12 Step Programs Pros And Cons

In conclusion, though the 12-steps may be a life changer for some. The 12-steps are not a one-size fits all method, in fact for many it has failed to suit their needs. The best way to stay sober is simply through abstinence. It is the only true “cure” of alcoholism.

Many reformed addicts also believe they are no longer in recovery from addiction and they simply just quit. The beliefs of the twelve-step program may not appeal to everyone but the key to the program is recognizing a problem and taking the steps to correct it.

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,

Alcoholics Anonymous relies on a twelve step base towards recovery. These 12 steps have a spiritual background towards them but the founders encourage alcoholics to take what they wants from these steps that will help them and leave the rest. These 12 steps include:

Dr. Jarlais’ statement would surely raise eyebrows at the next research convention but is that what we can base the tremendous acceptance and success rate of AA on? In my personal experience, I can agree with the supporters of the 12-step method. The reasons are many but one comes to mind each time I read the opposing views – Are we complex human beings or lab rats? Is it necessary as recovering addicts and psychodynamic therapists alike to use a scientific approach to confirm the resounding results? AA works and if personal response or “storytelling” along with the admitting that we are powerless over our addictions helps, well, that is enough proof for me. Terry M. states, “Our primary goal is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.” (Terry M. 1998) This statement is enough proof that I believe the people who attend AA are more useful than any scientific influences. A Dr. and a patient formed AA; this alone also shows the importance to respect what has been a foundation to recovery – the honesty and no judgement policy of recovery.

Relapse after completing a program is especially dangerous because the addicts low tolerance may cause them to overdose. Kentucky facilities report up to 75% dropout rate of the 12 step program. At the most successful facility with a 40% dropout rate, they reported half of those who completed it relapsed within the year. To paraphrase Dr. A. Thomas McLellan when the 12 step program was widely picked up no one understood the science of addiction, “We started off with the wrong model.” There is a sense of self accomplishment and strength from within that inspired this program into existence. Professionals have known the system has been broke for awhile, so it was alarming that 90% of drug recovery centers where abstinence was the only solution. Whether this practice came from alcohol treatment, or if the return opioid patients was noted and exploited, I do not know. The financial incentive to tell people their treatment is working on others exists. As residential stay can cost around $31K.

A broad range of medical and psychological therapies is currently available for people who struggle with substance addictions. The scientific community is working on evaluation of various treatments to determine which strategies offer the best chances of successful outcome. People who need treatment for alcoholism and drug use are very diverse group. Addiction is a disorder that requires an individual case approach; therefore, different ways to

Substance abuse recovery programs fundamentally apply a twelve-step program to help clients attain sobriety. Novins et al., discovered “the development of the substance abuse service system in

And while plenty of people do have the ability to beat addiction by themselves, many others do not. Yes, the prime personal strength and change needs to be self-motivated, but it can also be guided by a professional who can help streamline the process and make it more effective. Rehab should not be scorned with a negative stigma, but embraced as an effective treatment.

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.

There are over 23 million people, 12 and older, living in the United States who are in need of substance abuse treatment (Atkins & Hawdon, 2007). Effective support groups are needed to address an individual’s substance abuse while also take into consideration their beliefs. Atkins and Hawdon (2007) noted despite the popularity and effectiveness of 12-step support groups, a common dominator among individuals who reject them are the concepts surrounding the religious connotation associated with these groups. Without treatment, the effects of substance abuse can be devastating. Significant social and economic ramification such as death and overwhelming financial expenses are two critical outcomes correlated with substance abuse. DeLucia et

Despite the fact that mental disorders and substance use disorders often appear together, services are often separate. It is no different with 12-step programs because 12-step programs tend to focus on one theme. In other

This brief look into A.A will discuss whether or not the static procedures of A.A. are effective, and even if they are, is there room for growth in the treatment methods of A.A.? To find these answers we must begin with the basics, taking a look into the details of A.A. There will be a review of a typical A.A. meeting discussing the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the program, addressing the length of treatment, and the typical flow of session. This analysis will also examine research findings to determine the efficacy of the A.A. Twelve-Step program. In addition, further exploration concerning the lack of research; criticisms of religious connotation, sexism, and the complexities of addiction will demonstrate whether or not the A.A. program is in need of further development.

Times, tastes, beliefs and technology are changing. My knowledge as a social services worker has given me the opportunity to see therapeutic trends come and go. I think this doesn't apply to a resilient few, the really useful and effective ones. I am talking in particular about the 12-step program. It is based on overcoming addictions, not only with coping or alleviating it. So members of each group must agree to focus on what the members actually need. For example, take note of the resounding name in combating alcoholism, Alcoholics Anonymous.

As a licensed clinical social worker trained in psychology and addictions, I have treated many clients over the past 17 years using various techniques. I have found that hard, dedicated work yields good results. While relapse is often a reality in recovery of any addiction, keeping oneself engaged in continued practice of skills can help create hopeful outcomes. The 1997 version of the movie Titanic cost over 200 million dollars to produce, however, the movie eventually grossed over 1.8 billion dollars! Recovery takes a lot of time and energy, but in the long run, it is well worth it. Like making the movie Titanic, when much is put in, much greater is gained. (Just don 't sink!).