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The traditional 12 step approach looks at drug and alcohol addiction as an incurable disease. This disheartens many and makes people feel as though they are at a constant disadvantage when battling addiction. Non-traditional programs treat drug and alcohol addiction as a serious problem that can be fully addressed and resolved through treatment that is based on science and empirical evidence.

The issue with 12 step programs is that they were the first real drug and alcohol addiction treatment offered to the public. Because many realize that addiction is something that they cannot overcome by themselves, popularity boomed quickly. While the research now shows 12 step programs are almost as effective as doing nothing at all, they are still the first name associated with drug addiction by virtue of "being first."

Not all non 12 step programs are the same, which makes it important to find the right program for you or your loved one. It is important to find a long-term, holistic treatment option that treats each patient as an individual.

It is impossible to determine exactly how much non 12 step treatment costs without knowing more specifics about the prospective patient. Some programs charge more than others do. This again highlights the importance of finding a program that not only meets your needs, but is also affordable. Fortunately, many programs work with a sliding pay scale or allow you to pay for treatment in installments.

This depends on the programs and on your insurance. More and more insurance companies are realizing the need for proper alternative drug treatment and extending coverage. This is due to the better results offered by a holistic approach and the financial benefits of most patients not relapsing.