The group therapy tools is one of the means to ensure that there is alcoholic abstinence, where the first step is to focus on the behavior that trigger the alcoholism, and how consuming alcohols have affected one’s life. The group members are all allowed to share the story as they desire, and identify the desired change in behavior. It is easier to make progress when there is no resistance to change, and the group members list down their fears, and how their beliefs influence their actions.
The self-help groups are most relevant to participants who lack social support system or where the support system does not facilitate moderation and assistance. The alcohol addicts make the decision to change, but the group sessions are necessary to allow the participants identify that make them vulnerable to drinking. The case for these sessions is that the participants with help of therapists can identify how the self-defeating thoughts come about. Alcoholic is a way to cope with stress inducing events, where one option is to replace the drinking with and maintain existence in the long-term.
Growth in confidence in the ability of the participants to cope without drinking was also identified as a top priority during the therapy sessions. For this to be possible, the participants are urged to focus on self-awareness whereby disclosures can relieve them of feelings of guilt. The groups are flexible allowing for democratic leadership, with the leaders tasked with reemphasize on the importance of the AA program and a review of strategies of how to abstain and recovery over time. The leaders were chosen from the early stages of the AA program, but played a more active role as people got to know each other.
This is especially when it was established that there was group cohesiveness. Making lifestyle changes requires personal will, but groups also provide support even when the social environment may limit the ability of alcoholic dependent individuals breaking free from the habit. The next step in the process is to note down what has been learned to assess progress, and this then facilitates further group support. There is emphasis on the factors associated with adapting to life without alcohol, including the emotions and feelings associated with alcoholism.
The group leader coordinates activities and the group process to achieve the intended purpose to reduce alcohol craving and allow participants to begin the recovery process. Having people with similar experiences with alcoholism, is just one aspect that motivates program participants, band the leaders can inspire the participants to be more proactive to effect change in their lives. The self-help group showed the importance of accessing relevant information, as well as social and emotional support. The recovery process is not a straight forward given the risk of reverting back to drinking.
Recovery for alcoholic dependence is easier when AA participants have strong social support, as they have a sportive outlook on life. Having people with similar experiences with shared goals attending the sessions brings together individuals who seek to break alcoholism. One can form close bonds with the participants, while becoming a member of AA, providing an opportunity for long-term recovery. The option of spirituality seeks to maintain a more holistic approach to dealing with alcohol addiction and recovery, but participants can opt out if they prefer a secular approach.
Becoming an active participant of the self-help groups was highlighted as necessary to impart knowledge, and one’s decision to attend the sessions indicated their willingness to change. The support offered cannot be ignored since any change needs to be sustained and have a positive influence in the long term. The client goals should be congruent with the goals and philosophy of the self-help group to be more effective. The case for sponsors is that they guide, offer advice and support to participants of the AA programs.
This was vital to encourage and reassure the participants since having a confidante who has also being affected by alcohol addiction to make realistic expectations. One cannot make amends without taking into consideration the root causes and environment where lives, highlighting the importance of sponsors in the intervention monitor groups. The sponsors have a positive impact on the learning process, and I came to appreciate their input since recovery is an individual effort that requires support and guidance from those who have gone through the program.
Self groups work best for those who choose to be affiliated with them willingly, when the choice of selecting the AA monitor group is done after the clients are aware of the activities of such groups. A client my not necessarily like all the aspects of the AA self-help groups, bust still prefer the relevance of the group meetings showing that the participants have confidence in the interactions undertaken. The overall goal is alcohol abstinence, meaning that only those hoping to achieve this goal are likely to feel comfortable participating in the abstinence-focused groups.
