Discussion Post

 Twelve-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are built on the philosophy that addiction is a lifelong disease and there is no “safe level” of use for someone who has an addiction. These programs believe that substance use reflects a “relapse” after someone has been substance free for some period of time. The DSM-5 acknowledges possibility of recovery and remission. Do you believe it is possible for someone who has been diagnosed with an addiction to limit use to a “safe level”? Why or why not? Give rationale to support your decision.  How would you work with a client who had a different opinion than you on this topic?