Self Help, Peer Lead Support Programs

Apr 12

(Self Help; Secular Alternatives to 12 step and 12 Step Programs + Books)

"The antidote of addiction is not sobriety it is human connection and relationships with others"

`—Johann Hari`

Self Help-Peer lead Support Groups (non Professional )

Recovery Self Help groups rely on peer support and are peer facilitated provide tools quitting cannabis and other substances as well as minimizing and the prevention of relapse. Most of these programs are free to join, with the only requirement being that individuals struggling with addiction wish to achieve and maintain abstinence.

12 step program (adopted by the 12 steps of AA) has a strong emphasis on God/ or Higher Power ( of one’s own understanding) embedded in working the 12 steps as a treatment modality for cannabis addiction. Marijuana Anonymous founded in 1989; is non denominational, non professional and peer lead.

Several alternatives to 12 step recovery programs exist that are secular in nature. Alternatives to traditional 12-Step programs generally ask individuals to find motivation and determination within themselves through variable types of cognitive behavior modalities. Tools are taught regarding new learned emotional regulation techniques; instead of seeking an external source of power such as a ‘God’ of one’s own understanding.

Alternative programs such as ‘Women in Sobriety’ and ‘She Recovers’ uses modern day innovative psychology and new age positive cognitive reinforcement.

SHERECOVERS
Women for Sobriety
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery
Refuge Recovery
Secular Recovery
LifeRing Secular Recovery
Marijuana Anonymous

SHERECOVERS: A GLOBAL GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT

(They have support groups and couches and therapist listed on their website) https://sherecovers.org/

The SHE RECOVERS FOUNDATION is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity with a growing and evolving community currently consisting of more than 325,000 women in or seeking recovery from substance use disorders, other behavioral health issues and/or life challenges.

This lifeline organization connects women through its virtual platforms and in-person community networks, provides resources and supports women to develop their own holistic recovery patchworks, and empowers them to thrive and share their successes. All efforts are designed to end the stigma and shame often associated with recovery so that more women may heal and grow.

With a special focus on research, the SHE RECOVERS Foundation can also establish a more robust evidence base related to the efficacy of non-traditional recovery pathways.

SHE RECOVERS Foundation stated purpose is to connect, support and empower women in or seeking recovery.website:

Women For Sobriety, Inc.

(WFS) is a non-profit organization and a self-help program (also called the New Life Program) for women with Substance Use Disorders. Founded in 1975, it was the first national self-help program for addiction recovery developed to address the unique needs of women. Based upon the thirteen Acceptance Statements, the New Life Program is one of positivity that encourages emotional and spiritual growth. The New Life Program has been extremely effective in helping women to overcome their Substance Use Disorders and learn a whole new lifestyle. As a recovery program, it can stand alone or be used alongside other recovery supports simultaneously. Womenforsobriety.org

The first self-help program to provide support strictly for women suffering from alcohol addiction nationwide, Women for Sobriety (WFS) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1976. Based on 13 acceptance statements that focus on positivity, responsibility for oneself, and emotional growth, the Women for Sobriety “New Life” Program helps women to positively change negative thought and behavior patterns in order to establish a healthier and happier life in recovery. The WFS doctrine postulates that a person’s actions directly follow their thoughts, and that by changing the thoughts for the better, the resulting behaviors can be changed. WFS encourages women to take control of their own thoughts, and therefore their actions, and learn not only to love themselves, but also to exercise self-control and potentially experience spiritual growth as well.

Women are encouraged to follow the program by consciously subscribing to the 13 statements each day. Members are asked to spend time each morning upon waking, and each night before bed, thinking through each statement, how it can be used, and its positive effects. WFS also uses meditation, healthy eating strategies, and other holistic healing forms to promote recovery as well. Meetings are run by a moderator who likely has been sober for a long time, and groups are usually 6-10 women. Meetings last about 90 minutes once a week, and new members are given literature at their first meeting. Beyond that, women are asked to have their own Program Booklet, to join the WFS online community, and to read the founder Dr. Jean Kirkpatrick’s book Turnabout: New Hope for the Woman Alcoholic.

