Listed below are a few questions you can ask as you search for a true Non 12 Step Program:

Does your program advocate that alcoholism and addiction are diseases?

If their answer is yes, then you can be assured that the treatment you receive will be very similar to the Minnesota Model which incorporates much of the 12 Step methodologies. If the answer is no then proceed to the next question.

Does your program advocate a choice-based dependency; meaning does your program believe that substance abuse is truly, always a choice or is there a point where people lose their power of choice? And do you think that people need your program to stop their substance abuse?

If the answer to these questions presented in question two are yes, then you have found a program that may still employ 12 Step methodologies in that they view the substance abuser as unable to stop their substance abuse without help; and more specifically without their help. This talk of dependency is just a way to skirt the now unpopular disease concept, while remaining a proponent of people’s powerlessness in making better choices. If the term “dependency” is anywhere in the facility’s marketing plan or promotional materials, avoid it. You are not dependent, you are not diseased and you have full power of choice right now!

And the last question to ask is what do you recommend for aftercare?

This is where many self-claiming Non 12 Step Programs show their true colors. Recommending that their graduates attend support group meetings, therapy sessions or group counseling sessions to help them to stay sober and drug free is the most telling sign that their program is mired in 12 Step ideas.

A true Non 12 Step Program must do the opposite of the traditional 12 Step methodology.

1. Where the 12 Step Programs force individuals to accept that they are powerless over alcohol and/or drugs, a true Non 12 Step Program empowers the individual to take control of their lives and behaviors.
2. Where the 12 Step Programs state that the only one who could relieve their problem is God, a true Non 12 Step Program places the power where it is most beneficial, with the individual.
3. Where 12 Step Programs teach their members that they must serve others like them through their meetings to stay sober and drug free, a true Non 12 Step Program shows each individual just how much they have to offer the world, and more specifically their families, friends, co-workers and communities.
4. Finally, where 12 Step Programs tell each member that they will forever suffer from their affliction of alcoholism or addiction, and the best they can hope for is a daily reprieve, but for the Grace of God, a true Non 12 Step Program shows each individual that they have no affliction and that they are free to do with their life as they see fit, and that nothing is holding them back from having the life of their dreams.

A true Non 12 Step Program will admit that you do not need their program or any program to change your life. They will tell you that you have the power right now, within yourself to make a commitment to make more productive lifestyle choices; and further that you have always had this power.

So why come to the Jude Thaddeus Program at the St. Jude Retreats? To gain assistance in finding what is buried deep within yourself; that is the freedom, the motivation and the drive you have always had to do something great with your life. This is the key to lasting change in your life. This is the key to success.

If you just want to stop drinking or drug using, then stop right now, today. If you want to stop drinking and drug using and find the life of your dreams, we can help. We are the only true Non 12 Step Program.