The 12 steps of the well-known mutual help group, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), begin with Step One, admitting powerlessness. Although Step One has helped many problem drinkers and other addicts, its spiritual concepts have been criticized. The possibility of reconceptualizing powerlessness as empowering, not only within AA and its offshoot programs,…

Results of this comparison of treatment methods indicated that all groups improved significantly on drinking measures. Breath testing was found to be unhelpful as an assessment procedure. The degree to which therapists showed accurate empathy proved to be a good predictor of client outcome. (Author)

This article describes a practical approach to treating addictive families, designed to help them repair the damage, create more satisfying lives, and prevent long-lasting deleterious effects, commonly associated with "co-dependency" and "children of addicts." This approach is grounded in a developmental model of family recovery which was devised…

Suggests that a condition of "negative spirituality" underlies and sustains alcoholism and perhaps all addictions. Argues that a secure recovery is not possible unless a "spiritual awakening," such as envisioned by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), is achieved. A broadly applicable conceptual model of spirituality is inferred from the…

This study examined and sought to clarify several major issues related to Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) and the notion that they are at increased risk for developing problems with alcohol. The study involved a questionnaire survey of randomly selected university counseling centers in regard to a variety of ACA issues. A total of 102…

Examines spirituality's importance in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Considers how spirituality, as representative of how one views the world and his or her role in creation, may relieve professional counselors' apprehension about inserting a "theology" into treatment. Provides a brief history of alcoholism treatment and a…

Describes contributions of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to drug and alcohol treatment. Discusses potential for AA's steps to encourage growth, and examines their consistency with counseling philosophy. Proposes and contrasts 12 new steps based on counseling theory to stimulate constructive discussion. Advocates more solid boundaries between AA and…

The A.A. 12 steps have long been associated with effective helping, both in terms of recovery from chemical addiction and increasing mental health. Historically there has also been a philosophical division between A.A. oriented substance abuse counselors and the rest of the helping professionals. The purpose of this article is to suggest and…

Rational Recovery (RR) and the Addictive Voice Recognition Technique (AVRT) are described. Rational recovery is a young organization which views alcohol and drug dependency differently from the traditional field which sees addiction as a symptom of something, of a disease, of spiritual bankruptcy, of irrational thinking, of unhappiness, of…