A Guide to 12-Step Programs for Addiction and Mental Health
An essential part of an addiction rehabilitation program—and even some dual diagnosis treatment approaches—is working through a 12-Step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These mutual aid support programs are crucial to many aspects of establishing a life of solid recovery.
But are they the only ones you should participate in all the time? Not necessarily. As this study points out, camaraderie and support seem to be the backbone of 12-Step programs, regardless of topic. So just as there are advantages to exploring different meeting times and locations, you might also find it helpful to attend more focused groups that address your core issues and connect you with other people who share your wellness intentions.
Other 12-Step Programs to Try
A lack of routine is a common problem for many people managing alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (SUD). Without a daily recovery practice, they might require more structure to avoid triggers and other symptoms that threaten sobriety.
This is one reason why attending some type of a 12-Step program can be helpful: you have a roadmap to follow each day that helps you build a solid routine. If one day doesn’t work out—hence the grounding philosophy of “one day at a time”—you simply start again tomorrow with the previous step. Day by day, you experience progress.
Here are some additional peer support recovery groups that rely on this philosophy but also specialize in certain areas that might prove to be beneficial in your journey.
- Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families: Since 1987, ACADF has helped people use the 12-Steps to deal with trauma and foster emotional healing.
- Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups: First established in 1951, these organizations are open to families and friends of alcoholics, including teenagers, and utilize the 12-Step process for addressing addiction issues.
- Cocaine Anonymous: Started in 1982, CA uses a philosophy patterned after many AA principles, including the 12 Steps, to help people with SUD. However, the two nonprofits aren’t affiliated.
- Co-Dependents Anonymous: This organization began in 1986 to help individuals recover from codependency and develop healthy relationships. It features a unique alteration of the 12 Steps and Traditions.
- Co-Sex Addicts Anonymous: Founded in 1980, this group also uses a form of AA’s 12 Steps to help people affected by someone else’s compulsive sexual behavior.
- Crystal Meth Anonymous: Founder Bill C. created CMA in 1994 using the 12-Step structure to address the particular concerns of people with methamphetamine addiction.
- Fentanyl Anonymous: This relatively new group, established in 2023, has a mission to “provide a sanctuary of support and empowerment for individuals grappling with addiction to fentanyl, opioids, and other substances.”
- Marijuana Anonymous: This organization, founded in 1989, acknowledges that some people have a marijuana dependency and may need the help of the 12 Steps to overcome it.
- Nar-Anon Family Groups: Similar to Al-Anon, this group was established in 1971 after the success of NA to help families and friends of people with drug addiction and follows guidelines similar to other family support groups.
You might also want to consider the following 12-Step mutual aid recovery programs that provide more insight into certain compulsions:
- Clutterers Anonymous
- Debtors Anonymous
- Depressed Anonymous
- Dual Recovery Anonymous
- Emotions Anonymous
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Overeaters Anonymous
- Undereaters Anonymous
- Workaholics Anonymous
All have informative websites and detailed descriptions of their 12-Step process.
Is a 12-Step Group the Only Option?
Again, not necessarily. Other groups provide a different perspective on the recovery process that may complement or replace your 12-Step approach. Here are two examples:
- SHE RECOVERS follows the philosophy of “redefining recovery, inspiring hope, ending stigma and empowering women in or seeking recovery from life challenges including mental health issues, trauma and substance use, to increase their recovery capital, heal themselves and help other women to do the same.” It provides online and in-person meetings, as well as retreats and educational programs.
- SMART Recovery uses principles based on guidelines established through abstinence as well as cognitive behavioral therapy. The program offers both in-person and online meetings around the world so people can form a community and learn from each other, but unlike most 12-Step methods, there isn’t a sponsor/sponsee relationship.
Seabrook: Providing the Wellness Resources You Need
Our Seabrook Model is foundational to the treatment and recovery methods provided by our board-certified professionals. Additionally, our four award-winning treatment centers in New Jersey are CARF-accredited facilities—a designation that ensures best practices in behavioral health and evidence-based addiction recovery. We want you to trust that through your customized treatment, you’ll have access to all types of programs that benefit your healing now and continued wellness in the future. Consult our admissions team today to learn more.