The Importance of Alcohol Recovery Programs in Florida

The 12-step model helps each individual maintain abstinence from their behaviors or substances of choice. Individuals in the program help each other by sharing experiences and support during meetings.

You may be wondering what percentage of alcoholics recover in this program. Studies show that the 12-step model is responsible for high levels of “flourishing.” Flourishing is what experts call positive mental health and its contribution to people’s long-term recovery. Studies show above 40% of people flourishing after three months and still nearly 40% after one year.

The same study shows those who stop using all substances have better mental health outcomes than those who continued using. The 12-step model encourages people to surrender their addiction, create new patterns, and understand their experiences.

Practices and Tools

A primary goal for the 12-step model is to help people build mental and emotional tools, such as:

• Compassion: participants need to have compassion for their peers who have been affected by addiction
• Recognizing and admitting that one’s addiction is a problem that needs to be addressed.
• Understanding that addiction exists and seeking guidance is a conscious decision
• Development of self-awareness and self-observation. One must understand the behaviors that arose from addiction
• Building self-esteem and the potential for one’s positive capabilities
• Understanding that behaviors may be changed through self-acceptance
• Understanding the learned tools of recovery are a continual practice through life

What Are the 12 Steps?

The 12 steps outlined in Bill Wilson’s “Big Book” include:

1. Admitting powerlessness over the addiction
2. Belief that a form of a higher power can help
3. Deciding to turn over your control to the higher power
4. Taking a personal inventory 
5. Admitting any wrongs done to oneself, another person, and the higher power
6. Being ready to have the higher power make corrections for any shortcomings in the individual’s character
7. Asking the higher power to remove those shortcomings
8. Writing a list of wrongdoings to others — and being willing to take responsibility and amend those wrongs
9. Reaching out to those who have been hurt, unless it would further harm the person
10. Continuing to take personal inventory and admitting when one is wrong
11. Looking for enlightenment and connection with the higher power through meditation and prayer
12. Carrying the message of the 12 steps to others in need

Variations on the 12 Steps

The 12-step model has been adopted and modified countless times to fit various programs. The model is used in many alcohol recovery programs, but it also helps other treatments based on addiction. Many programs, like Narcotics Anonymous, use the steps exactly as they were conceived. Others alter the steps to fit specific needs or cultures.

Many variations stem from the religious aspects of the standard 12-step program. Many entities that are not Christian-related modify the model to fit a more secular preference.

For some, the idea of basing their recovery on not being able to control their addiction may not be helpful. Many of these individuals, who are opposed to the 12-step model, look to other group sharing models that do not rely on the ideology of surrendering to addiction. In these programs, participants focus on exercising control over their treatment and eventual recovery from addiction.  

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is a non 12 step recovery program that strives to empower people to rid their addiction through a “4-Point Program.” The program works to encourage healthy behavior change through:

1. Building and maintaining the motivation to change
2. Developing coping methods to deal with urges to use
3. Using healthy methods to manage behaviors, feelings, and thoughts 
4. Living a life of positivity and balance

SMART Recovery, in essence, is a mental health and education program. Meetings do not focus on the past and things that people cannot change. Instead, they focus on what participants can change — the present and future.

Alcohol Recovery Programs

Many people that turn to assistance for addiction recovery seek help through alcohol recovery programs.

Residential Rehabilitation

At Intrepid Detox, we offer a practical and proven inpatient treatment program. Inpatient treatment, also known as residential rehabilitation, is a live-in facility that involves support through therapy and treatment programs. Our clients do not only stop using substances, but they are encouraged to work with professionals to find the root causes of their addiction.

Residential rehabilitation programs, like Intrepid Detox, provide the highest level of care for those dealing with substance addiction. Inpatient treatment works well for people who need a substance-free environment that is free of temptations and triggers. These programs typically range from 30 to 90 days. One can expect to participate in mental health services, individual and group counseling, wellness and fitness activities, behavioral therapy, and more.

Outpatient Rehabilitation

Outpatient treatment works best for those who need to continue their regular daily routine while receiving treatment at night. People in outpatient rehabilitation programs generally still live at home but may live in a sober home to avoid any substances or triggers. Outpatient programs typically last for several months and include similar programs as residential rehabilitation. These programs may consist of detox, family and individual therapy, behavioral counseling, and support groups.

Both 12-step and non-12-step programs have similar end goals: Promoting abstinence from substances and achieving and maintaining long-term recovery. The main difference commonly lies in the emphasis placed on a “higher power.” Many programs that move away from a higher power ideology help individuals develop an increased sense of self-empowerment instead. Non-12-step rehabilitation programs often include:

Medical Detox

Committing to a treatment program is challenging. But once someone makes the decision, the road to recovery is clear. The first step when choosing sobriety is often a detox. The detoxification process includes ridding the body of any lingering toxins from substance use. Depending on the substance, the detoxification process varies. Some substances may cause an individual to develop severe withdrawal symptoms when stopping use. For this reason, at Intrepid Detox, we offer a guided detox program to keep our clients comfortable and safe. 

Some substances require a medication-assisted detox if the withdrawal symptoms are severe enough. Detox programs are led by medical professionals that have experience and knowledge in dealing with many circumstances. Regardless of the substance, a proper medical detox sets the foundation for recovery and is an essential start to the treatment process. 

Dual Diagnosis

Many individuals in alcohol recovery programs have what’s called a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, is when an individual has two mental health disorders occurring simultaneously. These conditions may include addiction and other issues like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and more.

At Intrepid Detox, we treat each disorder concurrently to best help the client. Dual diagnosis is proven beneficial since co-occurring disorders often work together to cause emotional or physical harm to the suffering individual. Therefore, our experienced therapists break down how each disorder is affecting the patient. Dual diagnosis treatment includes therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and medicated-assisted treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, has proven beneficial in various treatment forms, including alcohol recovery programs. CBT is a form of talk therapy that focuses on changing thought patterns to create a healthier and more productive life. In CBT, the therapist works with their patient to sift through their behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. This can be highly beneficial as it leads to:

• Development of new behaviors and thinking
• New thought processes which fend off mental issues
• Development of new habits which motivate healthy coping mechanisms and relieve mental and physical health symptoms

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is rising in popularity as a treatment for addiction and substance abuse. DBT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on acceptance rather than change. In DBT, clients learn to accept where they are in the present moment. Instead of focusing on behaviors, feelings, and thoughts, DBT patients look to improve their ability to cope with stress, control their emotions, and strengthen their relationships.