what are weakness of the 12 step model for treatment

Full Answer

Are 12 step programs empowering or harmful?

12 Step Programs, in general, tend not to be empowering of individuals over their addiction, but instead tend to put the individual in a position of effect, where they are not responsible for their addiction and do not have the power to overcome it without the intervention of their “ Higher Power .”

Does the 12-step model work for women?

The 12-step model emphasizes the powerlessness of the individual in battling addiction, and studies have found this approach to be less effective for women. Research indicates men and women begin drinking for different reasons.

Is the 12-step program effective for addiction treatment?

While the traditional 12-step program has proven effective for many, there are some drawbacks to this form of treatment. The 12-step model emphasizes the powerlessness of the individual in battling addiction, and studies have found this approach to be less effective for women.

What is Step 3 of 12 step?

Step Three is identified as a stage of action. Despite the spiritual language, note that 12 step programs are open to all. They encourage anyone to use the program with their own concept of higher Power. Reframing the non-secular language is pivotal due to this flexible application.

What is the hardest of the 12 steps?

Whether you're working the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Al-Anon, or any other program, the most difficult of all the steps probably step 5. This is the one that asks us to admit "our wrongs" and to do so in front of our higher power and another person.

What are the disadvantages of AA?

What are the Cons of AA?Members are encouraged, although not required to rely on a “higher power” as the most effective means of recovery.Lack of concrete evidence associated with outcomes.Emphasis on complete abstinence.Reliance on a higher power presents religious undertones, a problem sometimes for atheists.More items...

What are the barriers to getting treatment?

What Are Common Barriers to Treatment ProgressFear.Unclear communication between a therapist and client.Severe symptoms.Substance use.Distractions.

What is the success rate of the 12-step program?

The results concluded that over 70% of those who attended a 12-step program weekly for 6 months before the two-year follow-up point were abstinent from alcohol.

What are the advantages of AA genotype?

The AA genotype has the best compatibility ratio. An individual with the AA genotype can choose a life partner from virtually all other genotype categories with an extremely minimal possibility of sickle-celled offspring.

Is aa good for everyone?

New Review Finds Alcoholics Anonymous Is Effective, But Not For Everyone Alcoholics Anonymous may be just as good or better than scientifically proven treatments to help people quit drinking, according to a new review. But AA still doesn't work for everyone.

What are the three biggest barriers to treatment for mental illness?

Lack of awareness, social stigma, cost, and limited access are some of the most prominent factors standing in the way of people pursuing mental health treatment.

What are some of the barriers that might delay or prevent a person's recovery?

Failure to seek help, or delaying to seek help, slows the recovery time and can lead to serious events such as suicide....StigmaPublic Stigma – where a person is aware of the stereotypes attached to people who use mental health services.Self Stigma – where a person applies public stigma stereotypes to themselves.More items...

What barriers can you identify that could interfere with successful treatment for a person with a substance use disorder?

6 Barriers that Get in the Way of Addiction TreatmentThey feel they do not need treatment. ... They are not ready to stop using. ... They do not have health coverage or cannot afford the costs. ... They worry about the negative effect treatment will have on job or school. ... They do not know where to go for help.

How long does it take to finish the 12 steps?

Most sponsors encourage the AA newcomer to attend 90 meetings in 90 days. That may seem like a lot and it may seem like a long time to commit to going to meetings. However, most 12-step programs, including those for people addicted to drugs, encourage new members to commit to those 90 meetings in 90 days.

Which drug has the highest rate of relapse?

Research shows that alcohol and opioids have the highest rates of relapse, with some studies indicating a relapse rate for alcohol as high as 80 percent during the first year after treatment. Similarly, some studies suggest a relapse rate for opioids as high as 80 to 95 percent during the first year after treatment.

What are the chances of relapse?

Between 40% and 60% of addicts will inevitably relapse. This figure, however, does not represent every person who has completed treatment. It is important to understand the high probability of relapse and learn the proper tools to maintain sobriety.

What is a double winner in AA?

A double winner is someone immersed completely in the culture of two separate programs. A double winner attends each separate program regularly and has a sponsor in each program.

Why was the AA Preamble changed?

The first sentence of the A.A. Preamble be revised with gender-neutral language by replacing the words “men and women” with the word “people” to read: “Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to ...

