RE: SOCW6103 - Assignment - 12-Step Groups (wk10)
Due: 01/30/2019 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. For this Assignment, review this week's resources, including the "Twelve-Step Groups" document, and consider your assumptions prior to and after attending a twelve-step meeting. 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. For this Assignment, attend at least one open twelve-step meeting of your choice in your community (AA, NA, Al-anon, GA, or OA for example). Please use subheadings for responses be very detailed in responses and use 4 peer reviewed references. Submit a 1- to 2-page paperthat addresses the following: Describe your initial assumptions before attending the meeting.Explain any insights you gained from attending the meeting.Explain how this experience might inform your future work as an addiction professional.ReferencesCapuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2016). Foundations of addictions counseling (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Education, Inc.Chapter 16, "Substance Abuse Prevention Programs Across the Lifespan" (pp. 353-382)Kelly, J. F., Stout, R. L., Magill, M., Tonigan, J. S., & Pagano, M. E. (2010). Mechanisms of behavior change in alcoholics anonymous: Does Alcoholics Anonymous lead to better alcohol use outcomes by reducing depression symptoms? Addiction, 105(4), 626–636. Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.