How do twelve step programs address the underlining causes of drug addiction or do they?


    Get Help Now!  

  800.815.3910 

  Available 24/7   

The road to recovery starts here! Trusted, confidential help available 24/7. Speak with an addiction treatment specialist anytime. Please call us now at 800-815-3910!


How do twelve step programs address the underlining causes of drug addiction or do they?

by Jesse Murray

(Sanjacinto, CA. USA)

I am a student working on a research paper on twelve step programs vs. alternative programs. Please keep in mind I am just learning. How is dual diagnosis handled.

Comments for How do twelve step programs address the underlining causes of drug addiction or do they?

Click here to add your own comments

Dual Diagnosis common but a large challenge to treat.


by: Debbie Wicker


Hello Jesse,

You’ve asked an excellent question and one that I will give you my opinion about but the research is still inconclusive in this area.

If someone has both an addiction problem and another mental health issue the 12 steps are still useful to help them recover from their addiction.

This patient should receive mental health support for what ever the co-occurring issues are and also start a 12-step program.

The 12-steps with help them to explore the spiritual, cognitive and behavioral aspects of their addiction so that they “learn” why they use a drug and how to stop from using their drug of choice.

Without the 12-step program they’re not likely to recover from the addiction.

Additionally, with a dual-diagnosis all of their treatment is likely to take MUCH longer and their issues are likely to be more persistent. Relapse is also likely to occur many times so a lot of patience is needed with these people to help them to recover from their illness.

I’m not aware of any treatment for addiction that is as comprehensive or has better outcomes than the 12-step program.

Hope that answers your question.

Debbie


Click here to add your own comments


Do you have a question or story? It’s easy to ask your question or submit your story. How? Simply click here to return to Drug Abuse and Addiction Treatment.





and Finally Remember:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
– Matthew 7:7-8



Recent Articles

  1. Drug Addiction Questions

    Jul 05, 17 08:47 AM

    Drug Addiction Questions provides answers to some of the difficult but commonly asked questions about drug addiction.

    Read More

  2. Abuse Alcohol

    Jul 05, 17 08:44 AM

    Abuse Alcohol is the story of Eric is was a good man, but had a fatal flaw which he was unable to overcome…

    Read More

  3. Drug Addiction Therapy

    Jul 04, 17 08:47 AM

    This page describes drug addiction therapy that includes 20 steps for defeating addiction.

    Read More



Follow on Twitter or Google+





Similar Posts