12 Step Rehab Alternatives – 9 Ways to Recover Without Meetings



12 Step support meetings, getting a sponsor, declaring oneself an ‘addict’ or alcoholic etc, helps many through recovery. But what about those who don’t feel they’re powerless or addicted for life? What’s the alternative to 12 Step?

Alternative 12 Step Rehab and non 12 Step support group programs exist in record numbers. I’ve listed the 9 basic principals of social education (non-12 Step) rehab that seem to reflect the basic philosophy of alternative drug and alcohol rehab.

What Is 12 Step and What 12 Step Isn’t

12 Step is factually not a full rehabilitation program. 12 Step is a support system for those in recovery. 12 Step is not a substitute for formal detox and rehab for those in need of these treatments.

Alternatives to the 12 Step program exist more than ever, but many of these programs cost money. For those looking for a ‘free ride’ through recovery, support groups or going to church / meetings, 12 Step and non-12 Step meetings and reading books on recovery is still your best route. 12 Step recovery was formulated as a fellowship and support group.

A ‘No Meetings’ Recovery Program

The major alternative to 12 Step programs are called social educational programs. Some other psychologically based programs are not technically 12 Step, but as the majority of them use 12 Step as an adjunct to their program, they are 12 Step dependent or based, so aren’t alternatives to 12 Step.

What is a social educational drug / alcohol detox & rehab program?

Social educational programs differ from the 12 Step method by focusing on improving latent or not learned and developed abilities.

Key Principal: Drug & alcohol addiction rises one out of the obsession and compulsions to abuse drugs and alcohol.

Social Education Rehab Simplified – 9 Principals Of Recovery

Warning Accepting these principles may end your addiction

Addiction is not a disease No one has to admit they are ‘powerless’ – factually one is fully responsible for their own condition Drug & alcohol abusers lack the skills and abilities to end their abuse, skills they can develop One can and should end their dependency to drugs / alcohol through their own efforts The person themselves are responsible for their recovery Participation in the process of gaining greater control, responsibility and knowledge of their lives will assist their own recovery Drug / alcohol abuse is just one of the issues to deal with in rehab, factually drinking and drugging is not the root of the problem, it’s a symptom Recovering is not recovered. Lastly addiction, like a bad headache or heartache, has an ending

Social Educational Rehab programs deal with root issues, not symptoms of these issues (like drug abuse). Properly, one can’t address these root issues while on drugs or alcohol. The very corner stone of improvement and greater ability is self control and accountability. With these corner stones in place, rehab has a foundation. Therefore Social Educational rehab programs build up skills, natural health, abilities and confidences in their students / clients.

Getting Help?

Can you gain self control and accountability without some help or specifically without help from a social educational rehab program?

If there have been many private and public attempts to regain control of oneself and there have been failures, look at the painting on the wall. If one can’t or won’t change, getting help is recommended as things are out of control.

Help can be initiated by oneself or by the family / friends of the drug or alcohol abuser. This means one can ask for help. Look closely at the different options as your recovery will be dependent on which method of rehabilitation you participate in. If the rehab method doesn’t meet with your agreement and understanding, do you think you’ll participate in it? Your participation is expected in your recovery.

Social Educational rehab is one alternative to the 12 Step approach that achieves 60% to 90% success rates. Social educational programs are based on becoming powerful again without drugs or alcohol.

Understanding Alcohol Dehydration Or a Guide to the Hangover



Alcohol dehydration – also known as a hangover – is a familiar morning after treat for anyone who has ever had too much to drink. Without even considering any of the long-term negative effects of excessive alcohol intake, the impact of a hangover is enough proof of the fact that drinking too much is not healthy.

Alcohol is what’s known as a diuretic, which simply means that it causes an increase in *********. That means that the more alcohol a person drinks, the more they will feel the need to go to the bathroom. Need proof? Have a few beers. More ********* means quicker water loss, and that is why we get dehydrated when we drink too much. And beer is not the only culprit. All alcoholic beverages have diuretic properties.

Besides boosting the desire to relieve ourselves, alcohol also depletes the body’s vital stores of vitamins and minerals. The lack of these important nutrients can send many body functions out of balance. This causes uncomfortable symptoms on multiple levels: headache, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, irritability – all the basics of a hangover.

While there is no one cure for alcohol dehydration or a hangover, there are definitely a couple of things that can be done to decrease the severity of the symptoms. Of course, the best way to avoid a hangover is to avoid drinking alcohol in excess. Because it is not just the alcohol that causes the hangover, it is too much of the alcohol. A great way to reduce the amount you drink is to slow down your pace. In general, the faster we drink the more we drink, so keep that in mind the next time you go out.

Another way to lessen the effects of alcohol dehydration is to continue to hydrate the body while you are drinking. Every couple of drinks, take a break from the alcohol and have a glass of water. This will work to keep your body hydrated throughout a night of heavy drinking. The symptoms can also be held in check by drinking water before going to bed. If you know you had too much to drink, consume as much water as you can when you have finished drinking. It may not be comfortable, but it will replace at least some of the fluids that the alcohol has taken away.

When you wake up with a hangover, the best way to recover is to begin hydration quickly. Stay away from other diuretic beverages – like coffee and tea. Stick with water or Gatorade to replace the lost fluids, vitamins and minerals. And even if your stomach feels sick, you should eat. Food will also help to replenish the important nutrients that the alcohol has depleted from your body. Sleeping it off also works wonders when possible.

