Introduction
There are many different theories as to the best way for a person to overcome addictive behaviors. The most effective ways of combating addiction include: outpatient behavioral treatment, residential programs, therapeutic communities, and self-help groups (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2009). Most people require long-term treatment or multiple treatments before they are able to change their lifestyle. One fact that seems to be consistent among the different treatment plans is that both the psychological and physical parts of the addiction need to be addressed. Although there are different philosophies, most believe there are three stages that are key to rehabilitation: detox, counseling and aftercare (The Good Drugs Guide, 2014) Alcoholics Anonymous and the Buddhist method are the two options that chose to do further research on. Both of these methods believe that success depends on developing new strategies for dealing with the problems that drove you to the addition in the first place.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (commonly referred to as A.A.) got its start in Ohio, in 1935. Two men, Bill Wilson and Bob Smith, both alcoholics at the time, met and began discussing how Wilson had been able to give up drinking through his affiliation with a Christian church. Smith was inspired to stop drinking after he
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These include: Medication, prayer, and taking responsibility for one’s self. Once the individual is clean and sober, he or she is encouraged to find out who they really are and to expand their lives to include something of meaning. Through finding balance in life, there is no longer a need for alcohol or drugs. The Buddhist addiction treatment program helps the individual to undergo a “full spiritual cleansing of your body and mind through focus and meditation” (Buddhist Addiction Treatment,
...nd stages of addiction a little better. The first step is start accepting thing were cannot change. This is something I say to myself on a daily biases because it reminds me that I cannot be on control of everything all the time. I have to allow my higher power to guide me through life. The Serenity Prayer reminds us to have courage to change things we can. I am in control of my life and my happiness and I need to make changes in order to keep it that way. Having the wisdom to know what I can change and what I cannot is helpful because it allows me let things go. The Serenity Prayer has been adopted by AA groups but should be adopted by everyone because it is so helpful in my life. Reading this book “Being Sober” by Dr. Harry Haroutunian was an eye opener when it comes to helping families understanding addiction and how everyone needs to surrender to the same words
A Harm Reduction approach to therapy begins with the intent to lessen any high-risk behavior that can be linked back to substance abuse. A treatment plan that focuses on the clients positive behaviors is developed. Hazardous behaviors are addressed through means of educating, and motivating the client. Once a client is properly educated in the positive ways to prevent or lessen harm through substance abuse, they are often motivated to begin to use their treatment as something that focuses on working towards complete recovery from their addiction. Moderation Management and Controlled Use is an approach that is intended to reduce consumption and therefore reduce harm to an individual. The individual is encouraged and taught productive ways to reduce drug intake and gain more control over situations that involve use such as limiting use, attending support groups, forming positive support system within their group of friend or wi...
Alcohol Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship worldwide consisting of over one hundred thousand men and women who are alcoholics, banded together in solving a common problem and in helping fellow alcohol users in their recovery from alcoholism. A.A.'s twelve steps are considered a list of principles which are spiritual in their nature, and if practiced as a way of life by members, can help significantly in expelling a member’s obsession to drink, and enable a holistic awareness. Step one is when the member admits they are powerless over the use of alcohol, resulting in an unmanageable life. No one wants to admit defeat, but admitting powerlessness over alcohol is the first step in becoming liberated. Step two is having a belief that the almighty power can restore their sanity. Step three is making the decision to turn their will and life over in the protection of the almighty God, which is the key to willingness of change as noted by the Twelve Steps of recovery. Step four is...
I attended the Alcohol Anonymous (AA) twelve step meeting on Friday December fourth at 8:00 p.m. at the community center at Roxbury Park in Beverly Hills. The people were middle aged men and women of different ethnic backgrounds. The meeting started in an arranged fashion. I sat in the back and was addressed by an elderly man who wanted to know who I was to and I replied that I was a student writing a paper for school. He was fine with my answer and departed. The meeting started with people presenting themselves. First, there was an open conversation that started was with the storytelling of one member’s endeavors with alcoholism. After this heartwarming account, other people in the group provided how the
“Alcoholic Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism (Alcoholic Anonymous, p. 1).” Spiritually is believed to play a major role in helping members of Alcoholic Anonymous remain sober. It is suggested that Alcoholic Anonymous and the inclusion of religion is based on a suggestion Carl Jung made to one of his alcoholic patient. Carl Jung was a psychiatrist who at times worked with persons suffering from alcoholism.
