Secular Drug & Alcohol Rehabs in California

“I need help finding a non-religious rehab program in California.”

Secular Drug & Alcohol Rehabs in California have been proven to get better results when coupled with an aftercare program that has a reality for you. Forcing someone who is an atheist, agnostic, or non-religious to attend higher power-based aftercare models could have the opposite effect. This is why we have listed alternative and secular recovery groups at the bottom of this page. Our purpose here at Addiction No More, is to help you find a non-12-step rehab in California that uses evidence-based treatment methods to deliver a secular rehab center program. We can also answer any questions you may have about going to treatment.

1-800-513-5423

If you would like to discuss what options are located in the state of California for treatment give us a call today. 24/7 free assistance. We will inform you as to which program will best work for your given circumstances. It is always better to find a program that will actually work for you, rather than have you working on a program that you have no reality with. Many of these facilities have private rooms and allow pets. It is really beneficial to clients who want to bring their dog or cat to treatment with them. We are here to help you make an informed decision on which is the best secular rehab center for you. This will be the most important first step in your recovery.

What you will learn on this page:

• What is a secular drug and alcohol rehab?
• Why do non-religious people prefer secular drug rehab?
• Alternatives to 12-step programs for recovery
• List of non-12-step programs
• List of non-12-step programs

What is a secular drug and alcohol rehab?

“Secular rehab center” is a term used for substance abuse treatment that does not rely on religion or a higher power to achieve lifelong sobriety. Instead, it uses evidence-based therapy and treatment coupled with the latest advancements in addiction recovery therapies in the development of its programs.

Why do non-religious people prefer secular drug rehab?

For people who are non-religious, agnostic, or atheist, 12-step programs and faith-based rehabs may not be effective because a lot of their therapy requires you to give yourself over to a higher power. This can be difficult for someone who does not believe in God or religion which makes it harder for them to want to go to treatment in the first place. However, this should NEVER stop you from getting treatment. It is sometimes beneficial for the client to go to treatment further away from home. Getting away from temptations and friends who may still be using is often better for many people. Clients who go to rehab in another state also have a harder time leaving treatment early as well. Depending on the situation, our counselors may suggest looking for substance abuse programs that are a plane flight away. 

Alternatives to 12-step Programs for Recovery

People who choose an alternative treatment approach for many different reasons.

Some of these reasons may be:

• They tried 12-step programs in the past and it didn’t work for them. They have previously attended a faith-based program and relapsed and would like to try something different.
• They prefer science-based treatment. Most 12-step programs are not anti-science, however, a rehab that only uses faith-based treatment approaches may overlook the best evidence-based treatments such as CBT, Medication-assisted treatments, or other therapy models that have been proven to help.
• They have different faiths other than Christianity, such as Buddhist, and Wiccan. AA, NA, and other programs like Celebrate Recovery use language and practices that may make those with a different faith, or no faith feel very uncomfortable.
• Bad experiences. The individual may have had a bad experience with religion or their practices, trauma, or a strict or abusive religious upbringing. 

Thankfully there are alternatives to 12-step programs through evidence-based rehab centers throughout the United States. Alternative to AA programs still have peer support groups and provide the necessary tools to help build a foundation for long-lasting recovery. We are here to help you find a secular treatment program. Call now for more information on finding a treatment center near you. 

List of non-12-step programs

There are several alternatives to AA/NA in California that are more secular in nature. The alternative to 12-step programs tends to evolve as new research and therapies are developed. The alternative to traditional 12-step programs will ask individuals to find the motivation within themselves and practice internal control instead of seeking an external source for help with their recovery. Alternative to 12-step programs will still offer and rely on peer support while providing tools for minimizing relapse. Most of the non-12-step recovery groups are free to join and have only one requirement which is that the members wish to achieve and maintain abstinence. Almost all aftercare programs will have literature, books, and small donations to cover costs, coffee, or snacks.

Some of the more recognized alternatives to the twelve-step program include:


Smart Recovery®
Women for Sobriety®
Lifering Secular Recovery®
Experiential therapies
Moderation management programs
Holistic therapies


Below we have listed some of the Smart Recovery® National Meetings that are held online. These meetings may have large numbers of participants from across the country (and sometimes further abroad). To enter one of these meetings we suggest that you get in touch with the contact person listed by e-mail to get the login information and start your recovery. If you would like help locating Secular Drug & Alcohol Rehabs in California or to ask any questions, call us at your earliest convenience.

Cathedral City, California Detox Centers and Treatment Programs
Fresno California Drug Rehabs
Long Beach CA Addiction Treatment
Los Angeles California Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation
Sacramento Ca. Drug Rehab Centers
San Diego California Drug Treatment Facilities
San Francisco California Substance Abuse Treatment
San Jose CA 30-Day Recovery Programs and Inpatient Rehabs

Smart Recovery® meetings use a basic format for every meeting with topic changes every so often.

If you have any questions, please email verifications@smartrecovery.org

The six basic elements of a SMART Recovery meeting:

• Agenda Setting.
• Coping with Activating Events.
• Pass the Hat.
• Homework.
• Summarizing and closing.
• Socializing.

MONDAY GROUPS
Meeting for young adults 18-30
Schedule: Every Monday, 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM (central time zone)
Carolyn, Facilitator

Meeting for Military and First Responders
Schedule: Every Monday, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM central
Military, Veteran & First Responders Facilitator Team



TUESDAY GROUPS
All welcome
Schedule: Every Tuesday, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM central
Gerardo Matamoros, Facilitator

Friends and Family
Schedule: Every Tuesday, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Kevin M.


WEDNESDAY GROUPS
Open meeting Spanish
Schedule: Every Wednesday, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Gerardo Matamoros, Facilitator


THURSDAY GROUPS
Military, Veteran & First Responders group
Schedule: Every Thursday, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Military, Veteran & First Responders Facilitator Team


FRIDAY GROUPS
Open meeting, Spanish speaking
Schedule: Every Friday, 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Gerardo Matamoros, Facilitator
Phone: +1 646-422-9323


SATURDAY GROUPS
Open Group
Schedule: Every Saturday, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Michael, Facilitator


SUNDAY GROUP
Open Group
Every Sunday, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Jim, Facilitator

Sources

Smartrecovery.org
National Library of Medicine
The Principals of Secularism
Mental Health Substance Abuse

Erik Epp – Content Author