12 Step

Our Alternative to 12-Step Recovery in Addiction Treatment

January 24, 2019 // by Aton Center

The 12 Steps – America’s Most Common Addiction Treatment Model

The 12-Step philosophy is deeply rooted in the addiction recovery movement across the U.S. In fact, most rehabilitation facilities in the United States focus solely on the 12-Step model of recovery. At AToN Centers, we are proud to offer a non-12-Step approach to addiction treatment. (We’ll talk more about this in a moment.)

The 12-Step methodology is based on the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, an organization that was founded in 1935 for people who were addicted to alcohol. Since then, there have been a number of 12 Step “spin-offs” like Narcotics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, Crystal Meth Anonymous, and Cocaine Anonymous.

The core belief of 12-Step recovery is that addiction is a lifelong disease that can only be arrested through the application of spiritual principals found in the 12 Steps and with regular meeting attendance.

What is 12 Step Recovery?

Essentially, the basis for the 12-Step viewpoint is that addicted people are powerless over their disease. They must surrender to (and rely upon) a higher power in order to stay sober. This higher power could be God, nature, the universe, or the meetings at whatever 12 Step program they are attending.

It is suggested that members work the steps with a sponsor, attend regular meetings, and ultimately sponsor other people. Members of a 12-Step program are told they should attend meetings for the rest of their lives to avoid a relapse.

What are the Drawbacks to 12 Step Recovery?

There is no question that programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have helped many people experience freedom from addiction and find a new way to live. At AToN Centers, we provide an integrated overview of the 12 Steps to our clients, but it is not our central focus. We also make 12-Step meetings readily available.

We take this approach because we understand that 12-Step programs are not for everyone. There are a number of reasons for this.

First, the 12-Steps claim to offer a spiritual solution. God is mentioned in the steps and spoken about frequently at meetings, although everyone is afforded the freedom to have a relationship with a God of their own understanding. Many people are turned off by the “God piece” and prefer a more practical and pragmatic way to approach addiction treatment. I would reword this to something like “an approach that does not have a religious aspect.”
Also, regular meeting attendance is strongly encouraged. For life. There is no graduating or completing a 12-Step program. Members are told they will relapse if they do not attend meetings and continue to work the steps and sponsor others. It is suggested that members work the 12 Steps over and over in their recovery. For life. I worry that this bullet point feels a little negative. I’m not sure how to reword it though.
Additionally, many people struggle tremendously with the disease concept. Those in 12 Step recovery are told they have a disease for which there is no known cure. The only way to arrest this disease is daily commitment to living the spiritual principles found in the 12 Steps.
Finally, there is no empirical data that proves that 12 Step recovery actually works and almost no research on the effectiveness of this treatment model. Actually, 12 Step IS considered an evidence based treatment, so we would need to remove this portion. Many people who attend A.A. or N.A. continue to experience severe relapses while attending meetings or end up leaving the program altogether because it does not work for them.

If you are not keen on the idea of 12-Step recovery, you are not alone. The good news? This is not the only way to learn how to live and appreciate a sober lifestyle.

My feedback about the above is that it has a slightly anti-12 Step slant, I’m not sure how to resolve that.

What is the Alternative to 12 Step Recovery in Addiction Treatment?

At AToN Centers, offer a number of alternatives to 12 Step. One alternative is SMART Recovery. We believe this ~~is the best~~ another way to equip our clients with the tools they need to stop the cycle of addiction, stay sober, and enjoy a life without drugs or alcohol.

In our estimation, SMART Recovery has proven to be one of the best available alternative to 12-Step Recovery programs. It promotes a holistic approach to changing addictive behaviors; one that allows participants to evolve past their own defeating thoughts. This allows them to embrace positive changes in their lives. SMART Recovery is a program of total abstinence.

While you can certainly believe in a higher power in SMART Recovery, God is not a requirement to participate in the program. ~~mentioned anywhere in the program.~~ Also, meetings are made available online and throughout the country for additional support, but they are not a requirement. Those who are working the SMART Recovery program can attend meetings or not. It is entirely up to them.

How Does SMART Recovery Work?

SMART Recovery is based on a 4-Point Program:

Building and Maintaining Motivation: Finding motivation to remain abstinent from drugs and alcohol
Coping with Urges: SMART Recovery gives you the tools you need to cope with triggers that cause cravings
Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors: Implementing a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy called Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) motivates behavior modification
Living a Balanced Life: Learning healthy strategies that promote self-esteem

At AToN Centers, we teach clients the 4-Point program and work straight out of the SMART Recovery handbook during our addiction treatment program. Of course, we also include evidence-based treatment approaches like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), individual therapy, and group counseling.

