Addiction Treatment Alcohol Addiction

Introduction
Addiction does not have an assigned definition. This effectively means that there are various definitions to drug and alcohol addiction that have been explored in the past. For purposes of this discussion, addiction will be defined as “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain” (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019). In addition to evaluating the effectiveness of group therapy aid in the treatment of alcohol addiction, this paper will, amongst other things, highlight various aspects of the formations designed to assist alcohol addicts as well as those affected by the alcohol addiction problems/behaviors of loved ones.
Discussion
It is important to note, from the onset, that the relevance of group therapy in the treatment of alcohol addiction cannot be overstated. In essence, “the natural propensity of human beings to congregate makes group therapy a powerful therapeutic tool for treating substance abuse, one that is as helpful as individual therapy, and sometimes more successful” (Brook and Spitz 2002, p. 309). This is more so the case given that in a residential treatment facility, the client gains access to not only the encouragement, but also the support of the surrounding community. In essence, human beings have a natural inclination to learn from others who are like them in some way. Coupled with the propensity for humans to congregate, this makes group therapy a very effective intervention approach in the treatment of substance abuse (Brook and Spitz, 2002).
It is also important to note that in most cases, an isolated environment precedes most addicts’ move to seek help. This is particularly the case given that the destructive behaviors resulting from addiction are often repulsive to other people, including friends and family members. Integrating addicts in a group therapy setup is of great relevance as there is a stronger support base that makes the battle against addiction easier. The message that group therapy advances is that the battle against addiction does not have to be fought alone. In basic terms, therefore, group therapy aids in treating addiction largely via the creation of a family-like environment whereby persons suffering from addiction can develop the skills necessary to fight the said addiction and related problems. In this case, the fact that clients relate and learn from one another leads to the creation of a strong support system that not only gives the said clients hope, but also offers them comfort and the conviction that they can succeed in the recovery process. It is also important to note that the relationships formulated in group therapy facilitate accountability. On this front, there is often a well-defined feedback mechanism that creates accountability and hence a strong supportive mechanism.
It should, however, be noted that regardless of the various benefits as well as effectiveness of group therapy in the treatment of addiction, there are also a number of risks that have been associated with the same. Lack of confidentiality is one of the more prominent downsides of group therapy. Essentially, there is a false sense of intimacy that is created in group settings (Miller, 2009). Any information disclosed in this autonomous setting could be subject to disclosure or negative review outside of the group. Also, group therapy always presents that risk of diluting treatment because the focus is usually on a larger group of people, as opposed to an individual person with unique concerns (Miller, 2009). As a result, results could take longer to be realized.
Today, when it comes to recovery from addiction, AA has become the gold standard. Other twelve-step groups are also highly regarded amongst medical doctors, therapists, as well as psychologists. As Gorski (1991) observes, “A.A. is the single, most effective way to recover from chemical dependence… (15). Founded in 1935, AA has transformed from an alcoholism group in Akron, Ohio to an international organization comprising of support groups in various corners of the world having the sole mandate of supporting persons with alcohol addiction. There are various factors that underlie the success of AA. Two of these will be highlighted herein. To begin with, by using the group therapy approach, AA effectively provides those with addiction problems support and affiliation in an enabling, conducive, and family-like environment. In this case, participants support, coach, as well as encourage each other to partake in courses of action likely to aid the recovery process. In such a setting, participants not only learn but also relearn and unlearn the relevant social skills likely to be of benefit to them in real-world scenarios – thus effectively enabling them to cope with realistic scenarios that trigger harmful behaviors. Secondly, the success of AA in the treatment of addiction is also as a consequence of its application of the 12-step program. As a matter of fact, in the words of Gorski (1991), “the popularity of A.A. and the Twelve Steps is not a fad” (15).
