New Types of Recovery Support

I know that many of us in the addiction aftercare industry promote, and sometimes even require, that residents actively participate in the fellowship of 12 step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous.  There is certainly substantial evidence to support the efficacy of AA as it pertains to sobriety.  I have personally witnessed the miracles that alcoholics/addicts have experienced as a result of working the steps, and I wholeheartedly support the program as a method of recovery.  Brady’s Landing encourages participation in the program and regular attendance at meetings to ensure residents have proper exposure to a method of recovery that has worked for millions all across the globe.  However, it would be less than prudent to ignore the fact that, for a large number of individuals, AA is not the proverbial “last house on the block”.

Not all personality types thrive under the tenements of the program.  There are other means by which people can maintain sobriety and live happy, healthy, and meaningful lives.  For some, the decision not to drink can only come from within and they feel that the only entity that has the “power” to choose is themselves.  They prefer feeling empowered as opposed to “powerless.”  Whether it be through divine intervention and prayer or some other internal impetus – no one can make the decision for them.  And there is certainly data to support that when we make changes in order to please someone else (as opposed to ourselves) the result is often fleeting at best.  To make monumental and lasting change, it must be internally driven.  Without the internal compunction to stay sober, they feel that their sobriety is tenuous at best. 

Getting Addiction Aftercare Treatment is Most Important

To be fair, we can’t discount these and other similar opinions – nor can we try to force people to accept that there is only one way of obtaining sobriety.  Certainly, there are plenty of people in the world who achieved and maintain sobriety in other ways – which is proof enough that it is, in fact, possible.  What matters most however, is to help those in need – the ones who are still suffering from addiction, to find whatever method works for them.  In the addiction aftercare industry, it is not our job to force clients to accept only one method of obtaining sobriety.  Instead, we are to present all possible opportunities and methods by which our residents can find their way back to health and wholeness.