Other 12-Step Programs to Support Your Recovery

A vital part of an addiction rehabilitation program—and even some dual diagnosis treatment approaches—is working through a 12-Step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These and other peer support programs are essential to many aspects of establishing a life of purposeful recovery.

As this study points out, this camaraderie and support seem to be the backbone of 12-Step programs, regardless of topic. So, just as there are advantages to exploring different meeting times and locations, you might also consider attending more focused groups that address your core issues and help you connect with other people who share your wellness intentions.

What Other 12-Step Programs Are There?

A lack of routine is a common problem for many people managing substance use disorder (SUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and mood disorders or dual diagnosis conditions. This is why purposeful routines and rituals are the backbone of health: without a daily recovery practice, they might require more structure to avoid triggers and other symptoms that threaten sobriety.

When you’re involved in a 12-Step program, you have certain guidelines to follow each day that reinforce the stability of routine. If one day doesn’t work out—hence the grounding philosophy of “one day at a time”—you simply start again tomorrow with the previous step. Day by day, you experience progress.

Here are some additional mutual aid recovery groups that rely on this philosophy but also specialize in certain areas that could enhance your wellness goals.

Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families: Since 1987, ACADF has helped people use the 12-Steps to deal with trauma and foster emotional healing.
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups: First established in 1951, these organizations are open to families and friends of alcoholics, including teenagers, and utilize the 12-Steps process for addressing addiction issues.
Cocaine Anonymous: Started in 1982, CA uses a philosophy patterned after many AA principles, including the 12-Steps, to help people with SUD. However, the two nonprofits aren’t affiliated.
Co-Dependents Anonymous: This organization began in 1986 to help individuals recover from codependency and develop healthy relationships. It features a unique alteration of the 12-Steps and Traditions.
Co-Sex Addicts Anonymous: Founded in 1980, this group also uses a form of AA’s 12-Steps to help people affected by someone else’s compulsive sexual behavior.
Crystal Meth Anonymous: Founder Bill C. created CMA in 1994 using the 12-Step structure to address the particular concerns of people with methamphetamine addiction.
Emotions Anonymous: Established in 1971, the goal of this 12-Step program is to “support individuals with emotional difficulties in their efforts to live more manageable lives”.
Fentanyl Anonymous: This relatively new group, established in 2023, has a mission to “provide a sanctuary of support and empowerment for individuals grappling with addiction to fentanyl, opioids, and other substances.”
Marijuana Anonymous: This organization, founded in 1989, acknowledges that some people have a marijuana dependency and may need the help of the 12-Steps to overcome it.
Nar-Anon Family Groups: Similar to Al-Anon, this group was established in 1971 after the success of NA to help families and friends of people with drug addiction and follows guidelines similar to other family support groups.

You might also want to consider the following 12-Steps peer support programs that provide more insight into certain compulsions:

Clutterers Anonymous
Debtors Anonymous
Depressed Anonymous
Dual Recovery Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous
Overeaters Anonymous
Undereaters Anonymous
Workaholics Anonymous

All have informative websites and detailed descriptions of their 12-Step process.

Is a 12-Step Group the Only Option?

Again, not necessarily. Other groups offer different perspectives on the recovery process that may complement or replace a 12-Step approach. Here are two examples:

SHE RECOVERS follows the philosophy of “redefining recovery, inspiring hope, ending stigma and empowering women in or seeking recovery from life challenges including mental health issues, trauma and substance use, to increase their recovery capital, heal themselves and help other women to do the same.” It provides online and in-person meetings, as well as retreats and educational programs.
SMART Recovery uses principles based on guidelines established through abstinence as well as cognitive behavioral therapy. The program offers both in-person and online meetings around the world so people can form a community and learn from each other, but unlike most 12-Step methods, there isn’t a sponsor/sponsee relationship.

Discover More Wellness Tools From Fair Oaks

Fair Oaks Recovery Center in Sacramento, California, is a licensed Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospital—a status issued by the California Department of Public Health to addiction rehabilitation and dual diagnosis/mood disorder treatment facilities. Our board-certified professionals want to ensure that you’re able to explore aspects of your customized treatment with an approach balanced by evidence-based techniques and holistic methods that address your unique needs. We strive to provide you with wellness opportunities that further your recovery goals—ask our admissions team for more details.

For more information about programs offered at Fair Oaks Recovery Center, including our intensive outpatient program in Sacramento, please call us today at (888) 576-0222.

Other 12-Step Programs to Support Your Recovery

What Other 12-Step Programs Are There?

Is a 12-Step Group the Only Option?

Discover More Wellness Tools From Fair Oaks

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