For individuals struggling with an alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction, perhaps the most well-known form of treatment is Alcoholic Anonymous or AA. Even those who aren’t familiar with alcohol abuse or addiction have likely heard of the program. While AA is a popular option, many may find themselves asking how does AA work? Fortunately, Gulf Breeze Recovery can guide those looking for answers through the process and offer explanations for why AA doesn’t work for everyone. Our team of experienced and compassionate counselors and therapists can help those struggling with alcohol use disorder learn their options and find the addiction treatment that works best for them.
What Do You Do If AA Isn’t Right for You?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was, for a long time, the only game in town for substance abuse treatment. Part of its popularity and ubiquity is that it is a program that has been around for the longest time. Those who have found the support they needed in AA often become fierce advocates for it to help others.
Founded in 1935, it is still the best-known treatment option, and for many, it is synonymous with rehabilitation. It helped many people, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Luckily, there are alternatives available for those for whom AA doesn’t work. So then, why does AA work for some people and not others?
People have different beliefs and different needs, and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) just doesn’t fit everyone. Some people love the camaraderie that AA offers and believe that their long-term sobriety depends on going to AA meetings for the rest of their life. Other people find AA meetings depressing or monotonous, and the thought of having to go to meetings forever is horrifying.
Some people believe, and AA teaches, that addiction is a disease that is not curable. Other people believe and hope that their addiction is not only treatable but curable. For those people, the thought of having to identify with their addiction by forever saying, “I’m Mary and I’m an alcoholic,” or “I’m Seth, and I’m an addict,” even after years of sobriety doesn’t ring true. If this is the case for yourself or someone you care about, then it’s time to look into other options.
How Holistic Treatment May Be the Answer
The main goal for anyone with addiction is to become free of their addiction and live a good and happy life. To occur, they need to find the treatment option that works best for them, which fits their belief system. Fortunately, AA is not the only solution. Some of those struggling with alcohol addiction may respond best to a holistic treatment program. This approach looks to treat the mind, body, and spirit of the individual. It focuses on identifying and addressing the mental aspects of addiction and the physical withdrawal symptoms together. At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we view that the whole person must heal to achieve wellness and lasting sobriety.
Using multiple approaches, the overall health of the individual is the focus. Typically, medical detox is the first step. The intensity of withdrawal symptoms can put people under severe strain. This can cause other complications to arise. With medical supervision and monitoring, the process is made more comfortable and much less frightening. Once detox is completed, individuals will be able to take advantage of several programs. In this way, they’ll enter into an alcohol addiction treatment program that meets their specific needs. Some of our programs include:
- Intensive Outpatient Program
- Partial Hospitalization Program
- Telerecovery Program
- Aftercare Program
Across all these programs, we offer amenities and therapies, exercise therapy, spa treatments, nutrition therapy, neurofeedback, individual and group counseling, and family therapy. A combination of therapies allows individuals to explore their issues, identify triggers, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and lay the foundation for a lasting recovery.
Discover Why AA Doesn’t Work for Everyone and the Alternatives Gulf Breeze Recovery Provides
Gulf Breeze Recovery believes in a holistic treatment method that helps people recover, not just be in recovery for life. We don’t have mandatory meeting requirements following the completion of their treatment program. Yet, we still conduct meetings for those who choose to attend. Our team also offers individual continuing education scheduled to meet the needs of the individual and other post-treatment support.
If you agree that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) doesn’t fit everyone, the alternative is Gulf Breeze Recovery. Many people who had tried AA multiple times without achieving recovery say that Gulf Breeze Recovery was the perfect fit for their recovery needs. Gulf Breeze Recovery is changing the future of addiction treatment with our focus on overcoming chronic relapse. For more information about our program or to speak with an Addiction expert, contact us at 833.551.2304.
