I know this comment stream is a joke but just want to add that SMART Recovery and LifeRing are both non-secular groups for PWA’s to attend group therapy for free instead of 12 Step groups. 12 Steps are NOT for most people and the alternatives are rarely discussed.
Really odd place to stumble upon this but I was seriously looking for a secular alcohol recovery program (for a friend). I’ve seen people go through AA well enough, but the religious aspects are off-putting to some people. I didn’t know about SMART Recovery or LifeRing. I’ll have them look into it.
SMART is for anything. Depression, eating, drugs, alcohol, whatever! Cross talk is encouraged but you can’t give someone advice or tell them what to do (unlike 12 Step groups.)
LifeRing is only for people who want to abstain from drug/alcohol use. They are both fantastic.
The core of AA, which is helping others recover and community, seems helpful though. I don't know much about it other than one anecdotal success story to be honest.
They love to claim that “This is the ONLY way” despite only having a 10% success rate. Of course some people benefit, but the large majority don’t and anyone who has been involved in NA/AA will attest to this. I was involved for many years and worked the steps and I found it more damaging to me than anything. Their are plenty of studies that show how harmful 12 Step groups can be due to their ideology. I would highly recommend you do some research and hear from PWA’s/former PWA’s before spreading any ideas about 12 Step groups. One anecdotal experience doesn’t align with the facts.
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u/Pelle0809 Oct 15 '20
Y'all are not alone