Chemical Dependency Self-Help

Chemical Dependency Self-Help
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Introduction
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide association created to aid those battling with problematic drinking stay sober with backup from their peers through discussions and consultations. Its idea dwells on the belief that alcoholism is a disease that can be regulated if not controlled. The research on AA is subject full of varying interpretations. That is why I decided to attend a zoom meeting of AA Grant Us The Serenity (GUTS) to learn about it in general. Taking part in a self-help group is a positive experience as it is beneficial, provides support to start and maintain change. The experience allowed me to discuss difficult experiences and develop strategies for people with addiction problems.
The format of the meetings varies; they primarily include testimonials where people share their experiences. The programs are perceived as religious because of the relationship with God; they need to keep the Godly relationship as it helps them maintain the new change acquired. On the contrary, this is a temporal support group that uses ideas and strategies from cognitive therapy to help encourage self-directed change (Woronowicz, 2020). The self-help group participants occasionally mentioned the group as very beneficial; it allowed them to remain abstinent, assured fellowship, opportunity to learn from others, and develop coping mechanisms. In addition, the groups enhance the connection among the participants, which helps them feel not so much isolated.
The 12-step programs have also been very beneficial, as stated by the participants. Some say that the program helped them realize their problem, to change and manage the behaviors. For example, Tiffany, 33 years old, says that taking part in a 12-step program makes her feel wanted, appreciated, and determined to change her
behavior. According to research, the founders of AA created the 12-step program to help establish guidelines to help overcome alcohol addiction. There are mixed reactions, both adverse and positive, regarding this program; most participants say the program brings setbacks, which include focusing on previous experiences, sharing their personal stories, and the requirement to remain abstinent. Others say that these discussions trigger memories that one would not want to remember, and this gives them a desire to engage in alcoholism and drug use.
Chemical dependency has changed throughout the year; the most current survey on drug addiction and treatment completed in 2013 shows that over 24 million Americans aged 11 years and above were reviewed as drug addicts. In 2012, at least over 21 million people were considered addicted to substances and drug abuse (Kelly et al. 2020). In the past years, people suffering from addiction were confined in asylums to help them stabilize, as treatment mainly focused on detox and withdrawal. The patients were kept in the asylums against their consent, which would be considered barbaric in this 21st century. Introducing self-help groups in schools and communities has been very beneficial as it plays a significant role in the recovery and aftercare of a patient.
The main objective of a support group is to help you survive...