At each meeting, women are asked to introduce themselves and give themselves a “stroke,” which is to say something positive about themselves. Membership is kept confidential, so women can share in private and with security. Discussions center around WFS literature. Meetings are closed by joining hands and reciting the WFS motto of competency, strength, and group support. For more information or to find a local meeting, contact WFS.

SMART Recovery

A nonprofit organization that cultivates self-empowerment over addiction and addictive behaviors, SMART Recovery is a self-help support group for individuals who wish to remain abstinent from drugs and alcohol and/or other problem behaviors or activities. Offering face-to-face meetings with peers as well as daily online meetings, a chat room that runs 24/7, and an online message board, SMART Recovery is a research-based program that provides tools to help individuals change negative and defeating thoughts in order to enhance recovery from addiction. SMART Recovery follows a 4-Point Program. The four program points are:

Obtaining and maintaining motivation
Learning to manage urges
Handling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors
Finding and striking balance in life

With a variety of tools and homework exercises to help members work through these four points, SMART Recovery helps individuals to find the motivation within themselves to illicit and maintain positive change and therefore long-term sobriety. Face-to-face SMART Recovery meetings typically follow the same format worldwide in an effort to maintain consistency throughout the program. Meetings usually last about 1.5 hours and are run by a trained facilitator. Anyone who struggles with any kind of addiction is free to attend a SMART Recovery meeting.

Meetings typically begin with an introduction and check-in period where members can help to set the agenda for that day based on any pressing issues. If there aren’t any specific topics that come up during check-in, the facilitator will likely have a prepared topic to discuss and work through with the group. The bulk of the meeting is taken up by the working time, where the group works through one of the four program points, using some of the program’s provided tools and techniques. There is usually a donation plate passed around at some point, as the groups are self-sustaining and require donations to function. Meetings close with a closing dialogue to ensure all participants feel heard and understood.

Homework may be assigned between meetings, and there may be a social hour after the formal meeting concludes for individuals to get to know each other better. Meetings are kept confidential and provide a great space for people to share their experiences and gain support from peers in similar situations. Anyone can drop in to a meeting at any time. The SMART Recovery website provides tools to help people find local meetings

SMART Recovery is an abstinence-oriented, not-for-profit organization for individuals with addictive problems. Our self-empowering, free mutual support meetings focus on ideas and techniques to help you change your life from one that is self-destructive and unhappy to one that is constructive and satisfying. SMART Recovery does not use labels like “addict” or “alcoholic.” We teach scientifically validated methods designed to empower you to change and to develop a more positive lifestyle. After you have become familiar with SMART and are free of any addictive behavior, we encourage you to become a volunteer, so that we can keep expanding the number of meetings we offer.

https://www.smartrecovery.org/new-addiction-recovery

Refuge Recovery

Refuge Recovery is a practice, a process, a set of tools, a treatment and a path to healing addiction and the suffering caused by addiction. The main inspiration and guiding philosophy for the Refuge Recovery program are the teachings of Siddharta Gautama, a man who lived in India twenty-five hundred years ago.” Buddha”

Siddharta was a radical psychologist and spiritual revolutionary. Through his own efforts and practices he came to understand why human beings experience and cause so much suffering. Eventually he came to understand and experience a way of living that ended all forms of addiction. He did this through a practice and process that includes meditation, wise actions, and compassion. After freeing himself from the suffering caused by craving, he spent the rest of his life teaching others how to live a life of well-being and freedom, a life free from suffering. Refuge Recovery recognizes a non-theistic approach to spiritual practice. The program does not ask anyone to believe anything, only to trust the process and to do the hard work of recovery. The program is a systematic approach to treating and recovering from all forms of addiction using the traditional buddhist practices of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. It has been our experience, that when sincerely practiced, the program will ensure a full recovery from addiction and a lifelong sense of well-being and happiness. https://refugerecovery.org/meetings

Life Ring Recovery

LifeRing Secular Recovery is an abstinence-based, anonymous organization dedicated to providing a safe meeting space where you can experience a non-judgmental recovery conversation with your peers. We do this through the lens of LifeRing's 3-S philosophy of Sobriety, Secularity, and Self-Help. Click here to read more.