Additional 12-Step Alternatives

SMART Recovery is the most well-established 12-Step alternative in the recovery community. It has a proven program of success for participants and is embraced by those who have worked the program.

There are other alternatives to the 12-Step model, but we do not teach them here at AToN Centers. Here are some resources you might find helpful:

Women For Sobriety
SOS Sobriety
LifeRing Secular Recovery
Moderation Management

If you are ready to stop the cycle of addiction and get your life on track, contact us. We’re here to help.

Doing What Works

September 2, 2017 // by Aton Center

One aspect of treatment at the AToN Center that sets us apart from other centers is that we value SMART Recovery, 12 Step and other approaches of community support. AToN Center takes a unique approach by offering residents the opportunity to identify what kind of modalities will work for them. I often remind our residents that what “works” for others, may or may not “work” for them, and I encourage them to explore different support groups to define their own recovery.

The SMART Recovery Facilitator’s Manual states, “We recognize that there are many ways to recover, and we do not insist upon any one approach. We view the choice of recovery methods as a highly personal one.”

The AToN Center Clinical Team echoes this sentiment and invites our residents to find what “works” for them. Some of our residents decide that they prefer 12 Step, and they may opt to work the steps at AToN.

Other residents prefer only to learn the SMART tools and have the opportunity to focus on that while in treatment. After several years of research, it has been determined that approximately 50% of AToN graduates opt to incorporate both SMART Recovery and 12 Step approaches into their recovery.

What has worked for you?

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
Clinical Director

I walk down the street…

July 16, 2017 // by Aton Center

AToN Center specializes in the treatment of substance abuse, dual-diagnosis and co-occuring disorders. The program offers medically supervised detox, SMART Recovery, Non-12 Step education, holistic addiction treatment, chemical dependency counseling, individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

“Autobiography in Five Short Chapters” by Portia Nelson

I walk down the street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk

I fall in.

I am lost…

I am hopeless

It isn’t my fault.

It takes forever to find a way out

II.

I walk down the same street

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk

I pretend I don’t see it

I fall in again

I can’t believe I’m in the same place.

But it isn’t my fault.

It still takes a long time to get out.

III.

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk

I see it is there.

I still fall in…it’s a habit

My eyes are open; I know where I am;

It is my fault.

I get out immediately.

IV.

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk

I walk around it.

I walk down another street.

We can help you find that new street to walk down.

Johnina Noar

CAADAC-II

Do I Have a Problem with Addiction?

June 26, 2017 // by Aton Center

It can be difficult to look in the mirror and admit it. How do you admit that you’ve got a problem that seems so overwhelming? The stigma of the word, “addiction,” is enough to bury your head in the sand.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Does my drinking/drug use interfere with my job? My family and relationships? Do I have legal problems because of this?

A common questionnaire is the “CAGE Questionnaire,” which is used internationally as a screening tool:

Have you felt you ought to cut down on your drinking or drug use?

Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking or drug use?

Have you felt bad or guilty about your drinking or drug use?

Have you ever had a drink or used drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover (eye opener)?

If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may benefit from at least checking out a SMART Recovery and/or a 12 Step meeting. Remember, there is a whole community of individuals who are willing to reach out and assist you in your time of need.

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Fear Blocks Acceptance

June 16, 2017 // by Aton Center

For most people needing recovery, coming to accept that they are having difficulties due to their substance misuse is often a terrifying process. To the dismay of family, friends, and employers the person misusing substances often looks as though he/she is the last person on the planet to grasp the gravitas of the addiction. The outsider looks at the suffering loved one and cannot grapple with how the inflicted substance abuser does not seem to see or feel the impact of his or her own harmful actions.

Whether it is drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, or even a combination on all of these, the person misusing drugs appears to be the last one standing who is willing to accept that there is a life-threatening problem.

What takes the addict so long to accept their plight? Why doesn’t he or she just quit? Change for the sake of change is hard. We typically do not change our toothpaste, our choice of movies or genre of books that we read or even our own diet when we know we need to. For the suffering individual the warning signs seem so apparent and so abhorrent that friends and family may want to scream out, “Why do you not see what we see?” I submit that that addict is terrified of the thought of living life sober or drug free.

