Chapter 14: Mutual Help Groups

The founders of AA said that the program is meant to be practiced not only in regard to addiction, but what else?

"in all our affairs" as a more general approach for living

Explain the 3-step systematic encouragement procedure in helping client's to go to 12-step meetings.

1. The counselor prearranges help from volunteers who were themselves AA members. 2. While the client is still in the office, the counselor (with the client's permission) telephones one of these volunteers (asks for same-gender match) and then gives the phone to the client. 3. The volunteer introduces themself, offers to accompany the client to a first meeting and provide transportation, and arranges a meeting time.

What are the 3 different formats of a 12-step meeting?

1. a step meeting 2. a speaker meeting 3. a discussion meeting

What 4 main things should you tell people to expect when attending 12-step meetings?

1. people often do benefit from attending, even if they don't agree with every aspect of the program. 2. there's a strong emphasis in AA on personal choice, to "take what works and leave the rest," and the only requirement for membership is a sincere desire to abstain 3. the program does not encourage hostile confrontation or "cross-talk" (uninvited advice or arguments), and 4. participants are not required to speak or disclose personal information.

What's a good way to conceptualize mutual help groups?

As representing either an alternative or an adjunct to formal addiction treatment.

Why do 12-step programs encourage lifelong membership?

Because of the belief that a member who is not attending regularly is at risk to return to substance use.

Why aren't mutual help groups "treatment" or "therapy" per se?

Because they fall outside the context of people seeking help from an expert professional.

Do 12-step programs have trained or paid facilitators?

No, in fact they prohibit the use of them.

What's some good advice to give to your client to prepare them to go to a 12-step meeting?

Prepare them to not generalize from first impressions, given how common it is to shop around for a meeting until one suits them

Why is "mutual help" more accurate of a term than "self-help" in these 12-step groups?

because of the importance of reciprocal support in these networks, rather than trying to go it alone

Why is it important to encourage clients to try out mutual help groups while they are still in treatment?

because they are not likely to do so afterwards

Why should you sample several mutual help groups?

because they vary widely, and you might find one that you like most

What are the particular type of clients who are more likely to benefit from a 12-step group?

people whose social networks do not support abstinence

What is the 5-step redemptive process in 12-step programs that parallels traditional protestant religion?

sin, confession, repentance, humility, and salvation through grace rather than one's own merit

What is one theory why there are typically more men than women in 12-step programs?

that the emphasis on ego deflation is more appropriate for males, whereas women, who have historically been more powerless and self-denying, may be more in need of empowerment

What is a rule of thumb when a counselor is trying to refer a client to mutual help groups?

the counselor is advised to try 3 times to refer the client to a mutual help group, but this should be done in a way that does not engender client resistance

What do all 12-step groups see as the only acceptable goal for change?

total and lifelong abstinence

What is a "step meeting" in 12-step?

where the formal program is reviewed

What is a "discussion meeting" in 12-step?

where there's discussion of particular problems likely to be encountered in recovering from addictions