Self-Help

Twelve-step groups are the foundation and most widely recognized of nearly all addiction recovery programs. Twelve-step groups include Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Gamblers Anonymous. Although the primary focus of twelve-step groups is addiction recovery, group support allows individuals to share their strengths, experiences, and hopes with each other. The twelve-step recovery process is a set of principles—known as steps—that are used toward addiction recovery. For example, the steps include abstinence from addictive substances or behavior, positive social relationships, positive physical and emotional health, and improved spiritual strength (Mejta, Naylor, & Maslar, 1994). Twelve-step groups are spiritually based—meaning while they acknowledge a "Higher Power" —they are not associated with any organized religion or dogma (Alcoholics Anonymous, 2012). In addition, during and after treatment, the twelve-step community is available for ongoing support

In addition to Twelve-Step groups other self-help recovery groups have developed in more recent years. For example Rational Recovery, Smart Recovery, Moderation Management, Women for Sobriety Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.), and LifeRing Secular Recovery. These organizations support people identifying themselves as having an issue with drugs and alcohol but do not adhere to the same theoretical principles of a twelve step group.

To Prepare:

Attend three self-help group meetings, one from each of the following areas. You may attend one of these groups online.

1. An OPEN twelve-step meeting of your choice in your community (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous [AA], Narcotics Anonymous [NA], Gamblers Anonymous [GA])
2. A self-help recovery group other than a twelve-step group (e.g., Rational Recovery, Smart Recovery, Moderation Management, Women for Sobriety Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.), LifeRing Secular Recovery, etc.)
3. An Alcoholics Anonymous Family Group (e.g., Al-Anon).

For this Assignment, review this week's resources, including the "Twelve-Step Groups" document, and research the development of the non-twelve step group you chose to attend. Consider your assumptions prior to and after attending each meeting chosen. Explore insights from attending the meeting and consider how this experience might be helpful as an addiction professional. Support your response with references to the resources and current literature.

Submit a 2- to 3-page paper that addresses the following:

1. Identify which 3 meetings you attended, and briefly describe the development of the non-twelve step meeting you attended.
2. Describe your initial assumptions before attending each meeting.
3. Explain any insights you gained from attending each meeting.
4. Compare and contrast your experience at the different meetings.
5. Explain how this experience might inform your future work as an addiction professional.