Up to the period of accepting his or her emotional and physical condition, the often-terrified substance abuser will go to huge and typically disastrous lengths to either prove that he/she is not an addict or delay accepting the reality of self-destruction. If friends and family are fortunate, the suffering individual will not die during this perilous and seemingly absurd stage; Philip Seymour Hoffman, for example, will never have an opportunity to try to be sober again.

The suffering person has typically tried to give up the addiction before, probably dozens of times. Each time a stretch of sobriety was put together, sometimes several days, or months or maybe even years. The struggling person has felt the pain of living life on life’s terms without the crutch of the drug and does not like it one bit; it is just too painful of a compromise. Enter: relapse, or prolonged abuse. The lesson: I’ll never try sobriety again! That was painful!

I submit that the person needing recovery needs a program of recovery unlike anything he or she has tried in the past. A 12-Step or SMART program that is designed to educate the sufferer about the impact of his/her disease and how to live a life that is rewarding, fulfilled, and empowering enough to live life on life’s terms. AToN center affords our residents the quintessential program of help and support to carry the addict through their scariest stage of sobriety (the first 30 days) and addresses the fears and turmoil that those in recovery hoped drugs and alcohol would rid them of.

Chris McDuffie

CD Counselor, MA, RRW

AToN Center 888-535-1516

There Are No Addicts

May 19, 2017 // by Aton Center

One can easily argue that this country’s drug problem is as bad today as it’s ever been. The number of Americans with a diagnosable Substance Use Disorder (SUDs) now exceeds 24 million. As the opiate scourge continues to spread, the number of lethal overdoses continues to climb. More than 47,000 Americans succumbed to an overdose in 2014, a single-year high for fatalities.

More so, research does not pinpoint any appreciable change over the last quarter century in the rates of relapse among those with SUDs. Consistently, research concludes that only 20-25% of people who seek addiction treatment will remain abstinent. That range is applicable to both CBT-based and 12 Step interventions (Miller, Walters, & Bennett, 2001; Fiore M et al., 2008; Hernandez-Lopez, Luciano, Bricker, Roales-Nieto, & Montesinos, 2009; Law & Tang, 1995; Shiffman, 1993). While the use of abstinence as an indicator of treatment success is controversial, it remains the most widely used barometer of treatment effectiveness and, as such, the most robust measure of general efficacy among providers and programs.

It’s unclear whether the high rates of relapse reflect post-treatment flawed treatment models or a lack of adequate training in how to facilitate those models. What is clear, however, is the industry of addiction treatment has only begun to crawl out of its paleolithic age. There is something archaic in this industry’s collective approach. That fact is never more painfully obvious then when I hear a peer use the slur “addict” in discussing someone’s case. Quite obviously, “addict” is derived from the word “addiction”. Though derived from the same word, the term “addict” carries a very different connotation compared to addiction. The latter speaks to a physiological effect, those with addictions handicapped by neurobiological adaptations that greatly propel the compulsive behaviors stereotypical of SUDs. Those adaptations are the disease of addiction.

The term “addict”, in contrast, embodies semantics. One word highlights changes in biochemistry, the other force fits an identity on a psychological level. Unfortunately, for those in treatment, it’s an identity weighted down in concreteness and imbued with prejudice. Would you ever refer to someone with a cancerous tumor as “a cancer”? No, of course not. Why, then, is it OK to refer to those with an addiction as somehow deviant, weak-willed, and/or childish simply because of their sickness?

Known as the third force in the field of talk-therapy, the humanistic approach emerged as a treatment model in the 1950s. It started as a movement, clinicians demoralized by the reductionist approaches of the two traditional schools of psychotherapy – psychoanalysis and behaviorism. Around mid-century, therapists in this country advocated for another way, a third way, in applying therapy. They clamored for a treatment model that didn’t reduce a client’s motivation in life to base instincts to fight or fornicate. At the same time, they didn’t want to practice a model that treated clients like trainable pigeons. The push towards humanism spawned the Rogerian approach to therapy, a model that fundamentally expects clinicians to assume a non-judgmental position, and to unconditionally accept those that they work with. The approach expects a person-centered focus, with therapists attentive to anything and everything that a client voices, commenting in turn without censure or shame.

