Abusing AA

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for the patient. These preparations include such tasks as locating the closest meeting and the type of meeting the patient would prefer. The person who is suffering normally takes on these tasks; if discouraged at this point faith in the program may be ceased. They state in the article, ”AA is more important over the long term than professional treatment.” (Johnson, Chappel.1994) The article shows effective guidelines for professionals in the treatment of addiction. We know that AA predates the American Medical Associations’ ruling that alcohol addiction (along with other addictions) is a disease. We know from experience, either personal or second-hand, that addiction can not be cured without intervention of some kind – with the help of a professional and others’ suffering it can. Is that enough of a scientific approach to rely on a group-help program? – Dr. Jarlais does not think so.
In the article, Self-help and Science in the Treatment of Addiction, Dr. Jarlais addresses ...

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useful than any scientific influences. A Dr. and a patient formed AA; this alone also shows the importance to respect what has been a foundation to recovery – the honesty and no judgement policy of recovery.
Issues of brainwashing, codependency, and let us not forget the overwhelming popular issue of “never recovering”. Dr. Jarlais explains that the mere acceptance of this policy is proof that the supporters are contradictory about the influence of the method. As members it is crucial to the cohesiveness of the group to believe that “…the alcoholic or drug addicted person is “always recovering and never recovered.” “We believe that this hyperbole is wise and necessary and serves to ...

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