Alternative Support Programs (Non-AA)

by Tom Horvath, Ph.D., ABPP

Over the last few decades, several alternative support groups for addictive behavior have emerged. Their approaches that are typically quite different from that of the traditional Alcoholics Anonymous. These groups include, but are not limited to:

Women for Sobriety (WFS)
Rational Recovery Systems (RR)
Moderation Management (MM)
Men for Sobriety (MFS) (same as Women for Sobriety)
Secular Organizations for Sobriety/Save Our Selves (SOS) and
S.M.A.R.T. Recovery (SMART)

This brief article will introduce you to these six, but you are encouraged to recovery These six organizations are similar to AA in that they offer free groups (donations are requested) with the goal of helping members achieve abstinence (MM supports moderation). They are also quite different from AA. They neither encourage nor
discourage belief in a higher power.

None (except WFS/MFS) emphasizes the idea that substance problems are diseases. They focus instead on these problems as complex maladaptive behaviors. They use a small group discussion format, not a series of monologues. They do not use sponsors (a personal recovery coach you meet with between meetings). They do not encourage lifetime attendance.

Despite their similarities, there are also significant differences between these six groups. To mention just two: WFS is only for women with alcohol, or alcohol and other drug problems; SMART focuses on any addictive behavior.

I've put the telephone numbers, addresses, and online addresses in the SelfhelpMagazine Outside Resource Links Department. Check 'em out! If you've had concerns about your drinking or other drug use, there's something here for you.