May 4, 2015

Are 12-Step Programs for You?.

Quote.

When your mind and heart are truly open abundance will flow to you effortlessly and easily.

The Chopra Addiction & Wellness Center (Center) believes that participation in self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step organizations, has saved and enriched countless lives.

Indeed, there is research to support 12-step programs’ effectiveness. A Scientific American article penned by Scott O. Lilienfeld and Hal Arkowitz in 2011 stated, “…the results of one well-designed investigation called Project Match, published in 1997, suggest that AA can facilitate the transition to sobriety for many alcoholics. In this study, a group of prominent alcoholism researchers randomly assigned more than 900 problem drinkers to receive one of three treatments over 12 weeks…. The AA-based approach seemed to work and compared favorably with the other therapies.”

While we encourage involvement with these important organizations, we also understand that what these programs offer may not always be the answer for people whose lives are being damaged by alcoholism or other destructive behaviours. At the Center we ensure that meetings and 12-step work are available to our guests.

However, there is also research suggesting AA and other 12-step programs do not always work for all individuals suffering with addiction. For example, for women who struggle with alcohol, AA can actually be part of their addiction issues. Journalist Gabrielle Glaser, author of the book, Her Best-Kept Secret: Why Women Drink-And How They Can Regain Control, noted that AA advises its members to surrender their egos to a higher power, yet women often lack strong egos and self-medicate with alcohol to compensate for feelings of powerlessness, anxiety, and depression. In 2006, Nicholas Bakalar reported in The New York Times that Italian researchers, led by Marica Ferri of the Italian Agency for Public Health, “…found little to suggest that 12-step programs reduced the severity of addiction any more than any other intervention.” A 1990 summary of AA membership surveys between 1977 and 1989, “Comments on AA’s Triennial Surveys,” showed that 81 percent of alcoholics stopped attending meetings within one year, and only 5 percent attended meetings for more than one year.

It can be difficult for those struggling with addiction to describe themselves as addicts, and many individuals do not believe they have a disease with no cure but abstinence. Consequently, just as we would not ask someone to have a heart attack before she gives herself permission to reduce stress, exercise, and eat well, at the Center, we also do not believe an individual must “hit bottom” or declare herself an addict to reach out for professional support to address past psychological wounds and find new, healthy ways of engaging with herself and others.

Chopra Addiction and Wellness Center recognizes the uniqueness of each person’s journey to wholeness. With that understanding, the Center is the first treatment facility in North America to offer a truly holistic addiction recovery method that combines the latest breakthroughs in modern Western medicine with the mindfulness approach of the ancient Ayurvedic healing methods of the East to unlock the human potential and bring about true inner healing. Originating in India 5000 years ago, Ayurveda focuses on the individual as a whole – physically, emotionally and spiritually. Through yoga; meditation; enjoying fresh, nourishing meals; therapy; and other activities, the Center guests come to see themselves and others as unique spiritual beings, committed to lives of expanded awareness and transformation.

The Center welcomes all those who want to change their lives, and guests frequently mention how much they gain from the Center’s holistic approach to healing. One such guest, Sandra, a nurse from Canada, said, “I don’t believe I ever knew how to get grounded before coming to the Center…. The setting of this facility was so beautiful (therapeutic in itself). The Center’s focus is on holistic wellness instead of the illness that discourages and defeats one’s self. This made me feel like I was able to grow, to become – and I’m still becoming. It’s a process, as is life…. The staff are all amazing people; each has a gift and is a gift. I also appreciate the follow-up/continued care.”
Another guest, T. from Alberta, Canada, shared, “I came to Chopra Addiction and Wellness Center after battling depression, alcohol abuse, and suicidal thoughts and attempts. I am now going home a new person. The emptiness I felt that was caused by trauma in my life is now filled with joy, excitement, and strength. Their unique approach – using yoga, meditation, psychodrama, and nurturing – is the most healing environment I have ever experienced.”

Photo is licensed from www.freedigitalphotos.net and was taken by Carlos Porto.

 

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  1. Linda Hoffman

    I have a son that has a heroin addiction a d has been to rehab 3 times, recently he was able to stay clean for a year and a half. We thought he finally beat it but he has relapsed again. He needs something different, he is so depressed and seems to be suicidal. Can you please send me more detailed information. I fear we are going to lose this wonderful young man

  2. Linda Hoffman

    I have a son that has a heroin addiction a d has been to rehab 3 times, recently he was able to stay clean for a year and a half. We thought he finally beat it but he has relapsed again. He needs something different, he is so depressed and seems to be suicidal. Can you please send me more detailed information. I fear we are going to lose this wonderful young man

  3. Linda Hoffman

    I have a son that has a heroin addiction a d has been to rehab 3 times, recently he was able to stay clean for a year and a half. We thought he finally beat it but he has relapsed again. He needs something different, he is so depressed and seems to be suicidal. Can you please send me more detailed information. I fear we are going to lose this wonderful young man

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