Humanism has started to serve as the third force in addiction treatment. Since the early parts of the 20^th century, the 12 Step philosophies in one form or another have near unilaterally defined addiction. Over the last 25 years, neuroscientists have carved out a niche in the world of addiction treatment, opposing the spiritual emphasis of the 12 Step approach with a more molecular understanding of addiction. Neither approach, however, considers the whole person. The 12 Step approach reduces someone to an “addict” in explaining his or her addiction, a label that ostensibly links addiction to a childish need for pleasure. The so-called addict is hedonistic in his desires and narcissistic in development, according to the traditional definition. Neuroscience, on the other hand, reduces those with addictions to a certain set of genetic alleles. Missing in both approaches is the client’s voice, his or her perspective on addiction, the historical events that preceded its onset, and how to recover going forward.

As the field’s evolution drives forward, the Rogerian approach to addiction treatment is likely to expand. It will help to phase out the type of stigmas and slogans that put people at risk by perpetuating a sense of shame in the recovery process. It will edit out the types of labels that almost expect relapse, people living down to the lowly expectations built into such terms as “addict”. It will stop the practice of dehumanizing those with SUDs, and champion an approach that shapes the idea of recovery from inside out. It will give a voice to those who were, for far too long, talked over.

No one knows for certain if the Rogerian approach will prove any more effective at treating SUDs. But, in light of mediocre rates of treatment success in this country over the last century, what do we have to lose in taking a different perspective on addiction? Really, a different perspective of the people with addictions.

Kevin Murphy, Psy.D.
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Exposure Therapy in Recovery

April 3, 2017 // by Aton Center

At AToN Center we believe in practicing exposure to some of the elements that could be triggering over the weekends with a purpose of minimizing the stress of being exposed to these factors. For many people the external triggers such as seeing alcohol, being in a restaurant with a bar, seeing people on dates, being in crowds, or doing activities associated with drinking or using as well as internal triggers of boredom, depression, missing family and friends, loneliness, lack of structure, or anxiety may be challenging to them when they leave treatment and re-enter the world.

We schedule outings that include activities and locations that may bring about these triggers and walk our residents through the experience as well as have them plan ahead for potential challenges and afterward evaluate how it went and how practicing coping skills for these triggers was beneficial to them. We also allow contact with the outside world while in treatment so they can work through and deal with some potential relational stressors prior to leaving our program. This alleviates some of the initial shock of experiencing these things sober as well as teaches them we are not to hide away now that we are changing our lifestyle but to get out and enjoy life in a way that is meaningful and positive.

In 12 Step Programs it is said “While you were drinking, you were withdrawing from life little by little. Now you are getting back into the social life of this world. Your job now is to be at the place where you may be of maximum helpfulness to others, so never hesitate to go anywhere if you can be helpful. You should not hesitate to visit the most sordid spot on earth on such an errand.” AA Big Book pg. 102.

Kristin Colton CATC II
Chemical Dependency Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Building Sober Relationships

October 20, 2016 // by Aton Center

At AToN, we tend to get quite a few “first timers” in treatment. Many of these first timers come face to face with many new realizations as they begin their recovery. One major challenge facing many is seriously examining your social circle and identifying who will be an asset to you as you take on this new life.

It’s not uncommon for the realization that this list is a very short list – and this often leaves people feeling hopeless. AToN hopes to assist you in creating a new social network that is supportive of the life changes you are making. While at AToN Center, you will have the opportunity to attend small groups on a daily basis with people who are battling many similar issues that you are – you will have the opportunity to create a new “team” in your life!

You also will have the option to attend differing types of meetings in the community – SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery and 12 Step meetings are regularly offered. AToN also has a Aftercare Group which meets on Saturdays. These AToN Alumni are happy, fun and wise. Who doesn’t want people like that in their corner? AToN also offers quarterly events for Alumni – and AToN Staff attends as well. The next event is a 6K (http://heroesinrecovery.com/heroes6k/san-diego-ca/) where you will be able to bond with others in recovery – all for a good cause!

If you are looking to begin a new chapter in your life, please contact us! If you are an Alumnus – please join us on November 12th for the Heroes In Recovery 6k!

Dr. Cannon
AToN Center 888-535-1516

What Makes AToN Different From Other Treatment Centers?

August 25, 2016 // by Aton Center

Clinical Team – AToN’s Clinical Team includes six full time Licensed Clinical Psychologists and four full time Certified Chemical Dependency Counselors. Some Clinical Team members have been at AToN for over 5 years.

Individualized Treatment – Residents receive daily individual sessions, Monday through Friday. The AToN Clinical Team meets daily to discuss each resident and their treatment plan. Groups are small, no larger than 7 residents! There is NO getting lost in the shuffle at AToN! Residents participate in at least 20 hours of treatment a week.

