In today’s world, many people confuse the two, often shown interchangeably. However, there are countless differences between addiction treatment and 12-step programs.
While it’s undoubtedly a fact that treatment and twelve-step recovery go hand-in-hand, they’re not the same thing. Generally, twelve-step groups offer a way to arrest and treat addiction and are often the post-addiction treatment plan for long-term recovery. However, most addicts admit to drug rehab before committing to 12-step programming long-term.
Both rehab and twelve-step recovery are vital parts of long-term sobriety from addiction and unhealthy behavior, but they have significant differences.
Addiction Treatment Is Evidence-Based
Drug rehab using evidence-based modalities is probably the most significant difference between addiction treatment and 12-step programs. Additionally, most drug rehab centers offer evidence-based treatment plans that can even be covered by health insurance.
Addiction treatment needs to be custom, and most treatment centers offer a wide range of options, for example:
- Group therapy
- Medical detox
- Outpatient programs
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Inpatient programs
- Dual-diagnosis programs
- Medication-assisted programs
At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs that cater to the unique needs of individuals.
12-Step Programs Are Fellowships
In reality, 12-step programs are not the creation of science. While research proves these programs help people maintain sobriety, they don’t have medical supervision.
Most 12-step programs like AA and NA are fellowships of people meeting together with a common problem. The program itself is the 12-steps; however, people can attend meetings without following the steps. Generally, these meetings are voluntary and donation-based. The purpose of these meetings is to find support in recovery. However, there are no therapists, medical experts, or addiction specialists guiding these meetings.
Differences Between Treatment and 12-Step Programs
The differences between addiction treatment and 12-step programs are apparent. In most cases, someone with an acute substance use disorder first seeks addiction treatment. Following drug rehabilitation, addicts enter 12-step programs as an aftercare treatment plan that can help them build their confidence and continue their recovery path.
Addiction Treatment
- Addiction treatments take place at professional facilities.
- Drug treatment often has a time limit and is paid service.
- Treatment involves various modalities and can take place in different settings
- Drug rehab uses evidence-based treatments performed by therapists and clinicians.
- Most addiction treatment centers offer different levels of care.
12-Step Programs
- 12-step meetings take place at regular facilities or churches.
- Most programs rely on spiritual principles to encourage recovery and sobriety.
- 12-step programs are donation-based.
- There are no licensed therapists or clinicians that lead AA or NA meetings.
- There’s only one program being followed by everyone present.
How to Know Which One to Choose?
When it comes to choosing between addiction treatment and 12-step programs, the truth is you need both. Anyone struggling with substance abuse should seek professional help. Addiction treatment centers can also diagnose, treat, and change the course of action if required—something 12-step programs can’t provide.
Most treatment plans even incorporate the 12-step programs and can certainly work together. The initial step to finding recovery is to seek drug rehab at a treatment center. Here, patients often undergo a medical detox with the help of medication-assisted therapy to ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent life-threatening consequences of stopping substance abuse. Then, patients move either to an inpatient or outpatient plan that incorporates various treatments to address the underlying causes of their addiction.
Eventually, once patients find themselves on a solid path to recovery, most treatment centers recommend 12-step programs as a form of long-term care. Most AA and AN meetings offer a sense of fellowship and companionship that can help recovering addicts feel a sense of hope and determination. Generally, the purpose of these meetings is to prevent relapse after treatment.
Find the Help You Need Today
Stop waiting to choose between addiction treatment and 12-step programs and seek help today. If you or someone you love is struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, contact an addiction treatment center near you to learn more about their programs. Our addiction specialists at Lighthouse Recovery Institute can help you find the right treatment plan to help you achieve sobriety. Together, we can help you see life after addiction.
