Introduction
12-step self-help meetings provide a unique experiential learning opportunity to understand addiction and the recovery process. In this post, I will describe the experience at a 12-step self-help meeting, analyze the attendees’ interactions, and the etiological addiction model adopted. Moreover, I will discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic might affect treatment attendance, maintenance, and relapse among those with substance use disorders. Finally, I will address how the concepts learned in this course could be applied in future personal and professional interactions.
Main body
The 12-step self-help meeting was an in-person format held in a local community center. The facilitator started the meeting by welcoming attendees and reciting the Serenity Prayer. Then, the group members introduced themselves by their first names and stated their addiction of choice. Each person had the opportunity to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in recovery, and other members listened attentively and offered support and advice. The facilitator reminded the attendees that the meeting was a safe and confidential space and that no judgment or criticism was allowed. The meeting concluded by reciting the Lord’s Prayer, and attendees joined hands in a circle.
The attendees were diverse in terms of age, gender, race, and addiction type. Some had recently started their recovery journey, while others had been sober for several years. They interacted with each other with empathy, understanding, and kindness. Members shared their stories, struggles, and triumphs and expressed gratitude for the support of the group. It was evident that a sense of community and belonging was essential in their recovery process.
The 12-step self-help meeting appeared to adopt the disease model of addiction, which views addiction as a chronic and progressive brain disease that alters the brain’s structure and function. The attendees acknowledged their powerlessness over their addiction and the need to surrender to a higher power for help. They also emphasized the importance of abstinence and working the 12 steps of recovery to achieve long-term sobriety.
Two concepts from this course that were evident in the meeting were the importance of social support and the role of spirituality in recovery. The attendees relied on the group for emotional support, motivation, and accountability, which is consistent with the social support theory. They also acknowledged the need for a higher power to help them overcome their addiction, which aligns with the spiritual model of addiction.
One thing that was interesting during the meeting was the emphasis on the concept of “one day at a time.” Members shared that focusing on staying sober for one day was less overwhelming than thinking about a lifetime of sobriety. They encouraged each other to stay in the present moment and not worry about the future.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted addiction treatment attendance, maintenance, and relapse. Social distancing measures have forced many self-help groups to switch to online formats, which might make it harder for some people to attend meetings. Moreover, the stress, anxiety, and isolation caused by the pandemic might trigger substance use or relapse among those with substance use disorders. It is essential to provide support and resources to people in recovery during these challenging times.
Conclusion
This course has helped me understand addiction as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that affects individuals, families, and society. I have learned about different addiction models, the neurobiology of addiction, evidence-based treatments, and the importance of prevention and harm reduction. My perception of addiction has shifted from a moral failing or a lack of willpower to a chronic medical condition that requires comprehensive treatment and support.
In the future, I will apply what I have learned in this course to my personal and professional interactions by adopting a non-judgmental and compassionate approach to people struggling with addiction. Additionally, I will advocate for evidence-based treatments, prevention, and harm reduction strategies that align with the best practices and standards in the field.
References
Humphreys, K., Barreto, N. B., Alessi, S. M., Carroll, K. M., Crits-Christoph, P., Donovan, D. M., Kelly, J. F., Schottenfeld, R. S., Timko, C., & Wagner, T. H. (2020). Impact of 12-step mutual help groups on drug use disorder patients across six clinical trials. Drug and alcohol dependence, 215, 108213. Web.
Bender, A. K., Pickard, J. G., & Webster, M. (2022). Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on older adults in 12-step programs. Journal of Social Work Practice In the Addictions, 1-17. Web.