A Further Reach: Alternative Recovery

Have you ever felt like you or a loved one just weren’t resonating with traditional treatment modalities? There are millions of people just like you. Alternative Recovery has been emerging over the last decade. Though 12-Step programs remain common culture in the addictions field, alternative approaches are making head way. Through my continued personal and professional growth, I have become aware of the limited information people have about these alternatives. There has been a standard practice of getting people into treatment facilities and mandating 12-Step programs. Don’t get me wrong, I am not in opposition to treatment or the 12-Steps. I acknowledge that there is a time and place for both. I am merely voicing concern that we are missing a large portion of the population who don’t resonate with treatment or 12-Step programs.  Where do these people turn for support? How can we reach more people who need assistance? Not only am I asking these questions, but I am offering part of the solution through my own coaching business. It is my hope to partner and collaborate with peers in the field to provide progressive and relevant services. This means opening our minds and hearts to different philosophies including, harm reduction and moderation. Alternative Recovery is about choice. It is about finding a path that works for you. Recovery life coaching, therapy and support meetings could all be used in service to creating a meaningful recovery practice. Alternative Recovery allows for your recovery to be your own. You are resourceful, empowered and capable of making choices that make sense for you. May we all work together to improve the quality of life in ourselves, our family systems and our society.

About Beverly Sartain

Recovery Life Coach who supports Soulful men and women in living a sober, conscious and purpose-driven life.

9 Comments

  1. Theresa on October 27, 2014 at 12:36 am

    You are very gifted Beverly – I know you will be able to help lots of people.

  2. Angela von Werder on October 27, 2014 at 9:07 pm

    congrats! on your professional website. Truly, trying to shove everyone into the ’12 Step’ container is the reason why it does not work for many people. I look forward to learning more about your unique approach to recovery, and send every good wish for your success.

    Angela

  3. CH on October 28, 2014 at 2:03 pm

    I met Beverly after going through a personal low in my life and AA was not helping. I found help in SMART recovery but still struggled with creating a healthy support system and structured plan for my recovery. Beverly provided a one-on-one approach customized to my specific issues and needs in recovery. I continued to go to SMART recovery, but also worked with Beverly to augment my recovery, she provided a wealth of support, helped me create a personalized recovery action plan, and most importantly held me accountable to putting my plan and specific steps into action. Her ability to think outside the box, provide unconditional support without judgement, and be a friend at such a critical time in my life has helped me get the fresh start I desperately needed. Furthermore, she was open to discuss more then just addiction issues (as so many of us struggle from emotional/psychological triggers that are the root of our addictive behavior..). I’d recommend Beverly to anyone who struggles with any maladaptive or addictive behavior searching for an alternative or supplemental resource to the traditional AA recovery model. It will change your life! CH

    • Beverly on November 1, 2014 at 11:47 pm

      CH, I’m grateful to be apart of your healing journey. I appreciate your kind words and am rooting for your continued success.

  4. Bryan Mingle on October 28, 2014 at 7:01 pm

    Coach Bev, you and Terry Gorski are two of my modern-day recovery heroes. The road to long-term recovery is not always neat and pretty! Beverly’s approach always ALWAYS comes from a place of love and no judgment. She is able to confront mistaken beliefs about relapse and harm reduction that often prevent many professionals from dealing with relapse-prone clients. Her methods help those recovering addicts like me who continue to search for meaning in life and for their authentic self. I am so grateful for the “spiritual psychology” concepts that Coach Bev guided me toward. Finding your truth, if you ask me (or Bev) can be the key to accepting your past and welcoming your new today. Thank you, Coach Bev, you are a light to many!

  5. Missy on October 29, 2014 at 12:13 am

    I think you made some wonderful points Bev about those that we are forgetting when it comes to addictions/recovery. Not one way of recovery is right for everyone and I believe as well that some people have been forgotten due to societies view on what is the “right” way of healing/recovery. I think it is WONDERFUL that you are following your passion and stepping into this phase of your journey, while in turn allowing others to grow and heal from the many hurts and struggles they have faced along the way. What a blessing it is to have you supporting those who don’t feel like there is anything else out there for them. This is just the beginning Bev. So excited for you!

  6. Andrea Brant on November 4, 2014 at 12:01 am

    I’ve had the pleasure of working with Beverly in a professional capacity for several years, which led to a beautiful friendship. I can attest to the fact that I have never met a more kind, naturally gifted, and self aware person/coach. If you have the chance to work with Beverly, you will receive a light in your life that most people never get the opportunity to experience. If you are seeking guidance in your life, I promise that you will not be disappointed. I wish I could speak to each of you individually and share the impact that Bev has on my life. Choosing Beverly as your coach will be life changing.

  7. AJ on March 30, 2015 at 7:56 am

    Great Blog, Bev! Thanks for sharing ideas about alternate recovery.

    Pencils have erasers for a reason. I have made many mistakes; and even more bad decisions.

    I have battled my alcoholism for years and have tried AA and 12 step program – unfortunately with not much success. Not because, the program doesn’t work but because I can’t work the program. So, I’m trying a mid-course correction to change the trajectory of my direction.

    I’m seriously going to give the Alternative Recovery a chance. Thanks for writing about it so I can Act on it!

    • bevsartain@gmail.com on April 13, 2015 at 10:13 pm

      AJ, I so appreciate your perseverance and ownership of your own experience. When something doesn’t work it’s our responsibility to ourselves to find our way. I see you doing that.

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