Last Updated On August 24, 2020

Alcohol abuse is a tale as old as time, and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been around since the 1930s. But scientific breakthroughs in the last few decades have brought about effective alternatives to AA.

Life-changing medications have been FDA-approved and available for use to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) for many years, but society—including the medical establishment—is only just catching up.

In this post, we’re comparing modern methods of alcohol abuse treatment to older, traditional approaches. We’ll also detail 10 alternatives to alcoholics anonymous and 12-step programs so you can decide if any are right for you.

Traditional Vs. New Alcohol Treatment

For many decades, those with alcohol dependence have had limited treatment options. We’ll refer to these as “traditional treatments.”

In recent years, doctors, organizations and experts have teamed up to develop a new way of thinking about alcohol addiction. And within that, they’ve created different science-backed treatments. We’ll refer to these as “new treatments.”

It’s important to understand that both traditional and new treatments work to varying extents. As with most health problems, certain treatments work for certain people. For example, AA requires that people get a sponsor, cycle through 12 steps, believe in a higher power and remain sober. This works for some. However, other people with AUD may find abstinence daunting, aren’t religious and can’t commit the time. Those individuals may be a better fit for other sobriety support groups or alternative recovery programs.

In this section, we’ll outline the difference between new and old treatments. Take a look at the key differences to see which resonates with you more.

The Old Way → The New Way

Here’s how treatment has been revolutionized over the decades.

The Old Way The New Way

Requires belief in a higher power Secular options are available, and science-based methods can be combined with faith Reliant on willpower Incorporates FDA-approved medication to stop physical cravings In-person meetings only Online meetings are possible Work with a sponsor Work with physicians and recovery coaches Report progress to your sponsor Use medical tools to accurately assess your progress Reliant on a code of anonymity Online programs provide anonymity Expensive in-patient rehab Affordable at-home programs Time-consuming meetings or rehab Convenient/self-paced at-home counseling Same program goal for everyone (ex. sobriety) Program customized to an individual’s goals (ex. abstinence or moderation) Follow a set series of steps Access a variety of medical and counseling approaches Uses stigmatized language (ex. “alcoholic”) Uses judgment-free language High failure rate High success rate

10 Alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous (Alternatives to AA Meetings & the 12 Step Program)

If you’ve decided that traditional Alcoholics Anonymous meetings aren’t for you, there are several non-religious alternatives to AA.

As we describe each, begin to picture yourself in the program or meetings. Consider which AA alternative best aligns with your beliefs and goals.

#1 Ria Health

Ria Health is a non-AA, app-based treatment program that combines anti-craving medication and counseling. This at-home program gives you access to online support groups, medical counseling, and a personal recovery coach. Unlike other programs, your Ria Health journey is led by healthcare professionals and addiction experts. They can customize treatment to your goals, whether those be drinking less or not at all.

Program Goal: Moderation or Abstinence

Program Highlights:

Evidence-based, with the average member reducing drinking by 70% in 6 months

Addresses physical and psychological factors

Entirely from home through an app

Access to FDA-approved anti-craving medication

Medical counseling via video chat

1X1 recovery coaching support

Weekly group calls for peer support

Mobile breathalyzer to monitor your progress

Low time commitment and flexible scheduling

Secular/non-religious alternative to AA

Alternative to 12-step treatment

Private and non-judgemental

Customizable to each person (can adjust goals for abstinence)

Participants Learn:

How to overcome cravings (using medication and cognitive behavioral therapy)

Coping strategies to break habits and reduce stress levels

How to overcome shame, stigma and triggers

Tools to maintain a healthier relationship with alcohol long term

Program Length: Customizable (1-12 months)

Cost: $350/month

Insurance Coverage: Covered by many major providers

Learn more about How It Works or Schedule a Call with a team member today.

#2 SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery meetings are held throughout the country and are popular alternatives to AA meetings and 12-step groups. They’re based on a 4-point program, combining motivation, coping strategies, cognitive-behavioral management and living a balanced life. SMART stands for “Self-Management and Recovery Training.”

Program Goal: Abstinence

Program Highlights:

Mutual support meetings

Science-based

Secular/non-religious

Learn:

Coping skills

Cognitive-behavioral skills

Motivation

Program Length: Ongoing

Cost: Free (not-for-profit)

Insurance Coverage: N/A

#3 Moderation Management

Moderation management is designed for problem drinkers who are in the early stages of dependence. Meetings focus on behavior change.

Program Goal: Moderation (but step #2 requires 30 days of abstinence)

Program Highlights:

Peer meetings

9-step program (alternative to 12-step treatment)

Early intervention and harm reduction

Promotes early self-recognition

May move onto abstinence-only groups

Secular/non-religious

Learn:

Drinking guidelines/limits

Drinking monitoring exercises

Goal setting

Self-management strategies

Coping strategies

Program Length: Ongoing (meetings after program completion)

Cost: Free (not-for-profit)

Insurance Coverage: N/A

#4 Women for Sobriety

Women for Sobriety is a non-religious alternative to AA. The addiction recovery support group is for women with substance abuse disorders, including AUD. Their New Life Program is based on 13 “acceptance statements” aimed to encourage growth.