Non-12 Step AND 12 Step – AToN Center encourages residents to design the community support program that works for them. We support our resident’s efforts to attend both Non-12 Step modalities and 12 Step meetings.

Curriculum –The AToN Clinical Team is continually redesigning our curriculum based on the most recent evidence based research. Specific evidence based modalities utilized are: Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention Skill Building and Assertiveness Training. Based on clinical need, residents may also attend peripheral biofeedback training and/or 90 minute EMDR sessions.

Discharge Planning – AToN Clinical Team coordinates closely with sober livings, PHP/IOP programs and outpatient providers to create a solid and structured discharge plan.

Exposure Sessions – AToN takes residents on 2 supervised exposure outings a week. Residents may also attend individual exposure sessions with clinicians as needed.

Electronics – AToN Center allows electronics (including cell phones, tablets and laptops) for the entirety of the treatment episode. The Clinical Team monitors use closely and views outside triggers and distractions as valuable treatment opportunities.

Aftercare – Residents who complete treatment at AToN receive weekly phone calls and are invited to attend weekly Aftercare meetings. Additionally, AToN holds quarterly Alumni events.

Outcomes – AToN has not been shy about revealing our outcomes! AToN conducted a literature review to understand baseline relapse rates of individuals receiving substance abuse treatment as broken down by timeframe from last use. Our sobriety rates exceed that of the National Baseline, which is to say, that we know that our treatment is more effective than the average treatment program.

In a one year long research study conducted at AToN, residents were assessed during the first three days of treatment and on their last day of treatment on the following domains: Distress Tolerance, Abstinence Self Efficacy and Coping Responses. Residents improved in all domains! Distress tolerance improved at 32 percent! Abstinence Self – Efficacy increased in average score from admission to discharge. Coping Responses increased from average ranges to somewhat above average ranges.. All increases were found to be statistically significant

Ongoing outcome analysis post AToN has demonstrated that our Alumni have improved quality of life after discharge in multiple domains: physical health, emotional health, sober support and others!

For details and ongoing updates on relapse rates and other outcomes: Research Outcomes

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.

Clinical Director

AToN Center 888-535-1516

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Helps with Depression and Anxiety

May 1, 2015 // by Aton Center

Depression and anxiety are the chief areas that one addresses when entering a high quality residential treatment facility. At AToN Center, we specialize in using multiple evidence-based approaches to help our residents. Depression and anxiety are chief among the host of emotions that one typically suffers from when using or abusing drugs or alcohol. The individual believes that long term drug abuse is his/her only or “best” option to relive their pain. This pain may include, but be limited to, emotional, physical, economic, financial, family and post traumatic stressors.

At AToN Center, our highly trained staff specializes in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), SMART Recovery, 12 Step approaches, biofeedback, EMDR, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, individual and group sessions, as well as a host of rewarding holistic approaches including yoga, watsu, and outings in beautiful San Diego. This comprehensive package of approaches helps our residents with depression and anxiety to become empowered. At AToN Center, we excel in helping our residents to both identify and address the causes of one’s depression and anxiety, including the fear of living a highly successful life free of drugs and alcohol.

Research from The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) articulates clearly the importance of using CBT strategies when addressing depression and anxiety.

CBT is perhaps one of the most frequently used psychotherapeutic orientations, with considerable research supporting its effectiveness and adaptability in clinical practice. As cognitive therapy seeks to change behavior by challenging maladaptive thoughts, behavioral therapy employs more direct, yet complimentary methods, such as pairing reinforcing stimuli with a desired behavior or aversive stimuli with an undesired behavior. While the efficacy of CBT has been firmly established in the treatment of a variety of disorders and problems, its history and utility are deeply rooted in the treatment of anxiety and depression symptoms.

I encourage anyone suffering from anxiety and depression, in addition to substance abuse, to visit AToN Center and learn more about our therapeutic programs.

Chris McDuffie
RRW, CADCA

Chemical Dependency Counselor

The 12 Steps – America’s Most Common Addiction Treatment Model

What is 12 Step Recovery?

What are the Drawbacks to 12 Step Recovery?

What is the Alternative to 12 Step Recovery in Addiction Treatment?

How Does SMART Recovery Work?

Additional 12-Step Alternatives

The Joint Commission

Affiliations

Licensure and Certification

AToN Center – Proud Supporter

Drug and Alcohol Treatment for Men and Women