***Non 12 Step Addiction Treatment - Empowering our Young Adults

When we imagine our children becoming addicted to drugs we often envision dimly lit alleys filled with questionable characters persuading our impressionable children to smoke, snort, or even shoot illicit street drugs. However, the most realistic threat to our children’s sobriety is not in the street, but much closer. In fact, it is in your medicine cabinet.

Prescription drugs are an increasingly present reality in American households. “Researchers from the Mayo Clinic, a non-profit medical and research center, report that antibiotics, antidepressants and painkiller opioids are the most common prescriptions given to Americans. Twenty percent of U.S. patients were also found to be on five or more prescription medications.”1

These medications are often prescribed by medical professionals and needed by parents or other members of the household to treat real medical conditions. Getting them out of the house is not an option. However, when such powerful drugs are present so is the possibility of abuse.

In June, 2013, the National Institute on Drug Abuse updated the following on their website: “Young adults (age 18 to 25) are the biggest abusers of prescription (Rx) opioid pain relievers, ADHD stimulants, and anti-anxiety drugs. Rx abuse is dangerous: In 2010, almost 3,000 young adults died from prescription drug (mainly opioid) overdoses—more than died from overdoses of any other drug, including heroin and cocaine combined—and many more needed emergency treatment.”2
Various reasons cited for young adult drug use were to deal with problems, feel better, lose weight, sleep, have a good time with friends, experiment, decrease anxiety, concentrate, get high, relieve pain, and counter the effect of other drugs.

The amount of prescribed medication is not likely to decrease as the prescription drug industry continues to grow. “Total value of U.S. consumption of pharmaceutical drugs in 2009 was $300 billion.”3 With the steady rise in prescribed medication and the increase in prescription medication abuse, treatment options must continue to evolve. Often, complex underlying emotional issues are what lead our children down the path of addiction and drug abuse. Only by addressing the whole person can their lives begin to be reassembled.

Non 12 Step Addiction Treatment

When most people think of treatment for addictions, the first thing that comes to mind is a traditional 12 step method. Established in the 1930s the 12 step method has remained largely unchanged. Individuals are taught that they are powerless over their addiction. Fear of the first drink, in theory, keeps a person sober.

Roughly 98% of addiction recovery programs utilize the 12 steps. The 12 steps have become the most widely recognized approach for managing alcoholism, drug abuse, codependence, eating disorders and other addictive behavior. The 12 step approach has numerous benefits, the most significant being that there is no cost. It is free to the public and the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using/drinking.

Most people are not even aware there are non-12 step addiction treatment programs that can be far more effective than 12 step programs because they take into consideration the unique attributes of the whole person. Unfortunately the term non-12 step has become an umbrella that covers all programs that are not based in the 12 steps, regardless of their offerings of level of service. Therefore, it is extremely important to research non-12 step programs to find the right one for you.

There is compelling research that points to a holistic model of addiction recovery as the most comprehensive and effective; the science of neuroplasticity, which proves that our brain can change and heal itself by creating new neuropathways and the science of epigenetics, which proves that human DNA changes based on specific stimulation.

Through the use of ancient healing modalities and modern science, non 12 step addiction treatment centers that specialize in holistic practices offer a progressive alternative to outdated treatment methods. Holistic non 12 step addiction treatment accounts for the individuality of people; the diverse complexity of their issues, and make it possible to recover from drug addiction and other addictive behaviors by synergistically healing and integrating a person’s mind, body, soul and spirit. Holistic non 12 step addiction treatment is designed to address the root cause of the addiction and restore overall balance to a person’s whole being. Together with traditional treatment methods, holistic non 12 addiction treatment centers including The Sanctuary at Sedona, AZ use ancient healing techniques, energy medicine, neuroscience, and mindfulness; functional and allopathic medicine to fully address a person’s physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social issues.

Every day we and our loved ones face choices that may lead us down a path of addiction. When we or one of our children face addiction, we want the absolute most comprehensive and advanced treatment available for them. By integrating the wisdom of ancient healing, the knowledge of traditional therapy, and the progression of modern science, holistic non 12 addiction treatment offers the greatest chance of breaking free from addictive behavior.


Works Cited

1. Study: 70 Percent Of Americans On Prescription Drugs. (2013, June 19). Retrieved from CBS News: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57590305/study-shows-70-percent-of-a...

2. Abuse of Prescription (Rx) Drugs Affects Young Adults Most. (2013, August 24). Retrieved from National Institue on Drug Abuse: http://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/a...

3. The pharmaceutical industry: an overview of CPI, PPI, and IPP methodology. (2011, October 01). Retrieved September 01, 2013, from US Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/ppi/pharmpricescomparison.pdf