Facts On Alcohol Withdrawal



Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome is a collection of symptoms visible when an individual abruptly withdraws from alcohol consumption. It is due to alcohol’s ability to induce physiological dependence. This syndrome is characterized by neuropsychiatric excitability and autonomic disturbances that can get even severe when exposed to a variety of sedative hypnotics like alcohol. Withdrawals occurs when blood levels start to decrease and can be alleviated by reintroduction of a cross tolerant agent or alcohol itself.

Symptoms of Withdrawal

Age, genetics, degree of alcohol intake, length of time the individual is abusing alcohol and the number of previous detoxification are key variables in the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms can vary from mild to to life threatening. An individual suffering from the withdrawal may experience seizures and delirium tremens that can eventually lead to excito-neurotoxicity. The symptoms of the withdrawal includes but are not limited to agitation, anorexia, diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, hypertension, fever, nausea, restlessness, headache, depression, hallucinations, anxiety, panic attacks, euphoria, palpitations, vomiting and even death.

Protracted withdrawal syndrome is referred to as the post acute withdrawal syndrome. It takes place beyond the acute withdrawal stage, gradually decreasing over time at low intensities. Some protracted withdrawal symptoms include craving for alcohol, a feeling of displeasure over things that were normally pleasurable, nausea, vomiting and headaches.

Treatments and Remedies for Withdrawal Symptoms

Recommended treatments for withdrawal syndrome are drugs that are categorized as benzodiazepines such as diazepam, lorazepam anti psychotic agents such as haloperidol, anti-convulsants such as topiramate carbamazepine, barbiturates, donidine and vitamins.

Benzodiazepines are generally safe and effective for subduing the symptoms of withdrawal. It is also used in alcohol detoxification. Chlordiazepoxide and diazepam are the commonly used type in withdrawal treatments. Not only can benzodiazepines treat withdrawal, it can also be life saving if delirium tremens occur frequently during withdrawal. Furthermore, benzodiazepines has also the capacity to alleviate cravings for alcohol in individuals who had resolved to lessen their intake of alcohol.

On the other hand, haloperidol, a kind of anti psychotic agent can also be effective in treating withdrawal especially in controlling agitation or psychosis, However, it may be possible that there can be worsening of the withdrawal effects since anti psychotics agents lowers the seizure threshold subjectively on some patients.

Topiramate carbamazepine and other anti-convulsants are used for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal though it has not yet been fully proven with further research.

Other effective treatments include baclofen which is just as effective as diazepam, barbiturates are commonly used in severe cases, clonidine, flumazenil, trazadone, magnesium and even alcohol itself are also used. Vitamins are also recommended for patients by experts. It is also advised to refrain from smoking since smoking can interfere with the recovery of brain pathways of the patients.

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Drug and Alcohol Rehab – An Insight



Dependency on drug and alcohol is a serious issue. It not only affects the life of the person, but damages family reputation and often leads to many social problems as well. A person who has an uncontrollable affinity to drug and alcohol like substances can do anything to get what they want. They can commit crime and break all rules and regulations as well. Hence, someone with a bad habit can become a social problem.

Punishment is not the right way to treat these patients. They need medical attention and mental support. Drug and alcohol rehab programs can be of immense help. Lets discuss the basic things about rehab programs to understand the process.

What is rehab?

Rehab is an informal short form of Rehabilitation. The term is used to refer alcohol and drug abuse rehabilitation generally. There are many rehab clinics around; the objective of rehabilitation program is to treat the alcoholic and drug obsessed people so that they can get rid of the habit and come back to the normal life without the substances.

Inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol rehab centers are there; inpatient centers allow the victims to stay there during treatment. On the other hand, outpatient rehab centers allow the patients to stay at their home and visit the clinic regularly for checkup.

If you feel that you or someone else needs a check up regarding drug or alcohol consumption, it is recommended to see a professional or look for rehab clinics in your city.

How to understand whether someone needs rehab?

Drug consumption is always a bad habit and should be stopped as early as possible. Alcohol consumption when goes beyond control and starts affective the personal and professional life of the victim, it is better to consult an expert.

Moreover, such habits are often accompanied by mental obsession, depression, loneliness, sadness, fear, anger and other psychological disorder. If any such symptom is observed, rush the patient to a doctor or drug and alcohol rehab facility.

How to choose the best rehab center?

Many rehab centers are available out there; sometimes it becomes difficult to choose the best one. Different centers have different types of approaches and different facilities – all are correct. You have to choose the most suitable one.

You can talk to the professionals there; know about their treatment methods, techniques and processes. You can contact many such centers and see how good the infrastructure is, whether they have qualified staff, in-house detox and other facilities. Based on these facts you may choose your drug and alcohol rehab clinic. You may also consider the cost of treatment while selecting the clinic.

Does the clinic isolate the patient?

Not exactly; inpatient centers allow visitors to see the patients – but there are rules regarding this. If the patient is violent, then they may choose to isolate the patient. Other patients are allowed to meet their visitors during the visiting hours and can take phone calls too. However, the rehab centers may have some rules regarding carrying cell phones, laptops etc.