Conventional treatment for addiction often takes the form of a 12-Step program, a method originally established by Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1930s based on the belief that we can’t, and will never be able to, control our addictions. A more holistic, integrative approach to addiction treatment takes into consideration the complex physical, emotional and spiritual causes that may be underlying the problem, and addresses those root causes to facilitate complete healing.
Is Addiction Really a Disease?
What if, instead of spending the rest of your life in recovery, you could be recovered? At The Sanctuary, we believe you can.
As opposed to basing treatment on the belief that addiction is a disease that can’t be cured, our integrative treatment approach takes into account past traumas and other underlying causes of addictive behavior. We believe that addiction is a symptom of something deeper – an unresolved emotional, physical or spiritual issue – rather than an incurable disease in and of itself.
The Importance of Individualized Addiction Treatment: Why AA and NA Aren’t Always Effective
The more we learn about what it really takes to recover from an addiction, the more we understand how important it is to address what truly affects our minds, bodies, souls and spirits. These are not the same for everyone. Although we may display the same symptoms of addiction, no two people have the same story or experience, which is why one-size-fits all approaches like the 12 Steps may work for some, but not all.
Empower Yourself to Be Recovered
12-step programs believe in powerlessness over addiction. We’re taught that we’re under the control of our addictions and guided to admit this, and then to learn how to stop ourselves from using the substance that has taken over our lives, mostly out of fear.
The problem with this is that fear and powerlessness are limiting mental states, and keep us trapped in recovery indefinitely without ever being recovered. This model of powerlessness causes us to be identify as being sick with the disease of addiction for the rest of our lives. Whether or not we continue using, if we believe that our addiction is beyond our control, we’re tied to this addict identity forever. Conversely, challenging limiting beliefs and operating from a place of empowerment can open us up to levels of growth we never imagined were possible.
Non-12-Step Addiction Treatment Offers Another Path
If you feel like you’ve gone as far as possible with a 12-Step program, or if you simply don’t identify with the concept of powerlessness over addiction and are ready to deeply heal your mind, body and spirit, an alternative approach may be right for you.
At Sanctuary, we do not believe that your addiction defines you. We integrate a variety of therapies and healing practices to treat your addiction at its source, so you can experience real, lasting sobriety.
Read more about overcoming obstacles from our co-director Kelley Alexander in her talk, “You are Enough”.
If you’re ready to explore a new approach to addiction recovery, talk to us at (877) 710-3385 or email us at [email protected] today.