Alcoholism, alcohol abuse, alcohol use disorder, alcohol misuse, alcohol dependence.
Whichever term you use, the bottom line is… if there is continued use despite adverse consequences, then it probably falls into the definition of addiction.
Whether you are a teen, young adult or older adult, these no-cost programs have shown proven track records for success in sobriety. Although different, what they all have in common are the flexible options for in-person meetings, online meetings, literature, resources, and events; engaging in the fundamental belief that community is the foundation for sobriety.
Some tried and true, proven programs for sobriety:
Alcoholics Anonymous www.aa.org
By far the most popular and prolific is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
The heart of AA is it’s 12-step program and sponsorships. The 12-steps are a set of guiding principles that provide a spiritual foundation for recovery. Members work through these steps which involve admitting powerlessness over alcohol, seeking a higher power for help, taking moral inventory, making amends, and helping others in recovery.
AA is a true fellowship with the foundation of attending meetings, working the steps and having a sponsor. Since 1935, year after year and all over the world, AA is a community of recovery through experience, strength and hope.
Under the 12-step, AA model there are subgroups:
- Alcoholics Anonymous: https://aa-intergroup.org/
- Narcotics Anonymous: https://virtual-na.org/meetings/
- Marijuana Anonymous: https://marijuana-anonymous.org/
- Cocaine Anonymous: https://ca.org/meetings/
SMART Recovery smartrecovery.org
SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. Also a global community, this approach emphasizes self-empowerment and self-reliance. Unlike the 12-steps, SMART Recovery does not use the concept of powerlessness or rely on spiritual elements. Instead, it promotes the idea that individuals have the power to change and control their behaviors through practical and evidence-based strategies.
The SMART Recovery program is based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Their basis is about four key pillars, called the “4-Point Program.”:
- 1. Building and maintaining motivation.
- 2. Coping with urges.
- 3. Managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
- 4. Living a balanced life.
Recovery Dharma https://recoverydharma.org
Recovery Dharma is a peer-led, grass-roots, democratically-structured organization. Our mission is to support individuals on their path of recovery from addiction using Buddhist practices and principles. Many of our clients have found Dharma Recovery to be incredibly helpful.
In the Rooms www.intherooms.com
Offers online meetings with specialized topics and multiple modalities, including 12 step, non-12 step, over all wellness and overall mental health.
LifeRing Recovery lifering.org
LifeRing is another secular, AA alternative. Its foundation is called a 3-S philosophy: Sobriety, Secularity and Self-Help.
Sobriety: Sobriety is encouraged and maintained by complete abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
Secularity: There are no spiritual or religious elements. LifeRing provides a supportive environment for individuals of all beliefs and non-beliefs.
Self-Help: The power is within each individual to take control of their recovery. Self-empowerment, personal responsibility and the use of one’s own resources in the journey to sobriety.
In comparison with AA, LifeRing believes individualized recovery plans are necessary and the responsibility is more about autonomy than community. LifeRing believes each member must create and control their own path through recovery.
Women for Sobriety womenforsobriety.org
Women for Sobriety (WFS), founded in 1976 provides an instant common ground to help women in their recovery. The founders noticed that men were were having more success in recovery than women.
Understanding the unique struggles for women has made this community a solid option for sobriety. WFS is guided by the New Life Program including the 13 Acceptance Statements. These acceptance statements reflect the principles of positivity, personal responsibility and empowerment.
WFS focuses on our thoughts and the power we have over them. “If we think it, we’ll do it”.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) www.sossobriety.org
Founded in 1985 and also known as Save Our Selves, SOS is a non-religious, secular approach to sobriety using meetings, mutual support, a handbook, self empowerment and abstinence.
Refuge Recovery www.refugerecovery.org
Refuge Recovery is a practice, a process, a set of tools and a path to healing addiction and the suffering caused by addiction and recognizes a non-theistic approach to spiritual practice. It is a systematic approach to recovering from all forms of addiction using the traditional buddhist practices of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Moderation Management (MM) moderation.org
Moderation Management (MM) believes in the management of drinking habits, rather than the abstinence. Unlike all other sobriety programs, MM focuses on the difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. They believe if you don’t fall within “alcohol dependence”, then it could be possible to safely use alcohol.
Founded in 1994, MM believes that early intervention is key to learning the moderation and management use of alcohol. They use a Steps of Change, 7-step program whereas members continually reflect on their relationship with alcohol. Completing the program includes 30 days of self-monitoring via a personal journal while noticing trigger patterns or repeated negative behaviors. This is preceded by 30 days of drinking abstinence, where each member continues to monitor their feelings. After 30 days, it is up to the member whether drinking should or should not continue for themselves.
Harm reduction, Abstinence, and Moderation Support. https://hams.cc
HAMS is a peer-led and free-of-charge support and informational group for anyone who wants to change their drinking habits for the better. They offer information and support via a chat room, an email group, and live meetings–as well as in the HAMS Book and the articles on this web site.
MARA International (Medication Assisted Recovery Anonymous) https://www.mara-international.org
Do you use prescribed medication to treat various drug and alcohol use disorders? Many people who do sometimes feel uncomfortable in their day to day lives and MARA assures that you will be welcomed.
Support, community, connection and structure are necessary components for recovery. I hope this list gives the right fit for your personality and needs.
To discuss other options such as residential type programs for recovery, contact us here for a complimentary discovery call with a Therapeutic Educational Consultant.
© Therapeutic Educational Consulting
Photo credit, Undrey
