coercion – How to Fight Forced Participation in AA, NA or 12-Step Treatment, Dr Peele explores why 12 step programs such as the AA don’t work are often ineffective. Proponents of the AA would have us believe that that addiction is a chronic disease. For more on our take on why treating addiction as a disease isn’t helpful and may even be harmful (the dark side of AA).

Peer recovery groups such as AA have helped millions of addicts finding lifelong recovery and the 12-Step philosophy is a staple of countless drug treatment programs and rehab facilities. However, many who are seeking freedom from their addiction will not attend AA meetings.

Why Do People Turn Away From AA?

There are several reasons why AA may not be the best fit. For some, they may not like being labelled an addict or alcoholic. Others may reject the strong spiritual foundation on which 12-step groups where created. And there are others who may reject the premise of powerlessness in their alcohol addiction. Despite their best intentions, many people find that AA’s role in society is more negative than positive.

In reality, recovery from substance abuse isn’t a “one size fits all” approach. While the AA philosophy has dominated the recovery landscape and the way we may look at getting sober as a whole, there has been a growing movement spearheaded by recovery groups that are providing an alternative to AA and the 12-Step approach.

Has the 12-steps approach failed to help you?

People don’t WANT to feel powerless.

Many don’t seek a higher power

And, for many, “confessing” their addiction “sins” in public just doesn’t seem helpful.

The Life Process Program doesn’t begin with the idea that you are powerless.  It doesn’t require you to turn your life over to anything or anyone else. In fact, we are not even comfortable with the ‘addict’ label – you are so much more than your relationship with alcohol.

Instead, the Life Process Program works from where you’re at – including what you value most, what your strengths are, what your particular problem is – to allow you to rearrange your life to live without addiction. This online program has been designed to provide alternatives to 12 steps approach.

If you are searching for alternatives to AA, the following articles may be of interest:

• Are there any resources for people recovering from AA?
• AA’s role in society – More negative than positive?
• Does AA cause suicides?
• Is AA protected like a religious confessional?
• Can you help me escape from the 12-step NA world, in which I grew up?
• Can an alcoholic become a social drinker? My experience with the AA and 12 Steps
• I Grew Out of AA – One Woman’s Story of Leaving AA
• I quit AA because of you and I’m drowning – Please HELP!
• Please write if you left AA
• Can I erase my alcoholism treatment before entering med school?
• The AA Member Who Drinks
• Is moderate drinking after AA a possibility?
• I am not an alcoholic!
• Can I argue against AA in my philosophy debate?
• My mom’s therapist is brainwashing her into AA
• How can I recapture social drinking?
• The Dark Side of AA
• Why 12 Step Programs Don’t Work | Alternatives to 12 Steps
• Alcoholics Anonymous Criticism
• Is a 12 Step Program Right For Me
• Lost and Miserable After Attending Alcoholics Anonymous
• Is Motivational Interviewing an effective addiction treatment?
• My abusive experience with AA – a personal story
• Why Treating Addiction as a Disease Isn’t Helpful
• Ditching the “Addict” Barcode: The LPP way
• Forced into AA?
• Transitioning from AA to Real Life
• AA ruined my life!

Dr. Stanton Peele, recognized as one of the world's leading addiction experts, developed the Life Process Program after decades of research, writing, and treatment about and for people with addictions. Dr. Peele is the author of 14 books. His work has been published in leading professional journals and popular publications around the globe.