Process
In
the twelve-step program human structure is
symbolically represented in three
dimensions: physical, mental, and spiritual.
The problems the groups deal with are
understood to manifest themselves in each
dimension. For addicts and alcoholics the
physical dimension is best described by the
allergy-like bodily reaction resulting in
the compulsion to continue using substances
after the initial use. For groups not
related to substance abuse this physical
manifestation could be more varied
including, but not limited to: compulsive
hoarding, distractibility, eating disorders,
dysfunctional enabling, hyperactivity,
hypomania, insomnia, irritability, lack of
motivation, laziness, mania, panic attacks,
psychosomatic illnesses, poor impulse
control, procrastination, self-injury and
suicide attempts. The statement in the First
Step that the individual is
"powerless" over the
substance-abuse related behavior at issue
refers to the lack of control over this
compulsion, which persists despite any
negative consequences that may be endured as
a result.
The
mental obsession is described as the
cognitive processes that causes the
individual to repeat the compulsive behavior
after some period of abstinence, either
knowing that the result will be an inability
to stop or operating under the delusion that
the result will be different. The
description in the First Step of the life of
the alcoholic or addict as
"unmanageable" refers to the lack
of choice that the mind of the addict or
alcoholic affords concerning whether to
drink or use again.
The
illness of the spiritual dimension, or
"spiritual malady," is considered
in all twelve-step groups to be
self-centeredness. This model is not
intended to be a scientific explanation, it
is only a perspective that twelve-step
organizations have found useful. The process
of working the steps is intended to replace
self-centeredness with a growing moral
consciousness and a willingness for
self-sacrifice and unselfish constructive
action. In twelve-step groups, this is known
as a spiritual awakening or religious
experience. This should not be confused with
abreaction, which produces dramatic, but
ephemeral, changes. In twelve-step
fellowships, "spiritual awakening"
is believed to develop, most frequently,
slowly over a period of time.
It
is suggested that members regularly attend
meetings with other members who share their
particular recovery problem. In accordance
with the First Step, twelve-step groups
emphasize self-admission by members of the
problem they are recovering from. It is in
this spirit that members often identify
themselves along with an admission of their
problem, e.g. "Hi, I'm Wendy and I'm an
alcoholic." Such catchphrases are now
widely associated with support groups.
Some meetings are known as dual-identity
groups which encourage attendance from
certain demographics. Some areas have, for
example, women's groups; men's groups; and
gay, lesbian, transgendered groups. There
are also in some areas beginner's groups as
well as "old-timer" groups that
limit who can share, or speak during the
meeting, by the length of time the members
have in that fellowship.
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