(843) 350-5769

Alternatives to 12 Step Support Groups

Table of Contents

12-step programs for alcohol and drugs have been around for 90 years. Alcoholics Anonymous, considered the first Twelve Step recovery program, began in 1935, with its Twelve Steps of recovery published in 1939. While the program’s philosophy has worked for many people, it may not be a good fit for everyone, and there are increasingly more options to consider. If you have been considering a 12-step support group for yourself or a loved one, this article will explain why some people seek alternatives to 12-step programs. It will then highlight some alternatives to 12-step programs.

Why People Seek Alternatives to 12-Step Programs

12-step programs and support groups may not fit everyone, and there can be several reasons for this. Here are four:

  1. They are often spiritual or faith-based. Not everyone is comfortable with the spiritual or faith-based aspects of 12-step programs. In the case of AA, the second and third steps are that a participant “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity” and “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.” While this language works well for some people, it may not for others.
  2. They lack medical treatment. 12-step support groups are usually peer-run and don’t have medical or clinical oversight. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has been around for more than 50 years. It supports sobriety by stabilizing brain chemistry when a person is experiencing opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder.
  3. They are public. Addiction can be a very personal experience, and plenty of people don’t feel comfortable sharing their personal experiences in a public setting. This can become a deterrent to attending.
  4. They are stigmatized. Many people have their own thoughts and beliefs about 12-step support groups, and sometimes, they aren’t the most positive. Some people believe these groups are only for those who have “hit rock bottom” and struggle to relate to others in the group because of stigma.

Alternatives to 12-Step Support Groups

Have you been looking for alternatives to 12-step programs? Here are some ideas to get you thinking about what might work best for you.

  1. SMART Recovery. In 1994, SMART Recovery was created for “those seeking a secular and evidence-informed alternative.” Self-management and choice are two of the five principles that strive to empower people to take more control over their own journey. SMART Recovery encourages support group meetings, which can be attended virtually, including with your camera turned off, and are led by trained facilitators. Learn more about those meetings here.
  1. Moderation Management. Moderation management is both a concept and an organization that helps people reduce or manage their substance use. It doesn’t necessarily strive for complete and total abstinence. The non-profit Moderation Management is a behavioral change program and national peer-support network. It runs more than 30 online meetings per week and has several tools and resources for people who want to change their relationship with alcohol.

Another example of moderation management is the University of Michigan’s Alcohol Management Program, which has helped people reduce their drinking by up to 65%. Their website states their program is for people with “moderate alcohol problems who want to eliminate the negative consequences of their drinking and improve their health by drinking less alcohol or none at all. This program is not for those who are severely dependent or alcoholic and require treatment services.”

  1. Online Programs and Tools. Technology continues to develop new solutions, and here is one example. Sunnyside is a phone app. They describe their app as an “evidence-based alcohol moderation platform” that helps you set goals around your consumption and allows you to track progress throughout the week. It is not designed to treat alcohol use disorder, but members are finding balance and reducing consumption. Because it is on a secure platform, it also provides privacy. 

12-step support groups can be a valuable part of substance abuse treatment, but there are increasingly more options that can meet your personal needs. There are many paths to recovery, so finding the best combination for your treatment and support needs is what matters most.

Explore Addiction Treatment Options at Southern Sky Recovery

We are locally owned and provide intensive outpatient (IOP), partial hospitalization (PHP), and outpatient treatment options. We don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, but we can help you find a path to recovery personalized to your needs. If you or a loved one have been searching for a plan to help you with the next steps in your recovery, please contact us today.  

Recent Posts

Request a Confidential Callback

Find Out If Your Insurance Covers Our Program

We are In-Network With:

  • TriCare
  • United Healthcare
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna

We also accept most major PPO insurance plans. Find out your personal options for treatment right now.

