The True Road to Recovery For years, many new and innovative recovery options have sprouted up in response to the growing population of addicts in America. Although each individual program has the same ultimate goal, they each take a different approach. The specific approach taken by each program is what can make or break the success of recovery for an addict. The most popular of these programs are twelve-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous. However, twelve-step programs are not the only options available. Despite their popularity, twelve-step programs lack the personal qualities that some secular programs offer. What's more is that these programs do not cater to individual needs and differences, therefore limiting their potential as the best option for everyone. For addicts and alcoholics, recovery requires a complete lifestyle change not just a session or two. Furthermore, because addiction is to some extent learned, it takes an educational and medical approach to fully treat an addict. Between 30 and 60 percent of people seeking help for their substance abuse are also suffering from depression or other psychiatric disorders (Moos, 4). Twelve-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are mainly based on social aspects. Whereas others might benefit from social interactions, manic-depressives and those with anxiety disorders do not fully participate in such social activities and therefore do not benefit from these interactions. In this aspect, twelve-step programs are limited in the type of people they can help and the extent to which they can help participants. Last Name 2 On some level, the social interactions offered by twelve-step programs can be beneficia... ... middle of paper ... ...de dropout among treatment groups ( Last Name 5 Finney & Mayer, 254). In the end, the most effective treatment is the treatment that is most relevant to the individual. Bibliography Blanchard, K A., Bux, D. Labouvie, E. Morgan, T J., & Morgenstern, J. (2002). Examining Mechanisms of Action in 12 Step Treatment: The Role of 12 Step Cognitions. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 63, 665-672. Finney, J W., & Mayer, A. (2002). Methodological Characteristics and Qualities of Alcohol Treatment Outcome Studies. Addiction, 97, 253-262. Miller, W P., Schermer, C., & Tonigan, J S. (2003). Atheists, Agnostics and Alcoholics Anonymous. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 23, 534-538. Moos, R H. (2003). Addictive Disorders in Context: Principles and Puzzles of Effective Treatment and Recovery. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 17, 3-12.
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...
Alcoholism is as prevalent in my family, as blood is in our veins. When previously asked to observe 12-step groups, I ritualistically flocked to Alcoholics Anonymous, without consideration of the possibility that other groups had any potential to make an impact on me. I always pride myself in my ability to identify as an individual that is not ensnared in alcoholism, but unfortunately am an individual that was highly tormented by alcoholism. Through observation of the group and how it processed, as well as identifying how I felt as a new attendee, I was able to understand why self-help, support groups are so vital for individuals in recovery. I finally realized, I too am in recovery.
Some of the local and nearby drug rehab programs include Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Detoxification, Buprenorphine Used in Treatment, Naltrexone (oral), Vivitrol (injectable Naltrexone), Community Mental Health Center, Hospital Inpatient, and Partial Hospitalization/Day Treatment. Drug and alcohol rehab programs in the area provide residents with treatment methods ranging from “traditional” recovery options to those that offer alternative styles (e.g. holistic medicine). While the decision to get help with drug or alcohol addiction problems is often a personal choice, many people include their loved ones in the process in order to obtain insight and a different perspective. Ultimately, it is up to the addicted individual to make the effort and changes necessary to overcome their addiction
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
Prentiss, Chris. The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure: A Holistic Approach to Total Recovery. New York, NY: Powerpress, 2005. Print. [3]
Within this paper there will be an examination of core Biblical principles through exploring Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12 STEPS for treating individuals battling addictive behaviors and dependence. Also discussed in great detail and scriptural support is the importance of fostering healthy relationships, maintaining a strong sense of self-awareness, developing the ability to know one’s existing problems, and the value of having a dependency on God. The author will integrate a Biblical Worldview and examine the implications of incorporating a 12 STEP program and MI into counseling and the best avenue to utilize them with Non- and Christians alike. This paper closes with the writer’s personal reflections, considerations and revelations from the research done for this paper.
