Why Alcoholics Anonymous May Not Work for Everyone: Exploring Alternative Paths to Recovery

I want to preface this article by saying that I believe that everyone who struggles with substance abuse and decides to get sober may take a different path to sobriety. For some people this may be something they can do cold turkey, although it is rare, it does occur. For others, they may need Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Celebrate Recovery or Alcoholics Anonymous, or another type of 12 step-meeting

I am not writing the following to disparage the 12-step model. It is effective for many people worldwide, who are working on getting sober and staying sober. It is also a model that naturally integrates a support system through its design. Support from peers or others, in general, is an important piece of recovery and this is one of the reasons why AA is so successful in helping people get sober and stay sober.

When I was on my own personal journey to recovery I had mixed feelings about 12-step groups because I knew they worked for people and some of the meetings had a lifelong positive impact on me. However, I was not all that interested in working the steps or finding a sponsor. I also admit that I wasn’t serious about sobriety until at least 10 years after treatment and all of the meetings I had attended, so maybe that played a role in my attitude about them.

I did eventually find my way and while I have mostly remained sober over the years, it was the harm-reduction model that worked for me. I did relapse every so often, but instead of focusing on that choice, I would recover quickly and keep going forward. Instead of focusing on the clean time I “threw away” by using and having to “start over” I would focus on just the starting over part.

My relapses became further and further apart until eventually, I couldn’t even remember the last time I had relapsed. Personally, I would not have had success with the 12-step model because while I am in “recovery” I don’t identify myself by saying, “Hi I am Jamie and I am an addict.” I choose to consider myself a former addict who is currently in recovery.

For me, it was about how my words impacted my mindset. If I walk around saying I am an addict in the present tense I likely would not consistently stay sober. It is unfortunately a self-defeating thought I would struggle with. identifying as someone who used to be an addict, I keep it in the past. I don’t forget that I still have to work on myself and maintain my sobriety either. With all of that being said, today I am going to explore some of the reasons why AA or 12-step programs may not work for everyone who needs substance abuse treatment.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been around for decades and is respected as an effective treatment for those suffering from alcohol addiction. However, there are many individuals who do not benefit from AA’s methods of treatment, making it clear that it doesn’t work for everyone. There are several reasons why AA may not work for every person.

First, the principles of AA work to achieve recovery through a shared sense of community, support, and understanding. The principles of AA are based on the idea that addiction is a disease that can be overcome through mutual support and a sense of community. Members are encouraged to rely on each other and share their experiences, strengths, and hopes in order to stay focused and motivated in their recovery.

However, not everyone may feel comfortable with the idea of relying on others for support. Some people may have had negative experiences in group settings, or they may be more independent and prefer to rely on themselves rather than others. This can make it difficult for them to fully participate in the AA program and benefit from its support system.

Second, the methods used in AA, while they have been successful for many, may not be a good fit for everyone. The 12-step program might be too restrictive or difficult to follow, while others may be uncomfortable with the religious context of the program.

While AA describes itself as a secular program, some people may not view it as such because of its emphasis on spirituality and reliance on a higher power. The 12 steps refer to a higher power, which is often interpreted as God or a higher spiritual force. This emphasis on spirituality can be difficult for some people who do not identify with a religious tradition or who are not comfortable with the concept of a higher power.

Additionally, some people may perceive AA as being non-secular because of the common practice of reciting the Serenity Prayer or the Lord’s Prayer during meetings. While these prayers are not required as part of the AA program, they are often used as a way of invoking a higher power and can potentially make some people feel uncomfortable.

Third, many individuals who struggle with alcohol addiction are also fighting underlying issues that require different forms of therapy and treatment. An AA meeting may not meet all their needs, making it difficult for them to truly make progress and get the help they need.

Alcohol addiction is often a symptom of underlying issues, such as trauma, depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. While AA can provide a supportive community and a structured approach to recovery, it may not address all of these underlying issues, which can be complex and require different forms of therapy and treatment.

For example, someone who has experienced trauma may benefit from trauma-focused therapy, which can help them process their experiences and develop coping strategies to manage the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Similarly, someone with depression may need medication or cognitive-behavioral therapy to address their symptoms and improve their mental health.

