Ch. 11: 12 Steps/Support Groups

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Questions and Answers

What is a common intervention method for AOD?

Support Groups (correct)

Medication

Hospitalization

Individual Therapy

Mental health professionals should know about support groups.

True

What is Alcoholics Anonymous?

A support group for alcoholics to support each other in sobriety.

When was Alcoholics Anonymous cofounded?

1935 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Alcoholics Anonymous?

Fellowship for recovery from alcoholism Signup and view all the answers

What is the AA manual often referred to?

The Big Book Signup and view all the answers

The average age of AA members is __.

50 Signup and view all the answers

What does research say about involvement in AA?

It decreases substance abuse and improves psychosocial functioning. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a component of AA?

Anonymity Signup and view all the answers

You can be in recovery and drink at the same time according to AA.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is NOT affiliated with AA?

NA Signup and view all the answers

What is a sponsor in AA?

Someone with long-term sobriety who offers support. Signup and view all the answers

Moderation Management is a 12-step group.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Women for Sobriety?

Self-esteem and empowerment. Signup and view all the answers

What does SMART Recovery promote?

Scientific basis and self-reliance Signup and view all the answers

Can alternative support groups be easily found?

No Signup and view all the answers

The 12 steps represent spiritual principles that help overcome __.

obsession to drink Signup and view all the answers

Match the following support groups with their focus:

NA = For those with narcotic addictions Al-Anon = For families of addicts Cocaine Anonymous = For individuals with cocaine addiction Smart Recovery = Self-reliance and motivation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of support groups and the significance of the 12-step program in Addiction and Other Disorders (AOD). This quiz highlights key definitions and the importance of mental health professionals understanding these community resources.