There are many different types of addictions and different sorts of people struggling with it as well. Yet there seems to be very few choices for treatment outside of 12 step programs. Most sober living homes, treatment facilities and out-patient programs run 12 step based programs. While there is nothing wrong with 12 step programs, their success rate is way down in this generation, something around only 10 percent. I want to make it clear that I am not against 12 step programs. However, I firmly believe there are not only other methods of recovery, but some even more effective. It doesn’t seem as though the current generations are relating to this 100 year-old program. Since the genesis of AA, knowledge and experience has revealed a lot about the disorder of addiction and it seems at times that 12 step programs have a difficult time staying relevant. The fact is, not everyone relates to it and they often need something more intellectual and personal. The common criticisms I hear of meetings are that they are cult like and too generic, pushing the same agenda and program for everyone without any consideration to the personal nature of someone’s addiction, intellect or personality; as if treating a pot addiction is the same as treating a meth or heroin addiction. While some fundamentals remain the same, the principles are as different as the people dealing with the issue. A common experience is when an addict comes closer to committing to sobriety, they don’t feel AA/NA is right for them and they feel more hopeless as very few effective alternatives are available to them. The addict then resumes using, feeling alone, and we have to wait another period of time before they commit again. As a private counselor I teach customized strategies for individuals and families. I work one-on-one with them. I am frequently told after the first session that you learn more in my first 90-minute session than months in other programs. Knowledge is power and at the end of the first session clients are armed, for the first time, with the right understanding of how and why their addiction works and why they have failed in the past to quit. Supportive family members finally learn not only what is going on but what to do about it beyond the “kick ‘em out if they use” system. This problem needs fresh and versatile methods.
Scott Spackey is a state Registered Addiction Specialist, Counselor, Interventionist, Life-Coach, Hypnotherapist and Bio-Feedback Technician. For more information, please call 661-299-1966, email: Scott@Life-Mind.com and visit www.LIFE-MIND.com.