Alternative Approaches to Drug and Alcohol Treatment

While the twelve-step approach is still the primary mode of drug and alcohol treatment, as it has been for many years, alternative methods have been gaining ground. For example, some people reject the concept that addiction is an incurable disease, believing instead that it results from poor choices they have made and behaviors that they can modify. Self-help groups are available for those who hold these beliefs.

There are two groups that have issues with the religious aspect of twelve-step programs: those who want more of it, and those who want less. Many devout Christians fell that the twelve-step reliance on a Higher Power is too vague. They can turn to faith-based groups for treatment that relies on a personal relationship with Jesus as a source of strength. Atheists and agnostics, on the other hand, may be uncomfortable with the pervasive spirituality of the twelve steps. A psychological or medical model may suit them better.

 Holistic Drug and Alcohol Treatment

Holistic drug and alcohol treatment is a fast-growing option to the twelve-step protocol. Practitioners of holistic medicine believe in an approach that integrates the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the individual. They feel that making the whole body healthier, rather than focusing entirely on specific symptoms or disorders, is a more effective means of healing. Holistic drug and alcohol treatment uses a variety of methods in addition to talk therapy. These may include meditation, self-hypnosis, biofeedback, yoga, nutritional counseling, massage, behavior modification and more.

At SoberRecovery.com, we have compiled a list of resources to serve all those who seek help for addictions, no matter what approach they prefer. You can use the filters on our home page to seek out treatment centers that focus on medical, psychological, holistic, self-help and faith-based approaches, as well as the many twelve-step programs available.

For those suffering from all levels of substance abuse problems including alcoholism and drug addiction, it seems that the only help available are programs based on the notion that people struggling with these problems have a disease. Regardless of whether you research the plethora of 12 step based programs throughout the country and the world, or you have found some of the new age non 12 step based programs, all of these programs’ methods are structured around the erroneous notion that at some point in time people lose the power of choice. Whether they call it disease or a “choice-based dependency” each of these terms clearly states that the individual cannot change on their own without the help of their program.

Whether they are based on the 12 steps, religion or are holistic in nature; whether they call addiction and alcoholism diseases or dependencies; whether they employ a medical staff, addiction professionals or recovered addicts, all of these programs have something in common: their primary objective is to force change upon individuals while at the same time telling them that they cannot change on their own. We call this the control model. Individuals are made dependent upon a program, addiction professionals and groups for their sobriety. They are told how to think, what to think, what to feel and how they should behave. They are told to fear their own thoughts, their feelings and intuition. And subsequently when they leave these programs, the vast majority of people fail within days, weeks or months. Thankfully there is one organization that provides a true drug rehab and alcohol rehab Alternative and that is the St. Jude Retreats. The world renowned Jude Thaddeus Program offered exclusively at the St. Jude Retreats has helped thousands of people to leave the substance abusing lifestyle behind them forever. At the St. Jude Retreats individuals are provided with the education, inspiration and motivation to build the life of their choosing. They are guided on the path to true freedom.
The St. Jude Retreats offers a solution for anyone seeking to take control of their life, and build the life of their dreams. Finally there is a true alternative to drug rehab; the Jude Thaddeus Program offered exclusively at the St. Jude Retreats. A permanent solution to substance abuse, addiction and alcoholism is just one call away. Call 1-888-424-2626 now to speak with a family consultant or visit www.soberforever.org to learn more about the life-changing Jude Thaddeus Program and the St. Jude Retreats.

Regardless of Where You’re Located, Substance Abusers Throughout the Country Have Options When it Comes to Treatment

Be it alcohol, cocaine, crack, heroine, methamphetamines, or marijuana addiction or problem, or be it Texas, California, Nova Scotia, Michigan, or Florida, a drug and alcohol treatment center will help an addict get sober and stay sober.  Methods and treatments include individual and group counseling, as well as changing social activities in daily life and learning to change behaviors that enabled the individual to abuse substances.

Many drug and alcohol treatment centers will include counseling and/or group discussions to share experiences and empathize with peers, as this can be highly effective toward successful drug and alcohol treatment.

At a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, the Goal is to Change Behaviors for Lifelong Sobriety

The goal at these centers is for an individual to be able to return to their daily life and work, knowing that although the temptation to abuse drugs was prevalent at one point in time, it will not control the decisions that individual makes.  The methods that trained staff at drug and alcohol treatment centers employ will ensure that individuals learn to live their lives without the need – perceived or not – for the drugs to which they were once addicted.

Resources to locate drug and alcohol treatment facilities are available at SoberRecovery.com.  These facilities employ licensed, educated and experienced counselors, care givers, and others whose sole goal it is to provide care and support to recovering addicts. 

For more information on drug and alcohol treatment or to find a treatment facility near you, please visit SoberRecovery.com, now in its 8th year of helping addicts, alcoholics, dual diagnosed, and their friends, family, and loved ones find hope and help.