Understanding Your Options: SMART Recovery, 12-Step Programs, and Refuge Recovery

There are many different types of treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). At times, it may feel overwhelming to see the option available to you. Learning what options are available and the difference between them will empower you to make the best decisions for your care. West Coast Recovery Centers offers different forms of treatment that can be catered to the needs of each client. This individualized care allows us to make a treatment plan that will help make a lasting difference in your life. Learning the differences between your options will allow you to make informed decisions.

Most substance use treatment centers will use forms of group therapy in their treatment programs. Group therapy is an effective form of treatment for addiction because it allows people to connect and see they are not alone. Being in a group allows for changes to be made in a non-judgmental space. It also allows for our clients to find and form community, and learn how to lean on each other. There are different forms of group therapy commonly used for SUD treatment. Learning about your options will allow you to help make the best decisions in your care. 

Understanding Your Options: The Major Support Group Types

Group therapy is an effective tool in combatting and overcoming SUD. This form of therapy is effective in creating social support and ending isolation that may come from addiction. Group therapy also helps people develop effective intrapersonal communication and work on skills together. Finding community can be immensely important for people overcoming addiction. Working in a group setting allows people to understand each other and see that they are not alone. Some common forms of group therapy that West Coast Recovery Center offers include SMART recovery, 12-Step programs, and refuge recovery. 

Smart Recovery

Self Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery) is an evidence-based recovery model that uses Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to build motivation, cope with urges, manage thoughts and feelings, and live a balanced life. SMART Recovery is a secular group therapy that uses tools of CBT to teach skills to manage addiction and cravings. It teaches that freedom from substance use fundamentally requires personal choice to get better. SMART recovery groups understand that some people are searching to regulate usage, while others are looking for abstinence. This can be an effective option for someone looking for a secular and therapeutic approach to recovery. 

12-Step Programs

Next, 12-Step programs are stereotypically what some people think of when they think of addiction recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are 12-Step programs. This is a group therapy that helps people who struggle with addiction meet together and overcome their illness. The Twelve Steps are based on religious principles and surrendering to a higher power, though they can also attract a non-religious crowd. A higher power used in these steps does not have to be God but should be a power greater than oneself. such as nature or greater consciousness. This form of treatment is widespread and effective for many people as they look for support. 

Refuge Recovery

Finally, Refuge Recovery is based on the ideals of the Buddhist ideology. Though you don't need to be a Buddhist to partake in refuge recovery, it works believing that the foundations of Buddhism and ending human suffering can also be applied to suffering from addiction. There are four truths of refuge recovery used in treatment: addiction creates suffering, the cause of addiction is a repeating craving, recovery is possible anyway, and the path to recovery is available to you. This method of recovery may work well for people struggling with accepting the view of a higher power in 12-Step programs. It may also work well for those who approach life philosophically. 

Evaluating Your Options for the Best Long-Term Success

At West Coast Recovery Centers, we offer various forms of traditional and holistic treatments that can be catered to best suit your needs. If you want a more typical approach to treatment, we can go through a program and work to get to the roots of the issues. We also offer different types of groups if you want a more clinical or therapeutically evidence-based treatment. Understanding the differences between the forms of therapy that we offer will allow you to make the most informed decision.

We don't offer just one form of individual or group therapy. Having different types of treatment models allows us to reach every client that stays with us. We can work with your beliefs and personal needs to find a type of treatment that works for you. If you want to find something spiritual, we can find the right program model to use in your treatment. When our clients need help building community and trust in others, we can offer the right group therapy for them. Understanding your options will allow you to make changes that will last long-term, and keep you healthy. 

It can feel overwhelming to look at your options for treatment. Group therapy is an effective form of treatment that allows people to make social connections and community, and help combat isolation. Group therapy also allows clients to practice skills together, and work towards sobriety as a team. This form of treatment has been used in nearly all treatment programs for SUD, as it can be an effective tool for people recovering from addiction. There are many different forms of group therapy for SUD, such as SMART recovery, 12-Step programs, and refuge recovery. If you are interested in learning more about any of these programs, West Coast Recovery Centers can help. Contact us today at (760) 492-6509.