Final answer:
Treatment programs are professional interventions for substance abuse, while mutual self-help/12-step programs are peer-led support groups. Treatment programs use various therapeutic approaches and may require professional oversight, whereas 12-step programs focus on a shared path towards recovery, emphasizing peer support and spirituality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment programs are formalized therapeutic interventions delivered by professionals, often involving medical, psychological, or psychiatric care. In contrast, mutual self-help/12-step programs are peer-led groups focusing on shared experiences and support. Treatment programs typically offer a structured approach to substance abuse recovery, which may include in-patient or out-patient care, and are designed by healthcare professionals. These programs can be tailored to individual needs and may encompass a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and group therapy, to address the complex issues of addiction.
Conversely, 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous are based on peer support rather than professional intervention. Participants in these programs follow a set of recovery steps, emphasizing spirituality or higher power acknowledgment, personal accountability, and mutual aid in recovery from addiction. These programs are free of charge and widely accessible, offering continuous community support without formal clinical oversight.