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800-819-2978What to do When your 12 Step Program isn’t Working
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 12 step programs are one way to treat drug and alcohol addiction. It is important to remember that it is not the only way. Not all 12 step programs suit the needs of the individual. Some people have a hard time with many of their concepts. When your 12 step program isn’t working you have some options.
Talk to your Sponsor
Making contact with your sponsor can help you resolve some of your issues with the program, particularly if you do not understand the program. Most sponsors are knowledgeable about each of the steps and can give you the advice that you need.
Step Up your Meeting Schedule
Sometimes going to more meetings can help. There is no limit to the amount of meetings that you can attend. Sometimes extra meetings can help you reestablish yourself with sobriety and the 12 step program.
Change Meeting Groups
Attending more meetings may increase the program’s effectiveness.
Different meeting groups are run by different people, they also sometimes contain different people in the meeting. Each group is separate from the others so you might have better luck in a different group. Just because one 12 step meeting group does not work does not mean that another will fail as well. Many people who switch groups find that the other group works very well for them.
Contact your Support Structure
Contacting your support structure is a great way to help you decide what to do if a 12 step program isn’t working. They can help you find a new option.
Attend More Meetings
Although it might not seem like it but sometimes when a 12 step program is not working, it is due to not participating enough. Attending more meetings as well as different meetings might help you understand the program better. Most people find that attending as many meetings as they can in the first few months of treatment helps them maintain sobriety.
Consider Outpatient Treatment
There are other treatment options aside from 12 step programs. Outpatient treatment is similar to 12 step programs in that you remain at home while receiving treatment for your addiction. You go to individualized counseling and group counseling as well as medication for your withdrawal during outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment gives you the opportunity to try different methods until you find one that works.
Consider Inpatient Treatment
If the 12 step treatment is not working then it might be time to try an inpatient treatment program. Inpatient treatment is residential treatment. You stay at the facility while your receive treatment services such as counseling, medical attention, and even 12 step meetings if you want them. There are many types of inpatient programs to choose from and many of them work with 12 step programs rather than against them.
Find a Treatment Center
In order to find a treatment center that works for you whether it is a 12 step program or not, all you have to do is call 1-800-895-1695. We can help you locate the treatment you need.