One of the reasons that some of us don’t really enjoy traditional 12-Step meetings is because of the repeated use of the word “God.” If that resonates with you, you might find LifeRing’s secular recovery helpful.

LifeRing is “an abstinence-based, worldwide network” of people who want to live without drugs or alcohol. It’s a self-directed group (meaning members help to lead meetings and direct the theme of the discussions) with sober and secular people that has in-person meetings, online chat rooms for support, and other resources for those who want to develop, refine, and share their personal strategies for abstinence.

Twelve Step Programs: Marijuana Anonymous

Marijuana Anonymous is based on the standard 12-Step Approaches: AA, NA, & Al Anon and ACA (to name a few major ones.) Perhaps one of the most well-known 12-Step programs is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) started in 1934 and Marijuana Anonymous started in 1989 is the same program but for cannabis addicts. AA & MA are essentially a support group for individuals in recovery from marijuana [cannabis] addiction and/or alcoholism. AA & MA helps individuals to connect with others who also struggle with addiction to form a network of peers working toward the same goal: sustained sobriety in recovery. Individuals intent is to work together to achieve this common goal and support each in recovery. It can be beneficial to have social support with other who can share insight, hope, and strength.

Twelve-step facilitation therapy is an active engagement strategy designed to increase the likelihood of a substance abuser becoming affiliated with and actively involved in 12-step self-help groups, thereby promoting abstinence. The 12-Step doctrine asks members to admit their lack of control over marijuana [cannabis] addiction. They believe that the cognitive break down of denial and/or bottoming out leads to a spiritual awakening. While this concept works for some people, for others, the spiritual aspect of AA & MA may not ideal. Even though AA & MA is not based on a specific religion, the 12-Step model does have religious sounding and spiritual undertones. The traditional ‘How It Works’ reading (derived from the Big Book of AA ‘s chapter “How It Works” which is read at the beginning of most meeting references the word God eight times. It ends with three important facts:

"‘That we are marijuana addicts and cannot manage our own lives: that probably no human power can relieve our addiction; and that our Higher Power can and will , if sought. Life with Hope Marijuana Anonymous Published by A New Leaf Publication 1995. Life With Hope: Marijuana Anonymous Basic Text  ©2000   ISBN-13:9780976577935  https://www.hazelden.org/store/item/538242

Predominate concepts and theories of 12 step program: (1) acceptance, which includes the realization that cannabis addiction is a chronic, progressive disease over which one individual has no control, that life has become unmanageable because of chronic use of cannabis, that willpower alone is insufficient to overcome the problem, and that a reliance and believe on a higher power is the only power that can relieve cannabis addiction; (2) surrender, which involves giving oneself over to a higher power, believing a higher power can remove active addiction to cannabis like never before when all the other self reliant attempts failed. Members are expected to accept the fellowship and support structure of other recovering cannabis addicts, and following the recovery activities laid out by the 12-step program; and (3) active involvement in 12-step meetings, taking guidance from a lay peer spiritual and life couch/mentor (sponsor) and other related activities such as doing volunteer service, attending workshops and/or conferences/conventions and eventually working with newcomers. The Program states it has no options on outside issues, is non-religious and non-denominational, yet spiritual and non professional. Marijuana Anonymous offers a much more refreshing and contemporary language for cannabis addiction.

https://marijuana-anonymous.org/

Here are a few examples of books written which can be enrich twelve step recovery with a new language of reworking the 12 steps is more self compassionate, self empowering and self affirming model.

"How can we tell you how to recover? We cannot. All we can do is share with you our own experiences and recovery through the Twelve Steps of Marijuana Anonymous."

