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More than 48 million people in the United States have substance use disorder and struggle with addiction to drugs or alcohol. Although addiction can negatively impact everything from physical health to financial well-being and relationships, treatment can help those facing it regain control of their lives. AA and rehab are two of the most popular treatment options for substance use disorder, leading many people to wonder whether they should opt for the AA alcohol program or inpatient rehab.
Everyone’s path to recovery will be unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment solution for substance use disorder. The best way to overcome addiction will depend on a number of factors. Reviewing the differences between the two treatment options can make it easier to compare AA vs. rehab centers and select the best option for you.
What Is the AA Alcohol Program?
One of the ways addicts can seek help is through a 12-step program, first popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, AA is an international mutual aid fellowship with the goal of helping fellow alcoholics stay sober and others achieve sobriety.
As part of an intricate support system and regularly planned meetings among its participants, addicts are encouraged to take in the 12-step program. This program is a list of guiding principles outlining how alcoholics can be freed from their addiction or compulsion to drink.
To this day, the 12-step program is an integral part of AA and has helped countless people find their path to recovery. In fact, some treatment centers encourage substance abuse addicts to participate in an AA group to help maintain their sobriety.
While AA is specifically for alcoholics, the 12-step program has been applied to other addictions, such as drug and sexual addictions. The guiding principles of the 12-step program are still relevant as a plan of action to overcome addiction.
It’s incredibly difficult to gauge the success rate of AA and similar groups, but we do know that the AA alcohol program is popular. A survey conducted as a part of a recent study found that 12% of respondents aged 30 and older had attended at least one AA meeting.
Is AA Considered Addiction Treatment?
To understand whether AA is an addiction treatment, it’s helpful to compare addiction to medical conditions. After all, addiction is an illness just like diabetes and heart disease.
After diagnosing a health condition, a medical provider will develop a treatment plan for managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. The treatment plan may include medication, surgery, lifestyle changes, and other interventions.
In some cases, doctors may also recommend that a person attend a peer support group. Studies show that support groups can provide key resources for patients and contribute to better health outcomes. However, the support group isn’t considered a treatment for the illness. Rather, it’s a place for people to express their feelings and connect with others who understand what they’re going through.
Along that same line of thinking, the AA alcohol program isn’t technically an addiction treatment, but many people believe it is. For maintenance and long-term sobriety, 12-step programs can be an extraordinary tool and support system for addicts. However, AA and other programs like it can’t be considered an alternative to the type of medical treatment you’d receive at a rehab facility.
Another potential downside of AA and similar programs is that they rely on support from a designated sponsor, someone who’s typically in recovery as well. As a result, there’s a risk that a sponsor could relapse, endangering your sobriety. Since sponsors usually aren’t addiction specialists or mental health professionals, they can’t offer expert advice or prescribe treatments for addiction either.
How to Decide Between AA vs. Rehab
Of the million Americans who need to seek addiction treatment, only 13% ever do. While there are many reasons people avoid getting help, uncertainty over where to turn often plays a role. To help you weigh your options, consider the following:
- Your Level of Support – Overcoming addiction can be a tough road. The more built-in support you have around you, the better equipped you might be to handle it through a program like AA instead of choosing a recovery program. But keep in mind that while support can be critical, it isn’t a substantial replacement for treatment from a licensed medical professional.
- Your Schedule – Recovery centers require a full-time investment for several weeks to allow you to build new habits for a healthy life. Choosing AA can give you more freedom for any scheduling issues you may encounter.
- Your Limitations – Some people work better with the accountability of daily groups and counseling that recovery centers can provide. Attending AA will still provide a level of accountability but will also require a degree of personal persistence to push you down the road to your recovery.
- Your Financial Resources – Cost is another consideration when comparing AA vs. rehab centers. AA is free to attend, while there are costs associated with rehab. However, cost doesn’t need to be a barrier. Many health insurance plans include coverage for inpatient and outpatient rehab.
Can I Do AA Instead of Rehab?
Ultimately, only you can make the choice between AA and rehab, but it’s important to understand that AA alone isn’t considered a treatment for addiction, as previously explained. As a result, AA isn’t often the process by which all addicts can achieve initial sobriety. That doesn’t mean you can’t try AA before entering rehab. Just go into the program with realistic expectations, and be open to the idea that you may need to seek treatment in the future.
AA vs. Rehab: You Don’t Have to Choose
For those exploring addiction treatment options, it’s helpful to rethink the conversation surrounding AA vs. rehab. The truth is that it doesn’t need to be an either-or proposition.
Recovery is an ongoing journey that can start with rehab and continue with AA. During the rehab phase, you can go through detox under the supervision of medical providers who administer treatments to help reduce withdrawal symptoms. Then, you’ll attend individual and group therapy sessions led by mental health professionals and have a chance to gain an understanding of your addiction and develop strategies for remaining drug- and alcohol-free in the future.
After rehab ends, AA can be an important part of your aftercare plan. Attending meetings can help hold you accountable, keep you focused on your recovery, and give you ongoing support to reduce the risk of relapses.
For many people, AA and rehab centers go hand in hand. In fact, a recent AA survey revealed that 59% of its members were referred to AA after receiving treatment from a rehab facility. This statistic points to the fact that a combination of AA and rehab is an approach many addiction specialists recommend, and it may be the right solution for you.
Seek Treatment for Addiction Today
If you’re struggling with addiction and want to take the next step toward finding help, we’re here for you. As one of the premier treatment centers in the United States and worldwide, FHE Health can get you the help you need. Talk with our knowledgeable and friendly staff today to learn more.