What is the sixth step of Alcoholics Anonymous?

But it is the sixth step in the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous —the prototype of 12-step facilitation (TSF), the almost universally accepted standard for addiction-recovery in America today. From its origins in the treatment of alcoholism, TSF is now applied to over 300 addictions and psychological disorders: drug-use, ...

What is TSF in addiction treatment?

This brings us to the present: an addiction-treatment landscape envisioned and engineered almost entirely by AA. TSF is the law of the land. If you have a drinking problem in 2014, or a drug problem, or a gambling problem, your medically, socially, culturally, and politically mandated solution is a set of 12 steps.

Is the 12-step empire vast?

Indeed the 12-step empire is vast, but Dodes thinks it’s an empire built on shaky foundations. In his new book, released today, The Sober Truth: Debunking the Bad Science Behind 12-Step Programs and the Rehab Industry (co-written with Zachary Dodes), he casts a critical eye on 12-step hegemony; dissecting the history, philosophy, ...

What is the 12-step program?

The 12-step program is based on the Christian faith. It puts a lot of emphasis on a higher power, although much of the modern literature maintains that this power is defined by the participant and is not inherently the Christian God. The goal with 12-step programs is complete abstinence from the vice, whether it is a substance or a behavior.

Why do people attend 12-step meetings?

Millions of people attend 12-step meetings for various kinds of addictions, in part because the meetings are free to anyone. They are run by people who have completed many or all of the 12-steps, but they are not professionals, like counselors or therapists. Anyone can attend 12-step meetings for as long as they like.

Did AA help with addiction?

They were not helped. Partially thanks to AA, the medical community, and especially social and psychiatric medicine, people have worked to improve their understanding of addiction. Since AA’s founding, the science of treating addiction has developed so much that the place of 12 steps in treatment is being questioned.

Is 12-step treatment effective?

Ultimately, the 12-step program can be an effective component of your recovery plan, but it shouldn’t be the only method used. This webpage's information is current. Written by: Staff Writer.

Is AA a good detox?

AA, or a related group like Narcotics Anonymous, can be a great addition to other forms of treatment, including therapy and medically assisted detox. There are some potential downsides to the AA or NA program. For example, many people have trouble with the reminder that they have no control over their condition.

Is AA effective for relapse prevention?

However, further studies suggest that AA is not effective at preventing relapse or even keeping participants in long-term treatment. Most people drop out after a year of meetings or less. Peer-reviewed studies, per a book published in 2014, found that the success of the AA program was between five and 10 percent.

Is AA more effective than other types of addiction treatment?

One of the most prominent studies conducted on AA’s effectiveness was a 2006 Cochrane Review, which analyzed information from past studies and concluded that AA was no more effective than other types of addiction treatment, including professional counseling.

When was the 12 step program created?

The 12 Step Program was created in 1935 and involves users following and working on the twelve steps and improving one’s relationship with God, or a “ Higher Power ” to give an addict the strength and resolve to overcome their addiction. While the 12 Step Program has helped many people overcome addiction, many other people do not feel ...

How much of addiction treatment is done in a group setting?

About 80 to 90 percent of the treatment and therapy is done in a group setting. Individuals are encouraged to discuss their addiction, there triggers, ways they have found to help them cope, and give and receive feedback from and to others in the group.

What is the evaluation of the mind?

Evaluation of the Mind. Many drug addiction scenarios are predicated on an underlying mental health issue, be it known or unknown. Mental health problems like depression, severe anxiety, and others can often be an underlying factor in drug use.

Is Minnesota a 12 step program?

While the Minnesota model of addiction treatment is fairly flexible, it is still a branch of the 12 Step Program. And while this may be great for the needs of many, for others this recovery approach may not be what they need and they may have to seek out other forms of help.

Do 12 step programs help with addiction?

12 Step Programs, in general, tend not to be empowering of individuals over their addiction, but instead tend to put the individual in a position of effect, where they are not responsible for their addiction and do not have the power to overcome it without the intervention of their “ Higher Power .”.

Is the Minnesota method inpatient or outpatient?

The Minnesota method has been found to be helpful in both an inpatient and an outpatient setting. Though for some forms of addiction it is strongly recommended that individuals seek inpatient care to receive the best care and support through the detox and withdrawal, it is a plus for this method that for some, outpatient care is an option.

