Personal Experience with Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the largest and most commonly known self-help group in the world. Since the creation of AA in 1935, there have been many programs modeled after it, which are also based on the 12-Step Program. Some of these include Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Chemically Dependent Anonymous, as well as programs for specific drugs, such as Cocaine Anonymous (CA) and Crystal Meth Anonymous (NIDA, 2012). Attendance and participation for self-help groups are open for anyone to attend and free of cost for all members, with meetings typically held in locations such as churches and public buildings. “Metropolitan areas usually have specialized groups, based on such member characteristics as gender, length of time in recovery,

I was given this assignment to do as an observation on an Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting and had to write a paper on what I have observed. I did not know if I could do this without feeling self-indulgence toward the members. After speaking to a member, I could not believe the sensation of listening to that person’s short history of battling Alcoholism. I 'm glad to be there to learn their negative and positive outcomes in their lives.

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in the basis that alcoholism cannot be healed medically, but spiritually. Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1939 by Bill Wilson, and Dr. Robert Smith (B’s, n.d.). The main goal of Alcoholics Anonymous is recovery from alcoholism, and to fully abstain from consuming alcohol. Several non-stated goals are staying out of jail, fixing a financial situation, or becoming happier (Trizio, 2006). After attending in a meeting for Alcoholics Anonymous, I could tell that there was a much deeper meaning for the word ‘sobriety’ for people who suffer from alcoholism.

Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most widely known and used 12 step groups, it was found in 1935 by two men who wanted to share and support those who wanted to become sober. Currently I am in California so I had to search for a meeting here and I was able to find a 12 step meeting at a local church that took place in the morning. My thoughts before the meeting were interested as well as nervous. I never went to one of these meetings nor do I know what one is about. Im not to sure what AA entails so I was interested in learning about it. Currently my boyfriends father is a recovering alcoholic so going to this made me think of him and I believe may help me understand him, his thought, and his feelings a little better. Before the meeting I began to read that AA does not discriminate including to those with other addictions, but closed meetings are specifically for those battling addicting to alcohol (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2012).

This critical review will attempt to summarize the book “Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction” written by, Dr. Mark R. Laaser. Highlighting all the central themes and giving an in-depth analysis of Dr. Laaser’s work on the subject of sexual addiction. It will give his perspective and evidence to support it from the book and other sources. In this review you will find that

Many people across the world are struggling with many different types of addictions. Some people feel that sex is a major concern. In the article “Your Addicted to What? Challenging the Myth of Sex addiction”, written by Marty Klein, he states that sex is not an addiction. On the other had many other believe that it is. A multitude of people would argue that sex is not an addiction because it is something that can be controlled. We all have choices, and the choices are up to the individual to make and that choice should be don’t do it if you don’t want to get addicted.

Dr. Mark Lasser’s book “Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction” gives insight to those who suffer from sexual addiction and to the families, friends and other people in their lives. Dr. Mark Lasser has chosen to write this book, to share with others his personal struggle and victory with sexual addiction. Dr. Lasser has written this book from a Christian view, to give other individuals hope in a difficult and growing disease, which is taking control and destroying our families. Lasser defines sexual addiction as “a sickness involving any type of uncontrollable sexual activity, and because the addict cannot

CBT in compulsive sexual behaviors obtains treatment with substance use for the disorder, and as well as focus on identifying triggers that cause these certain sexual behaviors for individuals. It happens to speak on cognitive distortions that play a part in sexual behaviors. This article contains data and studies that helps figure out sexual addiction. The Understanding and Managing Compulsive Sexual Behaviors article happens to revolve around psychological and sociological perspectives to comprehend one obstacle and that is sexual addiction. The article invests solely on clinical features of the commodity that is sexual behavior, but also on the psychological and pharmacological treatment that intertwines with sexual addiction. The liking

Sexual addiction is something many people struggle with. Oftentimes, others do not know about the person who is struggling with the addiction. The reason why is because the addict may feel as though, if he/she informed someone else of his/her issue, then, the informant would judge the individual based on their sexual acts and what he/she has done. Because of this, addicts tend to keep this information to themselves. Thus, causing the addiction to become more and more unraveling and controlling one’s life. A person does not have to succumb to the powers of sexual addiction. There are resources that are available that can help the individual who struggles with sexual addiction. Two of the resources available are from the organizations “Sexaholics

With regards to an addiction there are still level headed discussions among specialists with regards to the fundamental causes. Part of the argument is whether or not addiction is really a disease or just some ongoing desire that a person chooses not to stop indulging in. A dependence on sex, which is still not completely perceived as a genuine habit by numerous people, is still up for debate. In any case, specialists are beginning to acknowledge that individuals can become dependent to sex pretty much as they can liquor, medications, betting, and any legal or illegal sustenance.

Addiction, a compulsive psychological need for a habit-forming substance according to an online dictionary (p). In this instance, the substance is sex or masturbation. A sex addict needs progressively more and more explicit pornographic material in order to become aroused. Their behavior becomes centered on different sexual experiences and the desire to attain them. The person cannot control their sexual appetites resulting in severe consequences for themselves and others. Sex addiction is a lifelong problem that needs to be contained in order to avoid continued complications. Shame, secretiveness, and abusiveness in a person accompany the addiction. Treatment is available in different forms; however, because this

Sex addiction is also not in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-5. “Gambling disorder” was eventually changed from an impulse control disorder to a behavioral addiction, but sex addiction is considered to be a sexual behavior that goes beyond the normal sexual behaviors in society by many researchers. These researchers claim there is no evidence to support that the term “sex addiction” has any relevance or proof that sex can be an addiction. (Griffiths. 2015.) But, these people are far from right. Sex addiction has similarities to people addicted to drugs. The similarities between the two addictions is that they both effect the brain and rewards the brain with dopamine. Dopamine is released when people satisfy their needs for survival or reproduction. Drugs can stimulate an individual with the release of dopamine; this acts like one of the satisfying needs, causing a person to become addicted. Sex can also, stimulate an individual each time they engage in the unusual or excessive sexual behaviors, causing them to rely on these sexual acts. Dependency is also, a consequence to both addictions which can ruin someone’s life in countless ways. (Sex addiction symptoms.

The problem of sexual addiction, alone, included both physical and psychological elements. Sexual addiction could lead to many physical complications, for instances, the

According to Carnes (15) sexual addiction is a clinical condition referred to in the medical spheres as “progressive intimacy disorder.” The addiction involves spending long periods preoccupied with sexual thoughts and behaviors all geared towards achieving a desired sexual effect. In the United States alone, more than thirty million people are in the category of those who suffer from the condition.

Underline issues pertaining to family dynamics can deeply impact the life of the individual that suffers from sexual addictions. Those issues carry into adulthood and can impact the relationships that the addict has. It becomes difficult for the addict to recover when underline issues are not addressed. The cycle will continue if not addressed and the addict may do what was done to them, to their children or others. It is important for sex addicts to recognize that their sexual activity is an attempt to medicate old wounds and to find love (Laaser, 2004).