The majority of addiction rehabilitation centers are based off of a twelve-step program. A twelve-step program is a set of twelve guiding principals to help people recover from addiction. “The first 12-step program began with alcoholic anonymous in the 1930s…” (12step.org). Alcoholic Anonymous is a self–help group led by men and women who have the desire to stop drinking. The twelve steps used in A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) can be found in The Big Book, which is the governing book used in all A.A. meetings, and has been revised for drug addicts.
Coming into the substance abuse meeting the student nurse was scared and nervous. She was scared of the reaction of the consumers and feared all the stereotypes she heard about typical alcoholics. Innervison gave the student nurse a new outlook on these types of consumers. She no longer looked at them as people who were just drunks and wanted to use AA as an excuse to make it seem like they are getting help. She never really looked at alcoholism as a true addiction; it seemed like more of an excuse to escape life’s problems. Sitting in and listening to these consumers gave the student nurse a dose of reality. The student nurse now understands alcoholism better and AA helped her realize recovery is truly a process that takes one day and one step at a time.
Thank you for covering the addiction treatment options. The 12-Step Programs often goes hand-in-hand with addiction recovery treatment. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA ), and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are organizations for recovering addicts, run by recovering addicts. The 12-Step Programs have a strong spiritual component display that spirituality can be effective for addiction. The regular attendance to meeting, connection with a recovery mentor, and prayer/meditation are strongly associated with recovery and abstinence from drugs and maladaptive behaviors. Meetings offer participants with a support system. By working through each of the twelve steps of AA, many addicts have found restoration
Roget, Nancy A., and Gary L. Fisher. Encyclopedia Of Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, & Recovery. Los Angeles: SAGE, 2009. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 30 Oct. 2013.
Another treatment program we found specifically targeted alcohol abuse and its effects. Alcohol anonymous is a program that allows men and women to share their experiences with each other regarding the alcohol abuse they’ve experienced in their life hoping to help each other out in solving their common problem together as one. Instead of "swearing off forever" or worrying about whether they will be sober tomorrow, people in A.A. concentrate on the not drinking right now- today. AA meetings usually require a membership though there are no dues or fees for this program. This program uses a spiritual approach like a belief in the higher power usually for example, god. These AA meetings are often held in schools, churches, or any public place available. Meetings are open for anyone to attend regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. Though you must be an alcoholic to join AA anyone can attend the open meetings. AA is supported and organized by its members, and it
There are number of different treatment options available for drug and alcohol use. These options include inpatient, outpatient, rehabilitation centers, dual diagnosis programs and 12-step programs. Harm reduction approaches can work complimentary to many of these treatment options however, clinicians and therapists are not well educated on it’s unconventional approach to substance abuse treatment.
Moreover, there are six components that make up these supportive networks, including attending regular meeting, working the 12 steps, embracing the 12 step program, experiencing a spiritual awakening, using the Alcoholic Anonymous group resources, and getting fully involved in the program activities. Networking these elements outside of their meetings is necessary that serves as a protection for the alcoholic well-being explains Richard N. Cloud, Craig H. Ziegler, and Richard D. Blondell on his journal article called, "What Is Alcoholics Anonymous Affiliation?. They also will determine that “working the 12-steps and attending meetings will be among the most significant factors predicting the percentage of days abstinent” (Cloud, Ziegler, and
I found that some goals of the people that are entering substance abuse treatment centers and their addictions are rarely straightforward, because the most addictions are complex in the way they are treated and some may call addiction a disease. Treatment approaches vary, depending upon the users needs. Substance abuse does not occur overnight and people often have
"the message of this book is that recovery from addiction is possible."(pg 2). Recovery is an ongoing journey that requires a lot of attention and constant dedication. In this book they have found six principles that help along the journey which include: Hope, Coping skills, Achievement and Accomplishment, Meaningful Relationships, Identity development, and Reclamation of agency. Those who complete these principles become more aware and gain the right mind set to continue on their path of recovery thus growing themselves.