12 Step Program Analysis

Counseling and Therapy - This component is used to help the addict understand aspects of their addiction. They are taught to identify triggers and find appropriate methods for dealing with them without the use of drugs and alcohol.

Some people argue that the 12-Step model doesn’t really work and people should seek other forms of treatment. However, there are studies that argue different ways that the 12-Step programs have helped people recover and overcome addiction and have provided continuity during aftercare once a person has returned to normal life after treatment.

Regular contact with health care professionals and other users, can help on to succeed in overcoming the users addiction.

The program is conducted around shared experiences, strength and hope, through individuals who are recovering from their addictions.

The twelve step program is a therapy session, treatments are set up to meet the body, mind and spiritual needs of the patient, the idea is to rebuild a life, not just get someone off of drugs. The individuals could be put on the medications needed to keep the urge away from going back to their addiction.

My current career objective is to work in the field of addictions and I hope to work directly with individuals seeking substance abuse treatment. Although it has recently been announced that addiction is a brain disorder rather than a behavioral issue, there is still argument that drug use is a choice and not a disease. I want to contribute to the substance abuse population because I feel the stigma that surrounds recovering addicts does not accurately portray the strength and positivity that comes from the recovery process. I want to be a part of empowering these individuals to put the pieces of their life back together.

The majority of research that exists on 12-step programs often focus on determining the success rate of 12-step programs such as AA. There is little to no research on problems associated with 12-step programs or problematic areas of 12-step programs. The little research that does exist argue that 12-step programs are not structured for comorbid individual, they may not be the best option for mild substance use disorder, and the central theme of powerlessness can conflict with a therapist’s theoretical orientation and be harmful to the therapeutic alliance. (Kelly & Myers, 2007, Laudet et al., 2004, L, Ingvarson, Richard, 1995). The National Institute of Mental Health (2013) has found that 43.6 million adults aged 18 and older have at least one mental illness and 45 percent of individuals with one mental disorder met criteria for two or more disorders. The presence of comorbid disorders can severely affect the treatment and outcome of individuals (Terra et al., 2006). Many studies have found that clients with a dual diagnosis experience increased rates of hospitalization and increased use of emergency services (Helzer & Pryzbeck, 1998). It is easy to imagine how hospitalization can interrupt treatment by making it difficulty for individuals to attend.

There are many programs dealing with changing addictive behavior. Addiction is a huge problem in the world today and has grown throughout the years. Addiction can be attributed to substance abuse, drugs and alcohol, but can also be some sort of behavior addiction. There have been many programs that have been formed to help people with varying sorts of addictions. When I looked up programs in my area, for example, I was very surprised of the number of differing programs and varying dates and times that they were offered as well as the number of them. There were all different days with morning, afternoon, and evening times for them. I was very surprised that

You likely purchased this book because you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction. I suspect you are searching for help but don’t know where to find guidance based on reliable scientific principles. The information in this book will provide that guidance.

The 12-Step program addresses the factors or causes that are responsible for, or related to, substance abuse by helping individuals to understand the concept of change. “Processes of change are the covert and overt activities that people engage in to alter affect, thinking,

As many of us became addicted to them many of us could stop right in our paths. As I watched others in my class and younger than us struggler with their addiction, I tried to encourage them and tried helping them many times I failed. I now see status on Facebook of how long they have been clean because of rehab and professional help. Which was half of the reason as to why I wanted to pursue my career in Addiction Counseling. The other main reason as to why I want to pursue my career in Addiction Counseling is, I was always hurt by how many veterans become addicted to alcohol or substance abuse. I always wanted to encourage and help our veterans to maintain their lives in difficult situations. Attaining my Masters in Addiction Counseling is my next goal, the next challenge after getting my bachelors that will allow me to attain another passion of mine, a career in

"I have no regrets in my life. I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through build character, making you a much stronger person." - Rita Moreno

When I began this class I had a very specific experience and understanding of addictions. One of the major influencers in my view of addictions has been my mother. This is something I never fully processed until I began really learning about addictions and what they do to people. I had impressions of addiction which were completely off base, and I had never taken the time to filter my prejudices through the reality of addictive disorders. Nevertheless, this project and this class has had a wonderful effect on my perception of those struggling with addictions.

Be True to Yourself – There is great social pressure from parents, work and society to become a certain person and to achieve certain things – this pressure is hard to detach from. Self-respect comes from being true to our inner calling, to have faith in our own values and remember what is important to us. Everyone needs to follow their own path, even if others don’t respect our decision it is important that we do. Do we come into the world to please Tom, Dick and Harry or to live our own life?

Glancing at myself in the mirror, I didn’t think I would ever regret anything. But that was back then. Back when I was happy with my life the way it was. Back when I wouldn’t have changed a thing. In retrospect, I realize my logic was flawed. I do have regrets. After all, I am human.