Secular Recovery Groups: An AA Alternative

Addiction is a complex problem that affects millions of people globally. Traditional recovery programs, such as Alcoholic Anonymous, often rely on spiritual or religious beliefs to help individuals overcome addiction. However, not everyone feels comfortable with these approaches. This is where secular recovery groups come in, providing a non-religious alternative to traditional recovery programs.

What are Secular Recovery Groups?

Secular recovery groups are a type of support group that provides assistance to individuals who are struggling with addiction, without relying on any religious or spiritual beliefs. These groups offer a safe and supportive environment for people to share their experiences, receive encouragement, and learn new coping strategies.

While traditional 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) incorporate elements of spirituality and a "higher power," secular recovery groups focus on evidence-based techniques and scientific approaches to help individuals overcome addiction.

Types of Secular Recovery Groups

For those who do not identify with traditional religious or spiritual beliefs, these secular groups can be a more appealing option. Here are some examples of secular recovery groups:

SMART Recovery

Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) is a non-profit organization that offers face-to-face and online meetings for people struggling with addiction. SMART emphasizes self-empowerment and self-reliance, using tools based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches.

LifeRing Secular Recovery

LifeRing is another non-profit organization that provides support for people in recovery without relying on any religious or spiritual beliefs. LifeRing's approach is based on the idea of "positive reinforcement," encouraging members to focus on their strengths and successes rather than dwelling on their failures.

Women for Sobriety

Women for Sobriety is a non-profit organization that offers support specifically for women struggling with addiction. The group's approach is based on thirteen "Acceptance Statements" that encourage women to take responsibility for their own recovery and to focus on positive thinking.

These are just a few examples of the many secular recovery groups available to those struggling with addiction. By providing an alternative to traditional 12-step programs, these groups can be a valuable resource for individuals who seek support in overcoming addiction while maintaining their own personal beliefs and values.

The History of Secular Recovery Groups

• 1985: Jack Trimpey starts Rational Recovery, the first known secular recovery group.
• 1992: Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) is founded by Joe Gerstein and Tom Horvath.
• 1994: LifeRing Secular Recovery is founded by Marty Nicolaus.
• 1997: Women for Sobriety launches its website to provide online support for women struggling with addiction.
• 2003: The St. Jude Retreat Center opens in New York, offering a non-religious approach to addiction treatment.
• 2011: The Freedom Model retreats are launched as an alternative to traditional rehab programs.

Since the founding of Rational Recovery in 1985, several other secular recovery groups have emerged, providing alternatives to traditional 12-step programs for individuals struggling with addiction. These groups have gained popularity over the years, offering evidence-based techniques and scientific approaches to help people overcome addiction while maintaining their own personal beliefs and values.

How Do Secular Recovery Groups Work?

Secular recovery groups use evidence-based techniques and scientific approaches to help individuals overcome addiction, without relying on any religious or spiritual beliefs. These groups offer a safe and supportive environment for people to share their experiences, receive encouragement, and learn new coping strategies.

Here are some of the approaches used by secular recovery groups:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative patterns of thought and behavior. It is often used in secular recovery groups to help individuals identify and challenge their negative thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors related to addiction.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI is a counseling approach that helps individuals explore and resolve their ambivalence about making positive changes in their lives. It can be an effective approach for individuals who are not yet fully committed to recovery.

Mindfulness-Based Approaches

Mindfulness-based approaches, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), can help individuals manage stress and other triggers that may contribute to addictive behaviors. These approaches focus on developing awareness of one's thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in the present moment.

Positive Reinforcement

Some secular recovery groups use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage members to focus on their strengths and successes rather than dwelling on their failures. This approach can help build self-confidence and motivation.

By using these and other evidence-based techniques, secular recovery groups can help individuals overcome addiction while maintaining their own personal beliefs and values.

Benefits of Secular Recovery Groups

Secular recovery groups offer a number of benefits for individuals who are struggling with addiction. Here are some of the primary benefits:

Inclusivity

One of the primary benefits of secular recovery groups is that they are inclusive of individuals from all backgrounds and belief systems. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who may feel uncomfortable in traditional recovery programs due to their lack of religious or spiritual beliefs. By removing any religious or spiritual component, secular recovery groups offer an open and welcoming environment for everyone.

Evidence-based approaches

Secular recovery groups often use evidence-based techniques and scientific approaches to help individuals overcome addiction. These approaches may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and mindfulness-based techniques, all of which have been shown to be effective in treating addiction. By using these scientifically-proven techniques, secular recovery groups can provide members with practical tools and strategies for achieving and maintaining sobriety.

Empowerment

Another benefit of secular recovery groups is that they emphasize self-empowerment and personal responsibility. Rather than relying on a higher power or external factors, secular recovery groups encourage members to take control of their own recovery journey. This can help build self-confidence and a sense of agency, which can be empowering for individuals who may feel powerless in the face of addiction.

Supportive community

Finally, secular recovery groups offer a supportive community for individuals who may be struggling with addiction. Members can share their experiences, offer encouragement to one another, and learn from each other's successes and setbacks. This sense of community can be especially helpful during difficult times, providing members with a sense of belonging and connection.

Overall, secular recovery groups offer a unique and valuable approach to overcoming addiction. By providing an inclusive, evidence-based, empowering, and supportive environment, these groups can help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety while staying true to their own personal beliefs and values.

Differences Between Secular Recovery Groups and Traditional 12-Step Programs

While traditional 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) have helped many individuals overcome addiction, they may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some of the primary differences between secular recovery groups and traditional 12-step programs:

1. Approach to Spirituality

Traditional 12-step programs often rely on a spiritual or religious belief in a "higher power" as a means of achieving and maintaining sobriety. In contrast, secular recovery groups do not incorporate any spiritual or religious beliefs into their approach.

