Some Thoughts on Recovery
gives them “Authority” over others. Individuals do moderate meetings but ultimately they have no authority to demand anything from, or preside over others in a meeting. Only a group consensus can anyway rule over or make rules for a 12-Step Group. This again evolved, as a result of fear and lack of trust on the part of those suffering from Addictions. This is provided for in the 12-Step Traditions. Early on Bill W. and Dr. Bob recognized this as being necessary to retain members of AA long enough for the Group to effective.
Thus, an effective substance abuse Counselor, while being in a position of authority, cannot depend on authority as a primary characteristic of his position. Drug and Alcohol treatment counselors become guides down-playing demands and advice. Their ultimate goal becomes helping Addicts learn to come to better decisions on their own. Criticism needs to be used very sparingly and mostly as a product of group thinking. Confrontation becomes a group responsibility, even though the group may need guidance to properly confront a group member. The group should evolve under the assumption that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Thus, the individual having the hardest time becomes the most important person, rather than an outcast. This is often the time at which a Counselor may have to exert authority. If an individual in the group absolutely cannot become “part of the group” a decision may have to be made, for the good of the group. Another mode of treatment may need to be found or that individual may just not be ready to change. At any rate, the welfare of the group is primary. This may require only some one-on-one time between that person and his Counselor, or an intervention by the group. Often, it does mean rejection from the group and quite possibly a return to the drug sub-culture. Hope that the individual survives for another try, is eternal. Cold, but a truth that is part of Addiction and Addiction Recovery.
In conclusion, these are just some thoughts I pondered over today, and thought might be good to share with others. If you have anything to say in regard to todays thoughts, please comment or visit my Web Site, Addiction: Why Me? @
www.mydavecarroll.com
and use my EMail-Me form for direct contact comments or suggestions.
The author, David R Carroll, CADCA, is a certified substance abuse counselor in California. He has served as a treatment program Director and Counselor, using curriculum he himself developed for treatment, approved by both the California Department of Corrections, Substance Abuse Services Coordinating Agency, and the California Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Counselor Carroll has also worked going into California prisons recruiting inmates for Aftercare treatment programs. Counselor Carroll is a VietVet and a recovering addict of 12 years. He is also the WebMaster of the Internet Site, Addiction:Why Me? @ www.mydavecarroll.com
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