While AA can be a helpful addition to these treatments, it may not be sufficient on its own to address these underlying issues. In some cases, individuals may need to work with a therapist or counselor who specializes in treating addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders to fully address their needs.

Additionally, some people may not be comfortable with the spiritual or religious aspects of AA and may prefer a more secular approach to recovery. For these individuals, there are other mutual aid programs, such as SMART Recovery or Refuge Recovery, that offer a non-spiritual approach to recovery and may better meet their needs.

Ultimately, the most effective approach to treating alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental health issues will depend on the individual and their unique needs and circumstances. It is important for individuals to explore all their options and work with a qualified healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses all aspects of their health and well-being.

Finally, there may be various cultural, financial, or political issues that prevent individuals from engaging fully in AA. These barriers can limit access to resources, which are important in creating an effective recovery plan.

These barriers can include:

Cultural barriers: Different cultural beliefs and practices may affect an individual’s willingness to participate in AA. For example, some cultures may stigmatize addiction and mental health issues, making it difficult for individuals to seek help or participate in group settings.

Financial barriers: The cost of attending AA meetings or participating in other recovery programs, along with mental health programs can be a significant barrier for many individuals, especially those who lack health insurance or have limited financial resources. This can limit access to resources that are important in creating an effective recovery plan, such as counseling, medication, or other support services.

Political barriers: Political factors, such as laws and policies that criminalize addiction or limit access to treatment, can create barriers that prevent individuals from fully engaging in AA and accessing the resources they need to recover. For example, individuals who have been incarcerated for drug-related offenses may face additional challenges in accessing treatment and resources.

These barriers can limit an individual’s ability to fully engage in AA and access the resources that are necessary for their recovery. To address these barriers, it is important for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to work together to create more inclusive and accessible recovery programs and resources that meet the diverse needs of all individuals seeking help for addiction. This may involve addressing cultural biases, increasing access to affordable healthcare and support services, and advocating for policies that promote addiction treatment and recovery.

NOTE FOR THOSE CONSIDERING 12-STEP PROGRAMS:

• Though AA works for many, it is clear that it does not work for everyone. If you feel that AA is not the right approach for you, speak with a mental health professional to discuss different treatment options. There are many other treatment methods, both in-person and online, that can help you make progress toward your recovery.

Here are five resources for mental health and addiction treatment:

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is a non-profit organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Their website offers resources for finding mental health treatment, support groups, and educational programs in your local area. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached at 1–800–950–6264 or by visiting their website at www.nami.org.
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA is a government agency that offers resources for individuals and families affected by substance abuse and mental health issues. Their website offers a treatment locator tool to help individuals find local treatment programs for substance abuse and mental health. SAMHSA also offers a national helpline for individuals seeking substance abuse and mental health treatment at 1–800–662-HELP (4357) or by visiting their website at www.samhsa.gov.
3. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): AA is a non-profit organization that offers support and resources for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. Their website offers information on local AA meetings, online resources, and resources for finding a sponsor. AA can be reached at 1–212–870–3400 or by visiting their website at www.aa.org.
4. Narcotics Anonymous (NA): NA is a non-profit organization that offers support and resources for individuals struggling with drug addiction. Their website offers information on local NA meetings, online resources, and resources for finding a sponsor. NA can be reached at 1–818–773–9999 or by visiting their website at www.na.org.
5. Psychology Today: Psychology Today is an online resource that provides information on mental health treatment, including a directory of mental health professionals and treatment programs. Their website allows individuals to search for therapists, psychiatrists, and treatment programs by location, specialty, and insurance. Visit their website at www.psychologytoday.com.

About the author:

Jamie is a former addiction counselor who now writes fiction about substance abuse and mental health issues. She has authored two short novels in her Memoirs of a Black Sheep series and a series she co-authors, The Borderline Chronicles, on Amazon Kindle Vella. Jamie has also formed her own small publishing company, Flawed By Design Publishing LLC, where she produces her published works and offers other writing and media services.

Flawed by Design is a woman-owned, veteran-owned business for those who seek a writing coach, editor, or proofreader.