What happens when your addiction rehab just doesn't work?

“I [did both] a 12 step program and an aversion therapy program. Both, ultimately did not work for me …. It seemed like the most important thing to them was if your insurance covered you and your check would clear.”

“It works if you work it.”

If you’ve been to 12 Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), then chances are good that you have heard this popular program catchphrase. Here’s another variation: “AA will work if you want it to work.”

But is it really true? Is it possible to work a 12 Step program wholeheartedly and have it not work for you?

The typical rehab Seattle residents know includes a 12 Step component. However, for many, this configuration of steps and affirmations doesn’t work. Fortunately, an alternative configuration offers hope.

Do you need to hang your head in shame because of the choices you made in the past, when you were in mental and emotional pain and didn’t know any other way?

Does being completely responsible for your experiences mean that every bad thing that happened to you is your fault?

For many local residents, detox in Seattle seems like the obvious choice. While detox is a good start, it’s only the very first step on the road toward recovery. After detox, it’s important to address the underlying core issues and work toward relapse prevention. Explore the benefits of treatment after detox is complete.

Did you know that the cells of your body are affected by your thoughts? It’s true. That’s what “the biology of belief” means: that the thoughts racing through your mind on a moment-to-moment basis have the power to build up or tear down your physical and mental health, including addictive tendencies.

Not all drugs come in pill or powder form. Lean is one of the most dangerous drugs out there, and it comes as a beverage. What is Lean? Learn more about the drug, why it's dangerous, and how you can fight back against a lean addiction.

12 Step programs have been the standard of care in both outpatient and residential addiction treatment for the better part of the last century.

But if these programs work so well, then why do we see so many people struggling to stay sober after rehab? Why do we see dismal relapse rates?

Taking the 12 steps on the journey to overcome drugs or alcohol may not be the right solution for most people. They may find that the best non 12 step rehab programs have more to offer as they struggle with an addiction.

Recovery requires an effective approach. Choosing from more than one option can in itself be empowering.

"That's just the way it is - it's my genes - I can't do anything about it."

Many people believe they are who they are, and that they have limited means to change their health or life direction. "It is what it is," they say, "because of my genetic makeup".

Well, maybe not.