ALL WORK MUST BE ORIGINAL AS IT GOES THROUGH A TURNITIN PROGRAM

Evaluating Twelve-Step Programs

The twelve-step program has been a cornerstone of substance abuse treatment for decades. Proponents and opponents of the twelve-step program debate its effectiveness at treatment of substance addiction. These programs are typically supplements to clinical treatment. Some individuals are able to maintain sobriety from participation in a twelve-step program.

Use the module readings and the Argosy University online library resources to research twelve-step programs, in particular focus your research on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Download and review the case study.

Using the case study and your research on twelve-step programs and AA, respond to the following:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of twelve-step programs?
• Are these programs effective? Please present scholarly evidence when answering this question.
• How did the client in the case benefit from the program?
• What were the disadvantages of the program for this client?

Support your responses using your module readings and authoritative resources. Incorporate theory and factual information in your response.

Write your initial response in 2–3 paragraphs. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

By Sunday, August 17, 2014

Case Study—Jim 

Jim is a former alcoholic who has been sober for ten years. He is heavily involved with Alcoholics 

Anonymous (AA). He drank heavily for nearly thirty years before he lost his job, wife, family, and home. It 

was at that time that Jim hit “rock bottom” and decided to enter treatment. His treatment course involved 

both inpatient and outpatient services with a heavy focus on attending AA meetings for aftercare. 

He has suffered many relapses, which on many occasions caused him compounding relationship, legal, 

and financial problems. Jim’s last relapse was ten years ago. At his most recent AA meeting, Jim discussed 

some of the trials he experienced with several of the twelve steps. He shared his story during that meeting 

to several new AA members. These members were not aware of the emotional pain they would have to 

face to become sober. They learned that changing drinking behavior is only one component of a much 

larger process in achieving and maintaining sobriety. 

Jim recounted how, to become sober, he had to separate from many of his friends, move away from 

neighborhoods with bars, change his work schedule, and have a family member control his finances. He 

had particular difficulty with the task of making amends with those he had hurt in the past. Many of these 

individuals had since died or did not want to speak to him. The rejection he faced caused him to experience 

a deep level of depression with an accompanying struggle with the urge to drink to medicate his emotions. 

He would have to face this potential for rejection continuously in his effort to remain sober.