Let’s start off by saying that we acknowledge that 12-Step programs have been a blessing and a lifeline for millions of addicts around the world, and we would never seek to undermine or minimize the outstanding work they’ve done. But we also know that just as every individual is unique, every recovery is a unique journey, and the 12-Step model isn’t the ideal form of treatment for everyone. Today we’ll be taking a look at all of the 12-step alternatives available for those uncomfortable with aspects of the traditional 12-Step peer-support program.
SMART Recovery
We’ve already written a few articles exploring the SMART (self-management and recovery training) Recovery model. SMART Recovery relies on principles taken from Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A fundamental difference between SMART Recovery and the 12 Steps is that the former is based on scientific principles, while the latter relies on a spiritual foundation. In 12 Step programs, participants are encouraged to admit that they’re powerless in the face of addiction, and call on a higher power to grant them strength and motivation. SMART Recovery on the other hand makes a point of emphasizing internal control over the thoughts, patterns, and habits which would allow the participant to turn negative behaviors into positive ones. In SMART Recovery addiction is seen as a behavior rather than a disease, and addiction is believed to be curable: if you stop using, you’re no longer an addict.
SMART Recovery is already a fairly well-established 12-step alternative, with over 1500 regular meetings occurring all over the United States. It is also widely believed to be more welcoming for addicts using opioid replacement therapies or alternative methods of combating addiction such as ayahuasca or ibogaine. NA and other 12 Step programs generally discourage the continued use of these treatments.
Refuge Recovery
Refuge Recovery is similar to the 12-Steps in many ways, but it is based on Buddhist principles, rather than the theistic approach taken by AA and NA. It uses the eightfold path of Buddhism as a guide to both life and sobriety, preaching abstinence, mindfulness, and consciousness of the consequences of our actions, as they write:
We are asked to embrace the reality of cause and effect (karma). All of our actions have consequences. We know that, but we rarely consider this reality when we engage with life. We often simply ignore or pretend that we can get away with all types of habits and actions that we know cause harm to ourselves and to others. When we enter this recovery process we need to be aware of this reality and start to take responsibility for our experience. Meditation practice allows us to look at the internal habits and thoughts of our own minds. Developing mindfulness is the most effective way to see this process. We can begin to get a sense of our relationship to a pleasant and unpleasant experience, how this affects our habits of craving and in turn leads to grasping, clinging, and attachment: This process is the basis of addiction.
As with SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery de-emphasizes faith and belief in a higher power and places the locus of control within the individual. But like the 12-Step Model, it views recovery as a lifelong process that demands constant practice, work, and intention.
Ibogaine Recovery Movement
At Tabula Rasa Retreat, we have long offered online, professionally led, peer-support meetings for our clients to connect and draw strength from others who have undergone the unique and life-changing experience of ibogaine therapy. In all peer support programs, the benefit of sharing with someone who has undergone a similar experience is crucial to the therapy. Just as a heroin addict won’t have their needs met by a shopaholics support group, we felt that our clients would benefit greatly from connecting with others who had felt the powerful effects of ibogaine.
What began as a casual weekly meet-up has become a lifeline for many of our clients, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We noticed that the clients who attended our meetings were more likely to engage in other forms of aftercare and to maintain their recovery at a much higher rate than those who did not. We were so inspired by the response of our clients that we launched the Ibogaine Recovery Movement, which we plan to soon make available to anyone who has used ibogaine in the battle against addiction, whether they’ve attended Tabula Rasa Retreat or another treatment center. The power of simply talking with someone who has shared a life-changing experience is incredible, and we hope to allow all of those who’ve undergone ibogaine therapy to gain motivation, support, and strength from it. We dream of a day when IRM meetings occur in person.
Don’t Forget The 12-Steps
While there are alternatives out there, we should also remind you of the many advantages of the granddaddy of peer-support programs. First and foremost, there are more of them than any of the alternatives. This means that you can find a meeting when and where you need one, at virtually any time of day or night, almost anywhere in the world. You can choose between a variety of different meetings, allowing you to discover a group of people that you connect and feel comfortable with. And you can get specific about your addiction, finding one that focuses on a specific drug, habit, or age group.
We recommend that you try out all of the alternatives available, and choose the one that best meets your needs. Studies have demonstrated time and time again that active participation in a peer recovery group will dramatically increase your chances of success in the fight against addiction. If you’re looking to begin your battle with addiction today, or would like to try a free online counseling session, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Tabula Rasa Retreat today!
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530