12-Step Programs Are Not a Good Fit For Everyone
Imagine trying to navigate the day in ill-fitting shoes. No doubt feelings of annoyance and discomfort would accompany every single step, right? Now imagine how disheartening it would be if you have been led to believe that this is your only option for shoes in which to walk through life. Similarly, an addict in recovery who mistakenly thinks there are no alternatives to a traditional 12-step program may bristle at the thought of participating in such a program that isn’t a good fit for them.
While Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step recovery program is immensely popular globally, there are many in the recovery community that are not in sync with its message. Some may take offense to the core theme that declares the addict broken, powerless over the addiction, and dependent on God (or Higher Power) to put them back together via the steps. Some may take exception to the underlying 12-step principle that one is an addict for life. Others may simply not be comfortable sharing personal experiences in a group setting. Whatever the reason for the dissonance, the constructive solution to this dilemma is to find a 12-step alternative.
Holistic Addiction Treatment Programs
Fortunately, over the past couple of decades there has been an emergence of non-12-step recovery programs that offer more choices for addicts in recovery. Because 12-step alternatives are created in response to unmet needs in the recovery landscape, a variety of approaches within the non-12-step realm are now available. One such 12-step alternative is the increasingly popular holistic approach to addiction treatment.
Holistic recovery simply implies that all aspects of the individual’s being—the mind, body and spirit—are addressed during and after treatment. This approach places great emphasis on the addict in recovery getting in touch with their soul by engaging in therapeutic practices that enable self-discovery in tandem with psychotherapy sessions. Examples of these activities might include:
- Mindfulness training. Teaching individuals to be cognizant of the present by centering themselves and learn to decrease impulsive behavior.
- Relaxation techniques. Deep breathing exercises send a message to the brain to calm down and relax, reducing stress and tensions.
- Yoga. Helps individual get in tune with their thoughts, to relax body and muscles, and improve sleep quality.
- Meditation. Leads to increased self-awareness and a decrease in negative emotional responses to life’s stressors.
- Massage. Helps to reawaken the pleasure pathways lost to addiction, and promotes general healing and relaxation.
- Art and music therapy. Helps develop self-expression and focuses on the individual’s thoughts and emotions through the use of music or art media.
- Equine therapy. Caring for a horse, including grooming, feeding, and exercising the horse, helps cultivate a sense of purpose and compassion.
- Garden therapy. Promotes physical activity, relaxation, sensory stimulation, and social development through gardening activities.
Ranch Creek Recovery Offers Holistic 12-step Alternative
Offering an individualized treatment plan that aligns with a client’s personal belief systems and needs, Ranch Creek Recovery understands that not everyone will fit or adapt to the 12-step tradition. With a holistic approach as a 12-step alternative, RCR can create a therapeutic environment that promotes the healing of all facets of the individual in recovery.
Ranch Creek Recovery provides high-quality holistic care in a private, intimate setting located in the hills of Temecula, California. This beautiful and serene hillside location promotes relaxation and introspection so conducive to recovery from addiction. The highly trained staff will tailor a treatment plan to each client, with a mix of therapy and activities that will enhance recovery and healing. For more information about the program, please call us today at (877) 997-8931.