Why is the 12-step model important?

The 12-Step model can be an important boon to recovery . In the beginning, 12-Step meetings provide a foundation of support that helps you navigate the challenges of early recovery . A personal sponsor becomes a central supporter and the first contact when you need help. Since 12-Step meetings occur every day in nearly every city and town in the country, you’ll never be without support.

What is the 12 step model?

12 Steps to Transformation. The 12-Step model is based largely on spiritual principles and provides a clear blueprint for a sober path forward. The most common 12-step Program is AA or NA, but there are other programs inspired by the 12-step program like SMART Recovery and even others that rely less on the spirituality aspect.

Why do we do inventory fearlessly?

You undertake this inventory fearlessly because, in step three, you turned everything over to your higher power, which is forgiving and compassionate. As you make your list, you withhold self-judgment and simply accept your wrongs as part of your past.

How do 12 step meetings work?

As you progress through the 12-Step model, you work to develop the mindset, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that promote greater spirituality and long-term success in recovery.

What is the step 12 of recovery?

By the time you reach Step 12, you’ve become emotionally stable and live a mindful life. You engage in healthy behaviors that lead to positive emotions and vice versa, and you continue to seek wisdom. This is the stage where you’re ready to be a sponsor to someone just starting their recovery journey.

What is step 7?

Step Seven is all about humility -it’s about the asking. Making a humble appeal to your higher power allows you to embrace hope and make a commitment to doing what it takes to remove stumbling blocks that might get in the way of your spiritual growth.

What is the first step in a 12-step group?

The realization that help is needed is what drives most people to a 12-Step group. The first Step is to admit that you’re powerless over your addiction.

What is the 12 step program?

The 12 Step program is the framework for many addiction support groups. The 12 Steps are not religious today, despite using the language of its religious origins. Each of the Twelve Steps focuses on unique aspects. These can be accountability, behavioral control, fellowship, and life purpose.

What are the 12 steps of recovery?

The 12 Steps of recovery were designed as the foundation for individual recovery. They serve as guidelines for individuals on their journey back from addiction. Many have heard of “12 Steps for Drug & Alcohol”. However, the Steps are used in everything from sex addiction to overeating. The language of the original steps is modified slightly ...

What is the 8th step of the recovery process?

Step Eight is like a moral inventory of one’s social damages. Guilt management is vital to averting one’s destructive coping behaviors. As in Step Four, this is a form of assessing guilt for hurting others and taking action to admit it. “Persons we had harmed” makes us accountable for the danger of an unmanaged addiction. Facing this truth gives the affected another chance for progress. This external focus is a recurring theme in the 12 Steps. Making “amends” for social harm is focused on doing good outside of themselves. This replaces addictive behaviors that tend to be self-serving. Eventually, one has less guilt and more motivation to improve the lives of others. Those in recovery can move forward “willing” to improve their social connections.

What are the phrases that describe the negative behaviors identified in the previous steps?

Significant phrases include: “Have God remove”. “Defects of character”. Releasing the negative behaviors identified in the previous steps is a massive hurdle. “Defects of character” are reshaped by replacing old coping behaviors with healthier decisions.

How does step 10 help with addiction?

Step Ten reinforces the moral inventory by maintaining one’s ethical compass. The Fourth Step saw recovering persons take stock of past disease-triggering behavior. The Tenth aims to log current and future behaviors for more progress. If one continues to view addiction as a disease, one can continue to minimize the risk of agitating it. As such, progress does not mean one is cured or in-control of disease. “Admitting” imperfect moments reduces the illusion of control and the cycle of guilt. Further, this type of admission to an external force keeps the affected accountable. Their higher Power and the fellowship of 12 Steps keep people focused on recovery.

Why is meditation important in step 3?

Both are important when one is choosing actions that are morally correct. Meditation and acceptance in Step Three is an important practice for this reflection. The affected individual learns to accept weaknesses and amplify strengths. Ultimately, this inventory process makes recovery much more attainable.

What is the importance of step 7?

Now that they know what to remove, they can allow their higher Power to assist. Remaining humble keeps the recovering individual from downsizing the impact of behaviors. It also causes one to check the limits of their will over disease. Most importantly, one is able to see the influence a greater force can have on addiction.