Alcohol Rehab vs AA: What’s More Effective?

Deciding to get help with your alcohol use disorder is the right choice, but should you enroll in a substance abuse treatment facility or attend Alcoholics Anonymous AA? While both of these resources may help you manage your substance use disorders, it’s important to choose the best addiction recovery option for your needs. Resurgence Behavioral Health is a leading substance addiction treatment center staffed by addiction specialists. We offer alcohol treatment via inpatient rehab and outpatient treatment programs. We also feature medically assisted alcohol detox. Alcoholics Anonymous and its many groups all over the world have helped millions manage their alcohol addiction. Which support type is best for you?

Key Difference Between Alcohol Rehab and AA

There are many differences between an alcohol rehab like Resurgence Behavioral Health and AA. First, addiction treatment centers are staffed by medical professionals, including professional therapists who have licenses and certifications. AA does not. However, while groups like AA and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) are free, rehab treatment programs are not. Additionally, AA is based on 12-step principles. Alcohol and drug treatment centers feature a wide range of addiction treatments that may include 12-step principles as well as evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy CBT, dialectical behavioral therapy DBT, medication-assisted treatment MAT, family therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, and much more.

Benefits of Alcohol Rehab

Access to highly trained medical professionals and addiction specialists can be advantageous for people struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders. A drug and alcohol luxury rehab offers multiple treatments and not just one type of plan like 12-step programs. A recovery center like Resurgence also offers holistic and alternative treatments that support recovery. Rehabs provide multiple levels of support to meet clients where they are in their recovery journey. Clients can choose between inpatient therapy, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient programs.

Benefits of AA

Rehab costs can be prohibitive for some people suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction, but AA is free. Participants pay no charge to attend an AA meeting or work through the AA’s 12 steps. Many people find that 12step programs offer the type of support they’re looking for. Members can reside at home and enjoy the support of other members who are also recovering from alcohol addiction. AA’s flexible meeting schedule may be an ideal fit for people who attend work or school. For more comprehensive solutions, consider a drug rehab near Palo Alto.

Alcohol Rehab vs AA: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between a drug treatment center and AA is a matter of choosing the best fit for you. It’s not uncommon for people to choose both – to enroll in inpatient rehab and later attend 12 step program AA meetings as part of their rehab aftercare programming. If you need alcohol detox, a recovery center is definitely the ideal place to choose. Alcohol withdrawal can be extremely intense and even trigger medical emergencies like seizures. AA does not offer medical detox or dual diagnosis treatment. For comprehensive addiction treatment in the Los Angeles area, consider drug rehab near Los Angeles at Resurgence Behavioral Health to address your specific needs.

Support for Alcohol Addiction at Resurgence Behavioral Health

Resurgence is a leading drug rehab near Riverside that offers detox programs, inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment programs, and a wide range of addiction treatments like medication-assisted treatment, smart recovery, and rational emotive behavior therapy REBT that can be individualized for each client. Our treatment center also offers dual diagnosis treatment for clients with mental health disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. Since alcohol and drug rehab can individualize your behavioral therapy, you can build a strong foundation for lasting recovery. Moreover, completing a treatment program at our rehab doesn’t preclude you from attending AA meetings. After leaving professional rehab treatment, you can become an AA member to enjoy its ongoing support.

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial