Ch. 11: 12 Steps/Support Groups

Support Groups

• Common intervention method for alcohol and other drugs (AOD).
• Open to the public and free of charge.
• Operated by member volunteers, lacking a professional leader.
• Aims to support sobriety and aligns with formal treatment without conflict.
• Based on 12 steps that emphasize a spiritual approach, often causing misunderstandings concerning the concept of a higher power.

Importance for Mental Health Professionals

• Essential for mental health (MH) professionals to understand support groups as clients frequently utilize them.
• Collaboration between MH professionals and support groups is critical.
• Need to resolve possible conflicts and clarify the relationship between professional treatment and support groups.
• Education on group purposes, methods, and roles helps mitigate misunderstandings.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

• Founded in 1935 by Bill W. and Dr. Bob, AA is the oldest and largest 12-step program.
• Almost 1.4 million members in the US and Canada, over 2 million globally, with an average member age of 50, 62% male and 89% white.
• Provides a platform for alcoholics to support one another in recovery.

Purpose and Structure of AA

• A fellowship aiming to assist individuals in recovering from alcoholism; membership requires only a desire to stop drinking.
• Self-supported, with no dues or affiliation to other organizations.
• Focused solely on sobriety; does not endorse or oppose outside affairs.

Components of AA Meetings

• Open to public; those relapsing are still supported.
• The "Big Book," or "Alcoholics Anonymous," serves as the program's guide.
• Meetings involve sharing stories without feedback, emphasizing anonymity for member protection.
• Common slogans include "one day at a time" and "let go & let God."

12 Steps and 12 Traditions

• 12 steps embody spiritual principles for overcoming alcohol obsession and leading a fuller life.
• 12 traditions guide AA's organizational structure, emphasizing anonymity and neutrality regarding treatment methods.

Research Findings on AA

• Participation in 12-step programs is linked to reduced substance abuse and improved psychosocial well-being.
• Attendees exhibit two times the rate of abstinence compared to others; prior attendance predicts future sobriety.

Role of Sponsors

• Sponsors are individuals with over one year of sobriety who provide support and guidance to members.

Spiritual Themes within AA

• Spirituality plays a significant role, encompassing concepts like release from compulsion, gratitude, humility, and tolerance.
• These themes are central to the 12 steps and traditions.

Misconceptions Concerning AA

• AA does not support specific treatment models or views alcoholism as a singular entity.
• Rejects the belief that moderate drinking is feasible and that alcoholics cannot be responsible for their conditions.

Additional 12-Step Groups

• Notable adaptations include Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Al-Anon (for families of addicts), Alateen (for teens), Cocaine Anonymous, and Dual Recovery Anonymous for those with addiction and mental health disorders.

Advantages of 12-Step Groups

• AA's free and widespread availability provides universality and support within a community facing shared problems.
• Focus on spirituality fosters self-improvement and demonstrates consistency with long-term recovery strategies.

Disadvantages of 12-Step Groups

• Integration of spirituality may alienate non-Christian participants or those uncomfortable with higher power concepts.
• Criticism exists regarding lack of diversity and perceptions that involvement in meetings can replace professional treatment.

Alternative Support Groups

• Many Roads to Recovery promotes empowerment over powerlessness.
• Women for Sobriety highlights gender differences in drinking motivations, focusing on self-esteem.
• Secular Organizations like SOS reject spirituality, emphasizing sobriety as a priority with scientific backing.
• Moderation Management and SMART Recovery offer behavioral strategies and emphasize self-reliance without labels or prescribed identities.

Availability of Alternative Support Groups

• Alternative support groups are not as widely available as traditional 12-step programs.