12 Steps or Standard Treatment: What’s the Difference?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are many different forms of treatment. Since each addiction is different, various forms of treatment are necessary. Each person has his or her own needs and desires. What works for one person might not work for another. Two of the most popular types of treatment are 12 step treatment and standard treatment programs. Although they are both effective forms of treatment, there are some key differences that you should know about before choosing between the two.

What does a 12 Step Program Consist of?

A 12 step program is a community supported program that offers help to any who wish to quit their addiction completely. The only requirement of a 12 step program is that you remain sober or away from the addictive behavior you want to correct.

The 12 step model encourages prayer and meditation.

12 step programs consist of meetings with your fellow addicts. During these meetings stories, wisdom, and other helpful things are shared among the members. The reason why they are called 12 step programs is because they are based off 12 steps for recovery. These twelve steps are:

1. You cannot do it alone
2. Belief in a higher power can help
3. You have to allow the higher power to help you
4. Examine yourself, your strengths and your weaknesses
5. Admit to the higher power, yourself and one other person
6. Prepare yourself to change what you did wrong
7. Ask the higher power for help in doing this
8. Be willing to accept change and help
9. Make amends to those that have wronged you
10. Take a daily inventory of yourself
11. Meditate and pray to the higher power for continued support
12. Help others onto the path of recovery

These basic principles are what guide the 12 steps. The meetings provide a support structure and peer help while you overcome your addiction.

Standard Addiction Treatment

Standard addiction treatment revolves around medical treatment, peer support, and counseling.

• Medical treatment – doctors treat addiction as an illness. If there is a medication replacement for your addiction then they provide it. If there is anything that makes your symptoms more comfortable, they will also provide that.
• Group counseling – group counseling helps an addict develop a support structure. The support structure is very important when trying to overcome and addiction and one of the things that 12 step programs and standard treatment have in common.
• Individual counseling – one on one counseling helps you to discover cause of the addiction. Through this, you can treat the cause of the addiction and be free of it once and for all.

Through each of these methods, you gradually discover the cause of the addiction and treat it.

How 12 Step Programs and Rehab Work Together and How You can Maximize your Treatment Benefits

12 Step treatment and standard treatment types do not have to be mutually exclusive. Some rehab centers offer both types of treatment for almost all addiction types. For more information on the different addiction treatment types or to find one that suits you call us at 1-800-895-1695. We can help you find the treatment you need.