12 Step Programs


12 Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) have proven effective in helping many remain sober for years, but they are not for everyone. When considering such programs you may wish to discuss the following with your client: 

Pros

  • Free and unlimited
  • No wait time
  • Everyone is accepted
  • The other group participants understand the problem through personal experience
  • Structure to the "recovery" process (12 steps) you can do without a counselor

Cons

  • May cause more difficulties for people with problems such as depression and social anxiety
  • Other people's stories can be a trigger to relapse
  • Unregulated participants' advice may be inaccurate
  • Some group members may be intolerant of medication use
  • Commitment to the process is difficult if you disagree with idealogies behind the 12 steps (powerlessness, relinquishing control to higher power, etc.)
  • Many group participants have severe emotional problems themselves, outside relationships should probably be avoided
Attendance of 12 step groups should be balanced with other activities to avoid becoming overly dependent on the group.

Source: http://addictions.about.com/od/overcomingaddiction/gr/12step.htm

There are many interesting articles that discuss various controversial aspects of AA and offer alternatives:

For Women, The 12 Steps Don't Always Work

Alcoholics Anonymous Effectiveness: Faith Meets Science

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