CH.35 - Support Groups to Promote and Sustain Recovery

Question 1

Is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) currently a popular approach in treatment of SUDs?

Answer 1

YES.

-estimated that 95% of substance use rehabilitation programs utilize some kind of a 12-step group model, as seen in AA

Question 2

What are the basic concepts of AA - the belief system?

Answer 2

• Members have shared experiences, in this case their inability to control their drug or alcohol use
• Education, not psychotherapy, is the primary goal of AA membership
• Self-help groups are self-governing
• The group places emphasis on accepting responsibility for one’s behavior
• There is but a single purpose to the group
• Membership is voluntary
• The individual member must make a commitment to personal change
• The group places emphasis on anonymity and confidentiality

Question 3

What is an “open” AA meeting?

Answer 3

“open” AA meetings are for anyone interested in AA…students, professionals, and non-members interested in learning more about the recovery program.

Question 4

How does an AA member pay for the meetings?

Answer 4

by attending

Question 5

What is the core belief of AA?

Answer 5

free will & personal responsibility

Question 6

Is Narcotics Anonymous (NA) different in their belief systems than AA?

Answer 6

yes, although it is inclusive of all drug addiction types

Question 7

What is the “rational recovery” movement?

Answer 7

• applied cognitive-behavioral therapy principles
• discontinued meetings in the year 2000
• suggests “one day at a time” policy is counterproductive rather than supportive