Program Goal: Abstinence

Program Highlights:

Open to women with all forms of substance abuse

Based on 13 “acceptance statements” and 6 recovery levels

Certified moderators/chat leaders

Online and in-person mutual support groups

Phone volunteers for one-on-one support

Welcomes all expressions of female identity

Secular/non-religious

Learn:

Identify and address problems that created substance abuse

Identify and address problems created by substance abuse

New ways of problem-solving

Cognitive-behavioral strategies

Program Length: Ongoing

Cost: Free (not-for-profit)

Insurance Coverage: N/A

#5 HAMS: Harm Reduction for Alcohol

HAMS is a peer-led group that provides support and information to those who want to change their drinking habits. It’s an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous that involves 17 steps.

Program Goal: Moderation or Abstinence

Program Highlights:

Self-directed with resources and peer support

Online support forum

Chat room

Email group

Facebook group

Live meetings

Official HAMS book and articles

Sample recovery plans

Learn:

Change drinking habits

Safer, reduced drinking, or abstinence

Small steps to change behavior

Program Length: For duration of 17 steps (or stay to volunteer)

Cost: Free (not-for-profit)

Insurance Coverage: N/A

#6 This Naked Mind (Annie Grace)

This Naked Mind is an online alcohol awareness program that incorporates community and a variety of informational products. It aims to eliminate cravings by deconstructing your beliefs about alcohol.

Program Goal: Abstinence

Program Highlights:

Focuses on psychological dependence

Book

Video course

Audio program

Coaching

Web classes, challenges and live events

Learn:

Liminal thinking (understanding and changing your beliefs about alcohol)

Conscious and unconscious roles in addiction

How conditioning contributes to addiction

Program Length: Depends on product/program

Cost: Varies ($15 for the book to $600+ for video program and other products)

Insurance Coverage: None

#7 The Tempest Sobriety School

Tempest Sobriety School is an 8-week online course with a support community. After completion, users have access to the material for one year.

Program Goal: Abstinence

Program Highlights:

Online course

Weekly lectures

Q+A calls

Breakout groups

Support community

Learn:

Meditation and mindfulness

Intention-setting

Create sobriety road map

Craving strategies

Program Length: 8 weeks

Cost: $547

Insurance Coverage: None

#8 IGNTD Recovery

The IGNTD Hero Program is an online addiction program for those with alcohol and other drug dependencies. This addiction treatment alternative to AA also offers live group support chats. Users have access to the program for a year.

Program Goal: Moderation or Abstinence

Program Highlights:

Online course for alcohol and other drug addictions

Teaches a variety of approaches to tailor your recovery to your own needs

Live group support chats

Shame-free

Learn:

Habit change strategies

Cognitive-behavioral strategies

Dialectical behavior strategies

Mindfulness

Exercise

Medication

Hypnosis

Mindset coaching

Program Length: 2-6 months

Cost: $97/month

Insurance Coverage: None

#9 SOS Sobriety

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is a network of independent groups to help those achieve or maintain sobriety. It’s an option for those looking for secular alternatives to AA meetings.

Program Goal: Abstinence

Program Highlights:

Open to alcohol and other drug dependencies

Groups based on the Suggested Guidelines for Sobriety

Local groups

Online groups

Mutual support

Learn:

Achieve sobriety

Maintain sobriety

Factors contributing to addiction

Rational decision-making

Cycle of sobriety: acknowledgment, acceptance and prioritizing sobriety

Program Length: Ongoing

Cost: Free (not-for-profit)

Insurance coverage: N/A

#10 LifeRing

Another alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous, LifeRing is an organization to support sobriety. They offer peer-to-peer in-person support, and online meetings and resources.

Program Goal: Abstinence

Program Highlights:

Supports a variety of treatment approaches

Peer-to-peer

Local meetings

Online meetings

Email groups

Forum

Secular alternative to AA

Learn:

How to design your own program

How to support the “Sober Self” and weaken the “Addict Self”

Stories and advice from others

Program Length: Ongoing

Cost: Free (not-for-profit)

Insurance coverage: N/A

Summary of Alternative Alcohol Treatment Programs

Over the decades, society has changed the way it treats AUD. Traditional treatments, such as AA or rehab, work for some, but aren’t successful for everyone. New, alternative alcohol treatment programs incorporate counseling and anti-craving medication to maximize results.

These 10 alternatives to AA are a great choice for anyone looking to reduce or stop drinking alcohol:

1. Ria Health

2. SMART Recovery

3. Moderation Management

4. Women For Sobriety

5. HAMS: Harm Reduction for Alcohol

6. This Naked Mind

7. The Tempest Sobriety School

8. IGNTD Recovery

9. SOS Sobriety

10. LifeRing

Looking for a non-abstinence-based treatment program? Learn more about our process.