A Positive Alternative in Seattle, Washington, United States

A Positive Alternative in Seattle, Washington, is a state certified outpatient alcohol and substance use treatment center serving adults in Seattle and the surrounding King County area with an approach designed as an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and traditional 12 Step oriented treatment. Established in 1990, the program provides evidence based treatment for alcohol and substance abuse or dependency and emphasizes individualized care, mindfulness, wellness, cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, and development of practical skills for changing addictive patterns of behavior. A Positive Alternative operates separate Intensive Outpatient Treatment programs for men and women, providing gender specific recovery environments for individuals working toward an alcohol and drug free life. Its Women’s Recovery Program is designed particularly for women who may not prefer or use an AA based approach, while the Men’s Recovery Program combines structured treatment with peer support from other men working through similar substance use and recovery challenges. Master’s level clinicians provide mental health expertise alongside substance abuse and alcohol treatment, allowing behavioral health concerns to be considered as part of the recovery process. Therapy incorporates cognitive behavioral techniques intended to address negative self talk, destructive self image, and low self esteem, while the wellness component focuses on nutrition and physical recovery from substance use. A Positive Alternative also provides an independent six week Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention Program for people experiencing addictive behaviors, including problematic alcohol or drug use, disordered eating, and behavioral addictions such as gambling, with mindfulness skills used to help manage cravings, stress, and impulses. Family members, partners, parents, and friends can participate in the Family Support Program, which provides education, coaching, and evidence based skills to help loved ones support recovery while developing their own path toward healing.