In essence, the 12 steps is founded on the premise that persons “can help one another achieve and maintain abstinence from substances of abuse, but that healing cannot come about unless people with addictions surrender to a higher power” (American Addiction Centers, 2018). Towards this end, the 12 steps come in handy as key guiding principles for those dedicated to a life of sobriety and present a roadmap for recovering addicts to not only make amends, but also help others struggling with addiction to find help. With that in mind, the relevance of the 12-step program cannot be overstated when it comes to the provision of guidance as well as support to those recovering from addiction. In addition to offering support and encouragement, the 12-step program also promotes growth and honesty. This is more so the case given that it encourages recovering addicts to admit their faults and take an honest and deep look at their choices.
In basic terms, there are a wide range of recovery groups and support programs that seek to help addicts recover from alcohol addiction. Some of these include, but they are not limited to, Al-Anon, Women for Sobriety (WFS), Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS), Moderation Management (MM), SMART Recovery, and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). By far, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the most popular recovery support group. The popularity of Al-Anon has also been growing over time. In basic terms AA describes itself as “an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem” (AA, 2019). Being a self-help peer support organization, AA welcomes all persons fighting alcohol addiction regardless of age or level of education. It is also “nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere” (AA, 2019). AA adheres to the 12-step format highlighted in this text and seeks to promote admittance amongst members about their lack of control over alcohol abuse, while at the same time advancing the need to invite a higher power to help battle alcohol abuse. Thus, the group is highly spiritual. On the other hand, Al-Anon directs its focus on the family members of alcohol addicts. On this front, therefore, Al-Anon seeks to provide hope and help for persons close to alcoholics, i.e. friends and family members. It is important to note that alcoholism affects not only the addicts themselves, but also those who are closest to them. For instance, children and spouses of addicts often bear the brunt of the destructive behaviors of alcoholics. They too need help and support. Al-Anon comes in handy in this endeavor. Thus, while the focus of AA is on the addicts themselves, Al-Anon concerns itself with family members and friends of alcoholics.
When it comes to the treatment of alcoholism, there are a number of treatment options that could be adopted. Some of these include, but they are not limited to, finding help in mutual-support groups, use of medications, and behavioral treatments. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism points out that “behavioral treatments are aimed at changing drinking behavior through counseling” (NIH, 2019). Towards this end, in addition to being directed by a health professional, behavioral treatments are also rooted in studies underlining their utility (NIH, 2019). Therefore, while behavioral anonymous groups operate on a professional platform, alcoholic anonymous is nonprofessional and its deliberations are run in a self-help peer support format. It is important to note that as Buddy (2017) points out, numerous randomized control trials undertaken amongst abusers of a wide range of substances indicate that when comparisons are made between behavioral treatments and “other treatment approaches, studies have had mixed results”, with some indicating that behavioral therapy is “more effective while others show it to be of equal, but not greater, effectiveness than other treatments” including mutual-support groups like AA.
Conclusion
In basic terms, addiction is not easy to treat. Towards this end, those with addiction problems often require exposure to a structured and in some instances repeated or long-term care so as facilitate full recovery. Towards this end, there are various approaches that have proven successful in addiction treatment. These include, but they are not limited to, medication and behavioral counseling. There is need, however, for future studies to focus on how the said treatment options differ in terms of effectiveness.





References
Alcoholics Anonymous - AA (2019). What is AA? Retrieved from https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/what-is-aa
American Addiction Centers (2018). 12 Step Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Programs. Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/12-step
Brook, D.W. & Spitz, H.I. (Eds.). (2002). The Group Therapy of Substance Abuse. New York, NY: CRC Press
Buddy, T. (2017). Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy-for-addiction-67893
Gorski, T.T. (1991). Understanding the Twelve Steps: An Interpretation and Guide for Recovering. New York, NY: Fireside
Miller, P.M. (Ed.). (2009). Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment. New York, NY: Academic Press
National Institutes of Health – NIH (2019). Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help. Retrieved from https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/treatment/treatment.htm
National Institute on Drug Abuse (2019). The Science of Drug Use and Addiction: The Basics. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-use-addiction-basics