Life With Hope: Marijuana Anonymous Basic Text  ©2000   ISBN-13:9780976577935  https://www.hazelden.org/store/item/538242

Life with Hope is a resource for the cannabis addicts and for anyone with a cannabis use disorder who is seeking recovery through Marijuana Anonymous (MA). The text is ideal for newcomers, people who are in active addiction, and anyone interested in learning more about how marijuana addiction affects people's lives.

Similar to the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Life with Hope thoroughly explains the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions as they relate to individuals with cannabis use disorder. The text includes the 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions, fifteen personal stories from Marijuana Anonymous members, and the section A Doctor's Opinion about Marijuana Addiction.

The Life with Hope 12 Step Workbook supplements the Life with Hope textbook and reinforces taking the Twelve Steps of Marijuana Anonymous (MA). It includes exercises and worksheets to help people arrest marijuana addiction or cannabis use disorder.
This workbook is designed for working the 12 Steps of MA with another recovering addict, a therapist or a sponsor. https://www.hazelden.org/store/item/538244?Life-with-Hope-12-Step-Workbook

Finding a meeting; MA has over 300 online webinar meetings, and 30 phone meetings. While the majority of meetings are co-ed meetings there is a growing numbers of POC (People of Color) meetings, LGBTQI+ meetings and Women’s meetings (some women’s meetings are welcoming of gender fluid identities).

https://marijuana-anonymous.org/find-a-meeting/

Other Related Topics

Kundalini Yoga and Mediation for Healing Addiction and rewiring the addicted Brain

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that more than 20 million American adults (aged 12 and older) struggle with a substance use disorder related to drug or alcohol abuse.

Addiction is considered a chronic disease with a high relapse rate of around 40-60 percent, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) publishes. Aftercare services and support groups can help to promote sustained abstinence, which has been proven to decrease relapse rates. Peer support programs can prove critical to that sustained abstinence.
Other Resources:

SHAMEBOOTH is the brainchild of artist and interventionist, Paula Williams. A graduate from The Art Institute of Chicago, Paula believes secrecy and judgment are what make shame thrive. She created the Shamebooth to bring people’s shame stories out into the open, meet them with empathy, and banish shame for good. Paula’s desire to help others evolved as the result of years of self medicating with alcohol and pills, and a history of mental health issues, which has led Paula to recovery. This experience has radically shifted her perspective towards others who are suffering and are full of shame, terrified to ask for help. Shamebooth.org

The ‘Getting Unstuck’ 6-week online coaching program at the Sober School is designed to help women stop drinking and create an alcohol-free life they love. Directed by Sober School Founder Kate, ‘Getting Unstuck’ provides support to women who want to stop drinking or change their wine o’clock lifestyle. This program includes daily lessons, as well as a private and secure online classroom, giving participants an opportunity to engage with a community of women – all working towards the same goal. The Sober School promotes a strength-based approach, celebrating wins, and troubleshooting tricky spots, so women can break free from the cycles of shame and guilt – for good. Thesoberschool.com

This history of the the 12 steps recovery program founded by alcoholics anonymous

The history of A.A. began in the United States, spread to Canada, and then went worldwide. A.A. presence now exists in more than 180 countries. Following is a short history about the start of A.A. and some of its key contributors.

A.A.’s Beginning

A.A. began in 1935 in Akron, Ohio, as the outcome of a meeting between Bill W., a New York stockbroker, and Dr. Bob S., an Akron surgeon. Both had been hopeless alcoholics.

Before their meeting, Bill and Dr. Bob had each been in contact with the Oxford Group. This mostly nonalcoholic fellowship emphasized universal spiritual values in daily living. The Episcopal clergyman, Dr. Samuel Shoemaker, led the Oxford Groups in the U.S. at that time.

Under this spiritual influence, and with the help of an old-time friend, Ebby T., Bill had gotten sober. Bill maintained his recovery by working with other alcoholics. Yet, before meeting Dr. Bob, none of these other alcoholics had actually recovered.

At the same time, Dr. Bob’s Oxford Group membership in Akron had not helped him enough to achieve sobriety. When Dr. Bob and Bill finally met, the effect on the doctor was immediate. This time, he found himself face-to-face with a fellow sufferer who was succeeding.