Verify Insurance

Sierra Bothwell

Counselor

Sierra is a dedicated addictions counselor passionate about helping individuals navigate recovery and build more stable, fulfilling lives. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health from Seton Hill University and an Associate’s degree in Human Services with a certificate in Addiction Studies from Allegany College of Maryland. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University and holds her ADC-IP credential in South Carolina, working toward full ADC credentialing and LPC licensure.

Sierra has experience across detox, residential, and outpatient levels of care, providing both group and individual support. She uses a client-centered, evidence-based approach to help clients build self-awareness, develop coping skills, and apply what they learn in treatment to everyday life. She is especially passionate about working with individuals who are motivated for change but feel stuck, helping them create practical, personalized paths to recovery.

Originally from West Virginia, Sierra relocated to South Carolina in 2024. Outside of work, she enjoys coffee shops, farmers’ markets, beach days, reading, and exploring with her dachshund, Cooper.

Peter Bean

Licensed Physician Assistant

Peter Bean Licensed Physician Assistant Peter Bean was born and raised in Falls Church, Virginia, and graduated with a B.S. in Biology at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. During college he enjoyed volunteering as an EMT at the local fire department and playing on the College’s rugby team. He moved to the Charlotte suburbs in order to study at Wingate University, and he graduated with a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2021. He spent the first couple years of his career doing general psychiatry before specializing in Addiction Medicine and has been working with Dr. Emmel since 2024. Peter currently resides in South Carolina along with his wife, 2 children, 2 dogs, and 3 chickens. Other hobbies (as time allows) include riding his motorcycle and helping with his family’s pepper garden.

Pam Deloach

Care Coordinator/CPRS

Pam is a Peer Support Specialist with Southern Sky, dedicated to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys with compassion, understanding, and hope. Born and raised in Hampton, South Carolina, Pam is a proud mother of two amazing boys, ages 20 and 10. She has always been drawn to work that helps others, spending 20 years as a massage therapist before beginning her own journey through recovery. Inspired by her experiences, Pam chose to use her story, strength, and insight to walk alongside others who are struggling with addiction.

In her free time, Pam enjoys going to the lake, spending time with family and friends, attending church, and cheering on her son at his baseball games. These moments keep her grounded and remind her of the joy in everyday life. She is committed to empowering individuals, building trust, and creating a safe, supportive environment for healing and growth.

Ben LaGrange

Community Relations Advocate

Ben is a person in long-term recovery with a gift for creativity, a deep connection with people, and a passion for helping others find their path to sobriety. After getting sober in 2018, he discovered that authenticity was the greatest gift he could offer. Embracing it brought genuine connection, creative freedom, and a beautiful life in recovery.

With experience in multimedia, fine art, and digital design, Ben studied photography at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and art at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He has spent years working as a professional photographer and marketer. He has also worked in recreational and art therapy for substance use treatment and has led educational groups on anger management and relapse prevention.

Ben believes that connection is the opposite of addiction—and that when we allow ourselves to be fully authentic, we become our most powerful selves, capable of deeper connection and better equipped to help others navigate a turbulent world.

Keith Toomer

Residential House Manager

Keith began his career in the maintenance and plumbing industry, where he built hands-on experience and a strong work ethic. During that time, he faced significant challenges with addiction. His decision to seek help led him to Southern Sky Recovery in Bluffton, South Carolina—an experience that transformed his life.

Through the support of Southern Sky Recovery, Keith rebuilt his foundation and discovered his true passion: serving others on their recovery journeys. He was given the opportunity to become the Men’s Residential House Manager, a role that allows him to guide, support, and mentor men as they work toward lasting recovery.

“For the first time in my life, I found a career that truly fulfills me. I love working in addiction recovery and being part of a community dedicated to helping others heal and grow.”

Outside of work, Keith enjoys spending quality time with his family. He remains committed to his own recovery and has a strong interest in nutrition and exercise, which help him stay grounded, healthy, and focused.

He is grateful every day for the opportunity to serve his community and work in a field that gives his life purpose.

Call Now Button