Comments on: Alcohol Abuse, Abstinence and Moderation - AA and 12 Step Alternatives

By: joey

joey — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 06:45:08 +0000

There is no single alcohol treatment approach that is effective for all persons with alcohol problems.Treatment of other life problems related to drinking can improve outcome in persons with alcohol problems.People who are treated for alcohol problems achieve a continuum of outcomes with respect to drinking behavior and alcohol problems and follow different courses of outcome.

By: Jhazline

Jhazline — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:32:57 +0000

Very interesting and wonderful point of view. The alternative steps provided above are worth appreciating but people are unpredictable. At first they may follow this one but after few days of implementing it to their selves, the would neglect it and they will go back to their basic routine. In my own oppinion, it is up to the person if he or she would really want that abstenence and moderation.

By: Therapist Glendora

Therapist Glendora — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:05:53 +0000

All of these comments may be true, but I certainly agree with the author when she refers to the way in which our society has made 12-step programs an industry. Presenting other options may indeed be a good way to go about things. Are there studies that have been done that show moderation is superior to abstinence in a large percentage of cases?

By: Therapist Front Royal

Therapist Front Royal — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:36:20 +0000

Recommending that an alcoholic check out a few books on the subject and make a plan of action denies something critical about many alcoholic: just because they are spinning out of control doesn’t mean that they are willing or wanting to change. If they are alcoholics, they more than likely are inebriated a good bit of the time and would have difficulty digesting material they read and making a coherent plan.

By: Therapist Frederick

Therapist Frederick — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 21:52:02 +0000

The author refers to those who are losing control and becoming alcoholic as needing to “take a deep breath, exhale, relax, and consider all their options.” Isn’t that really difficult for someone who is spinning out of control, no matter what the reason? If they had such clarity and control as this requires, they probably wouldn’t be spinning out of control in the first place.

By: Therapist Farmington

Therapist Farmington — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:21:45 +0000

I have been met with a similar response. I just assure the client that this type of therapy is meant to be just that: a type of therapy. It isn’t going to be seen by anyone else unless they choose for it to. It is a very personal type of art that doesn’t require a public display. I have found that after a few “loosening up” sessions, my clients really respond well to art therapy. A lot of healing does take place during these times.

By: Therapist Farmers Branch

Therapist Farmers Branch — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:14:04 +0000

Wwhen the author mentions that programs other than 12-step programs are disruptive b/c “they involve transforming your life into one that focuses on things other than alcohol. It means getting a life, accepting responsibility for your past, assuming responsibility for your future, and acting on it,” it again sounds familiar. Aren’t those some of the tenants of 12-step programs?