Self Help Groups in U.S. for Alcoholics and Drug Abusers

Abstract

As the usage of alcohol and drugs has highly increased in United States, the addiction related problems are also becoming common in the society. Self help groups assist individuals who want to recover from substance abuse. Active participation in self-help groups results in better outcomes because of greater opportunities of social interaction with people sharing similar characteristics. A broad range of self help groups is now working across United States with varying dimensions and principles. This paper reviews the role of self help organizations and their effectiveness. It also compares various strategies adopted by these organizations for abstainers. The document also evaluates the studies conducted by experts and critically analyzes their findings. It also put forwards the suggestions for clinical in formulating the strategies for their clients.

Abstracti

Introduction2

Self Help Theories3

Recognize the triggers3

Twelve Step Approach3

Cognitive Behavior Theory4

Self Help Groups4

Three Steps Recovery Process5

Active Self Help Organizations in United States5

Self Help Groups Accelerate Recovery6

Studies on Self Help Groups7

Spirituality- A Basic Dimension8

Implication for Clinicians9

Conclusion10

References12

Self Help Groups in U.S. for Alcoholics and Drug Abusers

Introduction

Using alcohol or drugs can start as an occasional activity but as time passes by, many people realize that they have been the victim of drugs addiction. This addiction has short term as well as long term consequences. It affects the mental and physical capabilities of the consumer (Fallar et. al, 2011). The dependence becomes harmful if the alcoholism and substance abuse lead to clinically substantial impairment. The maladaptive pattern can be hazardous and results in failure to perform social obligations. The affected person needs diagnosis with the dependence of addictive substances.

Researchers have found that people prefer to recover from drugs and alcohol through support programs rather than going through hospitalization process (Humphreys & Moos, 2007). The members are provided a platform where they can address their issues. Through self help groups, members develop strong social connections and interact with people having similar experiences (Greene & Nguyen, 2012). This is of key interest in well being of members because drug abuser or alcoholics generally tend to get isolated from the society as the usage increases. Thus they suffer from depression and loneliness. At self help organizations, members go through a transition stage. They start off their journey as help seekers and later become helpers for others. It helps in a positive manner to recover their lost self confidence and make them feel they are valued part of the community (Greene & Nguyen, 2012). The probability of recovery increases as they complete the stages of recovery and they start feeling content without the use of drugs or alcohol.

Self Help Theories

Recognize the triggers

When a person wants to recover from drug and alcohol abuse, he faces many forces that increase his urge to relapse the activity. There can be external trigger caused by people or places. Such triggers create an elevated risk situation but they can be avoided as they are more predictable. Internal triggers are hard to predict as they are more related to emotions such ...