Alcoholic Anonymous Subculture is characterized by a certain characteristic that all members share the same goal. In this subculture there are dedicated members who need to share their experience, strength and hope for each other, and need to free themselves from their drinking problem. Even though, these people are coming from different cultures, religions, and places, their goal are the same to stay away from an excessive drinking. Alcoholics Anonymous subculture was found the first time in 1935 by two Americans Robert Smith and Bill Wilson (Emily,2012, p.1). This subculture is based on the people who have had a drinking problem. However, in this group there are no age, gender, education, religion or race requirement, so any person who has
“My name is Michael and I’m an alcoholic.” “Hi, Michael.” The 60 years old man’s life story was very crazy and amazing that my heart was ached and wrenched. Listening to Michael, I was sure that he had to believe in the higher Power. He ended his story with “No matter where you are, no matter what you are doing, just show up to this meeting. You just show up! That’s all you need to do.” I agree with what Michael said. It was all about you show up and being available. This is very simple yet, very hard commitment. After Michael’s life sharing, it was followed by comments from the audience about how they could relate and include into their own story. The members shared their own experience, strength, and hope with each other. I heard several people said, “I came here and know that I’m not alone.” I learned that AA meeting does not promise to solve his or her alcohol problem but the member can teach and support each other how to spend the day without alcohol. AA meeting is not about a healing or a bandage to cover the pain of being an alcoholic. It helps people to recognize who they are and what they have done and how to overcome that. AA meeting is a team support that proves the power of the group is greater than the individual alone. After listening to the members’ stories, I support Alcoholics Anonymous one hundred percent. Throughout the meeting, I felt that AA
I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting I attended. The stories told by the members took courage and strength. Alcoholics Anonymous appears to be an effective form of treatment for alcohol addiction. This group, and I would image most groups, showed love, caring, and concern for each person. They all expressed their love for God and a determination to stay sober. Yoko reminded me that addiction is not subjective. It can affect any one at any age. One gentleman, James, is coming up on his three-month anniversary of sobriety after being an alcoholic for 45 years! God Bless him and all the members of the Olive Branch Alcoholic Anonymous Group. I learned a great deal.
... stricter policies about drinking on college campuses throughout the nation. The most well known group, Alcoholic Anonymous, was founded in 1935 by Wilson and Smith in Akron, Ohio. The purpose was to anonymously treat users and allow them to confide and share their feelings with others in a similar position or willing to help.
.... One such step would be going into a rehabilitation program. Here you would learn how to get over your addictions and how to deal with the other spiraled effects of it.
This paper will try to explain the different views of how and why Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs are accepted and rejected as effective tools in treating alcoholism and other addictions. The articles reviewed contradict the others’ opinion. First, we see that supporting the 12-step programs with a degree of involvement both the doctor and patient will see better results in treating the addiction. The second view will show that 12-step programs can be used as “self-help” treatment and must be used in conjunction with other forms of rehabilitation. When AA and other 12-step programs are not used with other forms of treatment, the patient tends to become codependent on the group.
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, alcoholism is defined as "the compulsive consumption of and psychophysiological dependence on alcoholic beverages." It is a problem that can tear apart marriages and families, cause someone to lose his job, and many more negative results. In order to recover from this dependency a person must lose his desire for and dependence upon alcohol, continue to remain sober, and resolve all conflicts caused by the alcohol abuse. There are several alternatives an alcoholic has to rehabilitate himself. The best solution is a combination of individual therapy and a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous.
So, how can addiction be treated? Meyers and Dewall (2015) suggest people with addiction can benefit from therapy and group supports. Some people have suggested to Marco to go to therapy for his addiction, but Marco feels the idea of therapy undermines him and his belief that he can change. Collins, Ph.D. (2007) recommends using the Alcohol Dependence Treatment for sexual addiction because the same principles applies for both. The Alcohol Dependence treatment start with teaching cooping and social skills (in this case porn). This is to help the addict manage life and relationships without porn. The porn addict needs social skills, life -management skills, self-control, and recognizing the triggers, and avoid relapse. The next part of the treatment
Before I start to discuss the various ways to get control of substance abuse I
This process can help them enter into a healthier lifestyle called the recovery period. It may take months, years or several years before this person makes a full commitment to stop and live a clean and sober lifestyle. Although most addicts cannot just stop on their own, they need professional help. This help can be from rehabs, 12 step programs, and from therapy. Addicts have a better chance of staying sober this route then continuing to stay in this addiction cycle and living the life that they are