Bill emphasized that alcoholism was a malady of mind, emotions, and body. Bill learned this important fact from Dr. William D. Silkworth of Towns Hospital in New York. Bill had often been a patient of Dr. Silkworth. Though a physician, Dr. Bob had not known alcoholism to be a disease. Responding to Bill’s convincing ideas, Dr. Bob soon got sober, never to drink again. This sparked the founding of A.A.

Both men immediately set to work with alcoholics at Akron’s City Hospital. One patient quickly achieved complete sobriety. These three men made up the nucleus of the first A.A. group (though the name Alcoholics Anonymous was not yet used.)

Treatment modalities for addiction and alcoholism have been evolving over the last 20-21st centuries . Alcoholics Anonymous is created from the belief that it is necessary for the alcoholic to have a spiritual awakening or “act of providence” before they would be desperate enough to follow the 12 steps outlines for recovery. According to the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous Modern Psychology and Western Medicine was at a loss at successfully treating Alcoholism.

https://www.aa.org/the-start-and-growth-of-aa

The 12 Steps of alcoholics anonymous is which are rooted in 1920’s Oxford Group which was constructed of and composed of Christian patriarchal anglo and upper class Protestant male ideology. Which originally had six steps for cleansing of unspeakable sins; which later was expanded into twelve steps by AA’s co-founders. nStep one is a surrendering and admitting a powerlessness over alcoholism, step 2 is a belief in a power greater that oneself that can restore one’s sanity, step 3 is a decision to turn ones personal will over to a care of a God of ones own understanding , step 4 is admitting ones shortcomings, listing resentments, fears and sexual misconducts, step 5 is repenting listing and reciting the exact nature of the shortcomings and wronged behavior to a another human being (sponsor or spiritual advisor or clergy) with ‘God’ as a witness. step 6 is the willing ness to ask for Gods help with removing these character defects, Step 7 is the first step in asking for Gods direct help asking God to removing ‘character defects’ This is after making a fearless and through list of ones wronged behaviors (sins) in step 4 and step 8 is making a list of people harmed and becoming willing to make direct amends to such people and step 9 is making direct amends to those harmed. step 10 is more of steps 1-9 ( as a daily inventory and daily reprieve from alcoholism and step 11 is the spiritual practice of prayer and meditation to enhance the relationship with God of ones own understanding and step 12 is service to others and carrying the message through preaching the word of one own experience, strength and hope. Including the words and repetitious Dialogue and/or jargon of the 12 step program through slogans, philosophies and suggesting to others how to work the programs. All of which is based on faith, humility and honesty and being of service non righteously to others.

Many 12 step programs have adopted with permission from AA to use and re write there own steps according to the different issues; such as Alanon 12 steps for friends and families of Alcoholics, Adult Child of Alcoholic’s (ACA), Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Gambler Anonymous, Co-dependency Anonymous, Sex and Love Anonymous, Food Anonymous, and later in 1989; Marijuana Anonymous . A newer 12 step program is Mar-Anon (friends and family of cannabis addicts) as well as others not listed here as well.

Alternatives to 12-Step programs tend to evolve with new addiction studies academic and clinical research. They may be more flexible in the various methods of recovery programs then many 12-Step groups. More and more people approach recovery in a refreshing innovative approach of incorporating self affirming and self empowering treatment modalities. This is true even for people utilizing a variety of recovery modalities of recovery while still working the twelve steps.

Over the last two decades much has been written as an alternative language for the steps. Many scholars have rewritten and reworded the aspects of the steps which are essentially steeped in systemic Anglo Patriarchal Christianity ideology.

Marijuana Anonymous offers a much more refreshing and contemporary language for cannabis addiction.

(see more information below under 12 step resources)

https://marijuana-anonymous.org/

Here are a few examples of books written which can be enrich twelve step recovery with a new language of reworking the 12 steps is much more self compassionate, self empowering and self affirming model.