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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
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Describes dynamics of AA meetings, application of the 12 steps.... More...

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Paper Abstract:
Describes dynamics of AA meetings, application of the 12 steps.

Paper Introduction:
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Introduction This research paper begins with a description of an open meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, which includes individual and group dynamics. Application of theoretical constructs regarding the function of the 12 steps is then discussed. Meetings & Individual/Group Dynamics Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) meetings are led by a chair-person, and structured such that different people volunteer and stand before the group and tell their story. The storyteller begins by announcing their name and the fact that they are an alcoholic, then precedes to the story details pertaining to their individual experience of alcoholism. These stories provide both the teller and the audience members, with catharsis and emotional support.

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Thealcoholic matures, and develops a stronger sense of self and the ability tosustain a nurturing relationship with others (Straussner & Spiegel, 1996,pp. The 12 steps provide practical tools withguiding slogans that help control this impulse, and AA provides a networkof relationships for support of this process (Khantzian & Mack, 1994, pp.348-35 , 363). 183-185, 188). The steps help thealcoholic become the patient, admit that they are out of control, give upthe struggle with the self and the bottle, and allow the self to be helpedby this higher power and assistance from others. Meetings & Individual/Group Dynamics Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) meetings are led by a chair-person, andstructured such that different people volunteer and stand before the groupand tell their story. Conclusion AA meetings provide a supportive, accepting environment for thealcoholic to grow beyond the diseased state. 352-354, 358). Object relations is a critical function that refers tothe evolvement of the internalized sense of the self and the other, whichresults in the ability for a mature and sustained relationship with anotherhuman being (Straussner & Spiegel, 1996, pp. Health andSocial Work, 4(4), 182-197. This is also the point where they begin to be aware of feelingsand express them to the group. These storiesprovide both the teller and the audience members, with catharsis andemotional support. AA steps allow the alcoholic to let go and let God,and the meetings provide endless support during this process (King, etal.). Groups may vary from locationto location, however the structure remains the same. The 12-step program, viewed from a developmental perspective, allowsthe alcoholic to learn how to function as an adult, improving ego functionssuch as reality testing, impulse restraint, judgment, boundaries, andobject relations. These steps helpthe individual to differentiate and resolve the split between good and badself, and develop a more accurate sense of object representation.Tolerance for the self and others develops during this phase. Northvale, NJ:Jason Aronson. (1979). ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Introduction This research paper begins with a description of an open meeting ofAlcoholics Anonymous, which includes individual and group dynamics.Application of theoretical constructs regarding the function of the 12steps is then discussed. Sponsors are encouraged and provided; a sponsor is arecovered alcoholic that the new alcoholic can reach at anytime. AA believes thatrecovered alcoholics can help others. AA helps endfeelings of alienation and shame, and instill hope, concern, and contactwith others; it provides a means of learning self-care. AA provides the alcoholic with help in many areas of their life. Next, practicing this expression comes in,which allows the recovering alcoholic to master their environment(Straussner & Spiegel, 1996, pp. In J. (1996). 3 7-3 8). They admit their wrongs and make amends. An analysis of 12-step programs for substance abusers from a developmental perspective.Clinical Social Work Journal, 24(3), 299-3 9.----------------------- 7 3 6-3 7). Regardless of theoreticalconstruct, the 12 steps are a therapeutic component for the alcoholic,providing a guide through this transition. R. The storyteller begins by announcing their name andthe fact that they are an alcoholic, then precedes to the story detailspertaining to their individual experience of alcoholism. 299, 3 3). The alcoholic relies on otherpeople instead of alcohol while practicing the 12 steps, and learning tocare for the self and others. King, B. This forces thealcoholic into a humble position that dissolves narcissistic tendencies foromnipotence (Khantzian & Mack, 1994, pp. New members are treated as an autistic child, unable to separate fromanother and stand as an individual. In the psychoanalytic tradition, the individual develops theircharacter by early adulthood, with behavioral patterns, affective tones,and personality organization. Although thismay be the end result, the psychological dimensions of alcoholism are manyand AA can be viewed as effective due to its ability to provide a treatmentin which members learn to transform their psychological and behavioralproblems with alcohol, and manage effectively without it. At this point they may begin to compare group members andrealize that one or another is more similar and would be a more suitablesponsor. References Khantzian, E. Meetings are free, open, and regularly available, andeveryone has someone to call at anytime. The stepshelp the alcoholic take stock of themselves, and list all that they mayhave harmed. Staussner, S. Alcoholics anonymous andcontemporary psychodynamic theory. A prevailing aspect of this personality is the inability toadmit a loss of control and lack of control of drinking. Any group membercan stand and speak. The 12-step program guides the alcoholic to recovery withsteps away from the ego toward an ultimate power. A., & Spiegel, B. AA and its 12 steps can be viewed within the developmental process ofseparation-individuation which results in the ability for object relations. J., Mack, J. The 12-stepprogram demands that the alcoholic face their narcissistic and exaggeratedview of the self, and rely on a higher power instead. As the ego develops strength, the 12 steps provide a transitionalobject helping the alcoholic get back into the outside world. L. E. Function of the 12 Steps AA is a group that follows certain concepts regarding alcoholism andits recovery. AlcoholicsAnonymous, alcoholism counseling, and social work treatment. The new member is free to cling to the sponsor and the group, whilelearning to prioritize and manage their life, sober (Straussner & Spiegel,1996, p. The group as a whole consists of new members as well as those whohave participated for any number of years, and newcomers. Steps 3through 12 continue to assist the alcoholic in developing from a self-centered person to a mature person, that takes responsibility for self-care, makes amends, and then carries this message to others (Khantzian &Mack, 1994, pp. The alcoholic has aplace to go, turning to fellow human beings rather than alcohol, where theycan gain insight, hope, and support from peers who have recovered. A sponsor is provided who mediatesbetween the new member and the world, providing guidance and new structure. 356-359). Weiss (Eds.), Thedynamics and treatment of alcoholism: Essential papers. The success of AA is oversimplified by sum, with the notion thatalcohol is simply replaced with the group and its 12 steps. The steps further assist the alcoholic in letting go of denial andaccepting vulnerability by providing a structure for abstinence.Individuals are encouraged to keep things simple and go through life oneday at a time and the group provides social support for frustrated self-object needs, that is typically lacking in the alcoholics life. Differentiation, a subphase of this process occurs as the newcomerbegins the process of separation, and differentiates between the self andthe other. (1994). AAmeetings provide an alternative to drinking, and a safe, supportive,healing environment. During break periods, the newcomers may tend to standalone until they are quickly approached by a member, who explains AA andthe group activity. Levin & A. L., Bissell, L., & O'Brien, P. Thedisease is treated within a family context. Al-Anon is provided for thealcoholic's family. Aftersharing stories, the group members talk to each other (groups can be big orsmall, one or more, depending on location), providing additional supportfor the release of emotions. Without optimal nurturance free of majortrauma, ego functions and a sense of self do not coalesce into a matureadult, and as with the alcoholic, the individual is faced with characterflaws which resemble the narcissistic, and result in the inability to carefor the self. By announcing that they are alsoalcoholics, and they once did the same thing, they help end the guiltcycle, offer help to the newcomer, and demonstrate what recovery is like(King, Bissel, & O'Brien, 1979, pp. From apsychoanalytic point of view, AA manages to overpower the impulses thatdrive the alcoholic to drink. They help the alcoholic learnto let go and receive assistance from a higher source, which supplies theultimate nurturance needed for development. 3 6).

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