The main difference between AA and Al-Anon is that AA is for those with alcoholism, whereas Al-Anon is for their family members. Alcoholics Anonymous also has a more religious affiliation than Al-Anon. The steps that each model practices are slightly different, and have become more separate over the years.
Full Answer
What is the difference between Alcoholics Anonymous and Na?
One is external ( alcohol) and one is internal ( addiction ). This difference has led to many people concluding that NA is more focused on the individual, rather than focusing on the assistance of a Higher Power, which is a major part of The Twelve Steps in AA.
Do Alcoholics Anonymous meetings work?
The Office of the Surgeon General says AA meetings are effective at motivating many people to recover from alcohol addiction, and that AA can improve a person’s ability to manage triggers in situations involving alcohol.
What is the Alcoholics Anonymous program?
Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcoholics Anonymous (or AA) began in 1935 by two men who had one unified goal. They wanted to help alcoholics give up alcohol and empower them to help others do the same. The program is centered around twelve steps, which is often simply referred to as The Twelve Step Program.
Are there different types of addiction treatment?
You have many different options for addiction treatment. It can be confusing trying to decide what the appropriate treatment is for you. This is a list of the most common types of addiction treatment and a brief explanation and overview of some of the major pros and cons of each.
Is there a difference between addiction and drug abuse?
What is the Difference Between Addiction and Drug Abuse? Substance abuse is when you use a drug in a harmful way. Addiction describes the compulsive seeking of that drug. Substance abuse may not lead to addiction.
What techniques are used to treat addiction?
Some of the most common forms of modern addiction treatment include behavioral therapies delivered as individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.
Is treatment and recovery the same?
Treatment can include detox, inpatient or outpatient programs, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Recovery encompasses other aspects of your life, including emotional sobriety, mental health, physical health, and spiritual health.
Which is considered the most effective treatment for alcoholism?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a proven method for alleviating the burdens of alcoholism. The basic premise of CBT is the importance of identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with positive thoughts and behaviors. A CBT session will be a conversation between a patient and a psychologist.
What are two types of treatment available for someone who is addicted to drugs?
There are many options that have been successful in treating drug addiction, including:behavioral counseling.medication.medical devices and applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills training.evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.More items...•
Is CBT effective in treating addiction?
CBT is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, and other mental disorders, but it has also been shown to be valuable in treating alcoholism and drug addiction. This is especially true when it's part of an overall program of recovery.
What is recovery therapy?
Based on Aaron Beck's cognitive model, and embodying the principles and spirit of the recovery movement, Recovery Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R) is a treatment approach designed to promote empowerment, recovery, and resiliency in individuals with serious mental health conditions.
What is the most effective treatment for addiction?
According to American Addiction Centers, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a valuable treatment tool because it can be used for many different types of addiction including, but not limited to, food addiction, alcohol addiction, and prescription drug addiction.
What are two programs for treating alcoholism?
People often think there are only two places to get help for alcohol problems—Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or residential rehab....These levels, as defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, include:Outpatient. ... Intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization. ... Residential. ... Intensive inpatient.
What are some treatment options for someone who is suffering from alcoholism?
Types of TreatmentBehavioral Treatments. Behavioral treatments are aimed at changing drinking behavior through counseling. ... Medications. ... Mutual-Support Groups. ... Current NIAAA Research—Leading to Future Breakthroughs. ... Mental Health Issues and Alcohol Use Disorder.
Understanding The Differences: Aa vs Na
When you attend AA, you are attending a group that is based upon helping people who struggle with alcoholism. NA focuses on helping people who stru...
What Are Na and Aa Meetings like?
Perhaps you’re thinking about going to an AA or an NA meeting. However, you’re feeling nervous about what you’ll experience. This fear of the unkno...
Facts About Alcohol Abuse and Drug Abuse
Alcoholics and drug addicts often don’t think about how addiction has plagued others. It’s interesting to take a look at some statistics on alcohol...
Does Alcoholics Anonymous Work?
You may be wondering if AA is right for you. AA does work. Research tells us that about 40% of AA members who reach one year of sobriety will remai...
Does Narcotics Anonymous Work?
NA has also shown to be effective. This is largely due to the fact that the organization keeps growing continually. As of 1994, there were close to...
Which Program Should You Choose, Aa vs Na?
As you can see, both programs have very similar premises, yet there are some subtle differences to consider as well. When trying to choose AA vs NA...
Is Aa Or Na The Right Program For You?
At the first glance, it may seem as though your choice between AA and NA should be an obvious one. However, as you dig deeper, you’ll realize that’...
History
Fundamental Beliefs
- SMART is a secular organization, not based on spirituality. Instead of relying on a higher power like AA, the program is based on scientifically researched therapies and tried and tested therapeutic methods taken from other disciplines. Since it’s based on scientific theory, SMART claims that it will develop as science develops. Contrarily, the AA big book has changed very littl…
Time Involvement
- SMART is not open-ended, rather it anticipates that people will eventually leave the program when they are ready. Many choose to stay involved for a long period regardless, and there is no reason that you can’t return after a period of absence. However, there is no expectation that people will remain committed to lifelong involvement, which is expected in AA.
Sponsorship
- Another major difference is that AA is based on the sponsorship model while there are no sponsors in SMART. Newer members in AA seek out a sponsor to guide and take them through the twelve steps and assist in their recovery, especially in the difficult early days, weeks, and months of sobriety.
Structure
- AA members are expected to complete the twelve-step program and live according to the principles of the twelve steps. The final step advocates the dissemination of the twelve-step philosophy to others who are struggling with addiction. While SMART does have a recognized handbook and program to follow, it is not nearly as formal as the twelve-step program. Instead, i…
Leadership
- AA meetings are run by volunteers in attendance at the meeting while SMART meetings are run by trained volunteers, usually people who have carried out a course of training to become a recognized facilitator. Facilitators do not have to be in recovery, as they can be an alcohol counselor or other professional involved in addiction treatment.
Discussion
- When sharing in an AA meeting, there is no discussion about the person’s experience and the meeting may move onto just another person sharing their difficulties. On the other hand, SMART encourages open discussion in its meetings and there’s even an agenda that focuses on one or more of the SMART tools before an open-ended discussion takes place.
Views on The Use of Medication
- Medication to treat addiction is often frowned upon as a treatment by people in AA. However, SMART advocates the use of appropriately prescribed medications and psychological treatments alongside SMART resources.
Similarities Between Smart and Aa
- Even though there are major differences between AA and SMART, there are also a number of similarities. Both, of course, are resourcesto assist people with their recovery. Neither organization requires payment (no dues or fees, as the AA preamble states) though voluntary donations are welcomed at both. A key similarity between the two programs is that they are bot…