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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by man_oh_man1977 on March 15, 2004, at 2:01:18
Hi:
I am writing to this board wondering if anyone has a viable alternative to the 12 step, AA, NA, CA etc. support groups. As not wanting to offend anyone, let's just say I am curious to see what else is out there.
Thanks!
man_oh_man
Posted by Tony P on March 17, 2004, at 4:37:38
In reply to Viable Addiction Treatment Programs, posted by man_oh_man1977 on March 15, 2004, at 2:01:18
> Hi:
>
> I am writing to this board wondering if anyone has a viable alternative to the 12 step, AA, NA, CA etc. support groups. As not wanting to offend anyone, let's just say I am curious to see what else is out there.
> Thanks!
>
> man_oh_man>
NA is my main support, but I've been around it a l-o-n-g time so I usually find it easy to take what I need and leave the rest at the door, as they say. I haven't tried very many alternatives, other than personal counselling, but here are some suggestions to check out:1) if your ISP has a news server (most do), check out news groups under alt.recovery. You may find some *strong* opinions pro and con certain approaches (as well as, unfortunately, a lot of spam), but there are some alternative programs mentioned.
2) Best known of the above (at least in terms of presence on the net) is Rational Recovery with a web page at www.rational.org.
3) Many govt. agencies provide free or low-cost group &/or individual counselling. Sometimes these are 12-step oriented, sometimes not at all so (e.g. "harm-reduction" is very popular in some circles right now). Obviously, availability will vary a great deal depending on where you are.
4) Govt. agencies or community centres are also a good place to look for pamphlets for alternative support groups.
5) A _few_ treatment centers avoid 12-step as part of their core philosophy (although nobody can afford to ignore it). As an example, Victoria Life Enrichment Society, in Victoria B.C., www.vles.org, emphasizes personal responsibility rather than the powerlessness/surrender of the 12-step programs.
Tony P
Posted by man_oh_man1977 on March 21, 2004, at 2:44:57
In reply to Re: Viable Addiction Treatment Programs, posted by Tony P on March 17, 2004, at 4:37:38
Hi Tony,
Thanks for your well thought out response. I am aware of Rational Recovery, and have found it a very useful approach. I initially went to NA when a court remanded me to, but found it a better place to score, sadly and strangely enough. Thanks again...
man-oh-man
This is the end of the thread.
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