2. Emphasis on Evidence-Based Techniques

Secular recovery groups focus on evidence-based techniques and scientific approaches to help individuals overcome addiction. In contrast, traditional 12-step programs may not use evidence-based techniques and may instead rely more on community support.

3. Emphasis on Self-Empowerment and Personal Responsibility

While traditional 12-step programs encourage members to surrender to a higher power, secular recovery groups encourage members to take control of their own recovery journey. This emphasis on self-empowerment and personal responsibility can help build self-confidence and a sense of agency in individuals struggling with addiction.

While both secular recovery groups and traditional 12-step programs aim to help individuals overcome addiction, they differ significantly in their approach. By providing an alternative to traditional 12-step programs that emphasizes evidence-based techniques, self-empowerment, and personal responsibility, secular recovery groups offer a unique and valuable resource for those seeking support in overcoming addiction while staying true to their own personal beliefs and values.

Factors Contributing to the Growth of Secular Support Groups

Here are the reasons why secular support groups have grown and how we have changed the way we tackle addiction and recovery.

• Increasing number of individuals who do not identify with traditional religious or spiritual beliefs: The growth of secular support groups can be attributed to the increasing number of individuals who do not identify with traditional religious or spiritual beliefs. This demographic shift has created a demand for recovery programs that do not rely on any particular belief system.
• Focus on evidence-based techniques and scientific approaches: Secular support groups emphasize evidence-based techniques and scientific approaches to treating addiction. This approach has been shown to be effective in helping individuals overcome addiction and provides a more practical, data-driven option for people seeking help.
• Shift away from spiritual or religious aspects of traditional recovery programs: Many individuals may feel uncomfortable with the spiritual or religious aspects of traditional recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. By offering an alternative that does not rely on any particular belief system, secular support groups provide a more inclusive environment for those seeking help.

Comparing Success Rates of Secular Recovery Groups and Traditional 12-Step Programs

While both secular recovery groups and traditional 12-step programs aim to help individuals overcome addiction, many people wonder which approach is more effective. Here are some statistics from studies that have compared the success rates of these two types of programs:

• One study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that after six months, 37% of participants in SMART Recovery meetings were abstinent from drugs and alcohol, compared to only 22% of those who attended traditional 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous.
• Another study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that after one year, young adults who received cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach often used in secular recovery groups, had significantly lower levels of alcohol use than those who participated in a 12-step program.

While these studies suggest that secular recovery groups may be more effective than traditional 12-step programs for some individuals, it is important to note that success rates can vary widely depending on factors like individual motivation, severity of addiction, and length of participation in the program. Ultimately, the most effective approach will depend on the individual's unique needs and preferences.

How to Find a Secular Recovery Group

If you are interested in joining a secular recovery group, there are several steps you can take to find one that meets your needs and aligns with your values. Here are some tips:

1. Research Online

Start by doing some research online to learn about the different types of secular recovery groups available. Two of the most well-known groups are Smart Recovery and LifeRing Secular Recovery, but there may be others in your area as well.

2. Read Reviews and Testimonials

Look for reviews and testimonials from people who have attended meetings or participated in programs offered by the group. This can give you a sense of what to expect and help you decide if the group is a good fit for you.

3. Attend a Meeting

Many secular recovery groups offer free meetings that are open to the public. Attending a meeting can give you a chance to meet other members, hear their stories, and learn more about the group's approach.

4. Contact the Facilitator/Organizer for Group Info

Talk to the facilitator or organizer if you have questions about the group's approach or policies. Don't be afraid to reach out to them for more information. They can provide guidance and help you determine if the group is right for you.

5. Consider Your Schedule

Make sure to choose a group that meets at a time and location that is convenient for you. Some groups may offer virtual meetings or online resources, which can be helpful if you have limited availability or live in a remote area.

By taking these steps, you can find a secular recovery group that provides the support, resources, and community you need to overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery.

Summary

Secular recovery groups offer a unique and valuable approach to overcoming addiction, providing an alternative to traditional 12-step programs that emphasizes evidence-based techniques, self-empowerment, personal responsibility, inclusivity, and supportive community. By using evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), mindfulness-based approaches, and positive reinforcement, secular recovery groups can help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety while staying true to their own personal beliefs and values.

Factors contributing to the growth of secular support groups include an increasing number of individuals who do not identify with traditional religious or spiritual beliefs, a focus on evidence-based techniques and scientific approaches, and a shift away from spiritual or religious aspects of traditional recovery programs. Studies have shown that secular recovery groups may be more effective than traditional 12-step programs for some individuals, but success rates can vary widely depending on individual factors.

If you are interested in joining a secular recovery group, start by researching online to learn about different options available like Smart Recovery or LifeRing Secular Recovery. Read reviews and testimonials from people who have attended meetings or participated in programs offered by the group. Attend a meeting to get a sense of what to expect or contact the facilitator/organizer for more information if needed. Make sure to choose a group that meets at a time and location that is convenient for you.

Sources

• Kelly JF. et al. (2017) A Systematic Review of Treatment Utilization and Outcomes Research Among Individuals with Co-occurring Substance Use/Mental Health Disorders: What Are the Implications for Clinical Practice?. Drug Alcohol Depend. 179:204–221.
• Litt MD et al. (2009) Changing network support for drinking: initial findings from the network support project. J Consult Clin Psychol;77(2):229–42.
• Kelly JF et al. (2011) Spirituality in recovery: a lagged mediational analysis of alcoholics anonymous’ principal theoretical mechanism of behavior change. Alcohol Clin Exp Res;35(3):454–63.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Evidence-Based Approaches to Drug Addiction Treatment.
• Pew Research Center. (2019). In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace.

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