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Guilty pleasure is always on the prowl to strike with temptation. People can have over powering drives that lead them to unknown paths. As a result, these paths can lead to devilish experiences that can cause personal uncertainty and self-mutilation. A dire temptation that can be so manipulating in this manner is alcoholism. Moreover in I am Legend by Richard Matheson, the main character, Neville who lives in a world plagued by vampires, is on a path of self-destruction due to heavy consumption of alcohol.
When individuals, such as Neville, find themselves at the mercy of alcohol, life seems hopeless and reckless. However, meaning to life can be brought back through the remarkable twelve -step program offered by Alcohol Anonymous. If an individual who is struggling with alcohol abuse wants to take action and receive the best possible treatment available, the twelve-step program is the most suitable.
When life becomes challenging, one can submit to almost anything that’ll bring relief to the agony.
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In I am Legend by Richard Matheson, tells a story about a man, Robert Neville, who is struggling to survive in a world afflicted by vampires. Neville goes through a series of mental struggles that cause him to fall victim to heavy alcohol consumption. He states that he’s “lost his mind long time ago”. Thus, he feels “useless, worthless, without value, [and] a dud” (Matheson 80). The despair has enwrapped Neville so much to the point where he’s constantly drinking his sorrows away aggressively. There is a psychological brawl that restrains Neville from finding faith in the darkness.
He elaborates, “Morality, after all, had fallen with society. He was his own ethic” (Matheson 50). However, this mindset can be detrimental because Neville won’t accept the ideology of a supernatural force beyond human beings because civilization has plunged. However if he could erase such concept and permit spiritually to flutter within him, he would be man with purpose that pursues an enriching life despite the chaos and temptation. Moreover, this is exactly what the twelve-step program strives to do for individuals with the same personal conflict.
The treatment in Alcohol Anonymous revolves around the philosophical and religious based twelve-step program. In “Finding God through the Spirituality of the Twelve-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous,” the author Jeff Sandoz explains that this program, generated by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in 1930s, allows people who struggle with addiction, especially alcoholism, can learn how to manage their dependency on toxic substances and the behavior linked to these cravings. In addition, this will allow the individual to come in touch with one’s spirituality. The ending result strived for is that the person will initially be in sync with a higher power and not relapse (Sandoz 949).
This allows people to come in contact with something bigger than themselves. With the ability to understand that there is a force beyond reach, vision or sound, it can help reshape the cognitive process into a passionate and willing manner. This gives the patient the opportunity to succeed in treatment through a spiritual mentality. However, a person doesn’t have to be religious in order to attend the program. Sandoz states the program does “reflect Christian heritage.” However, it’s not limited if one isn’t religious. The program is for anyone who wants to strive to abolish personal substance abuse such as alcoholism. Needless to say, it still requires devotion. (Sandoz 953). This allows everyone to come together, despite any difference or preference, for a solid purpose: defeat the inner-demons that pursues consumption.
The twelve-step program recognizes that an alcoholic will become oblivious to issues associated with alcohol consumption and the need for help. As a result, this leads to denial of alcoholism and the catastrophic effects. For instance, in “Alcohol” published by Oxford Illustrated Companion of Medicine states the consumption can evolve in to problematics series such as digestive, liver, cardiac, endocrine system, and the nervous system. When drinking associate problems arise that need medical attention, individuals tend to lie to healthcare providers about their condition. As a result, only 1 in 10 heavy drinkers will get the appropriate treatment in order to recuperate (Lock, Last, and Dunea).
Due to denial, those who abuse the toxic element are at a higher risk of encountering damaging health complications as time progresses. However, this self-destruction shouldn’t be the route to go about. Instead, they should seek the purifying treatment through the twelve -step program that allows individuals who are suffering from alcohol abuse to expand their perceptive in a divine manner. For instance, Alcohol Anonymous have divided the twelve -step program into two categories. The first categories consists of the steps 1, 2, and 3. Sandoz states that the first step is that a person should be accepting that alcohol has become an overwhelming life choice dictator. However, an individual should “place oneself onto a spiritual conveyer belt” which guides a person onto a road of transformation. Secondly, a person must accept that there is a “power-greater-than-oneself.” The third step involves “letting go of one’s life and one’s will and to allow a ‘Higher Power’ to release the self-imposed bond and move in the direction of freedom” (Sandoz 954).
This program gravitates to a personal and spiritual construction. This is an extraordinary treatment strategy because when people find something to believe in during times of suffering due to denial, it gives life purpose. Through faith, an alcoholic can understand that there is path that’ll lead to a life of righteousness despite any down falls.
Once the acceptance of the “Higher Power” has been achieved through the first three steps, the treatment moves to the next collection of steps between 4 through 12. Sandoz expresses that during the achievement of each step a person will experience a new level of spirituality. An individual will learn how to cease the existence of selfishness during this phase. Between 4 and 7, it deals with obtaining clarity mentally and emotionally through the “Higher Power”. In addition, the duties of steps 8 through 10 are to renovating personal relationships. Lastly, 11 and 12 orbit around the idea that an individual should continue to endeavor for “spiritual growth”. Otherwise, there’s a risk of relapsing (Sandoz 955).
This allows repair not only with in a person, but also permits restoration of relationships between spouses, children, parents, siblings etc. This provides a social network that’s extremely beneficial to recovery. In addition, one can be confident that this treatment will give all the skills necessary to endure a fresh start. Moreover, anyone who wishes to get help can obtain a membership with this program to receive these tools.
The twelve step program is open to everyone. The membership is not limited, and the atmosphere is welcoming. In “The Impact of Alcoholics Anonymous on other substance abuse related Twelve Step programs,” the author Alexandre B. Laudet states in order for a person to join, there must be a want to cease the usage of addictive elements. In addition, the organization doesn’t keep tract of records so clients don’t feel intimidated to participate in discussions. It also gives a secure feeling that personal information such as addiction problems and health records won’t be publicized. Fortunately, the program is free of charge.
However, donations are accepted. Also, there is no worry about being governed in decision making because “each group is self-supporting and autonomous.” These meetings are available 24 hours, 7 days a week in variety of locations (Laudet). What makes this program so desirable and sought out for is its flexibility and convenience to the public. It doesn’t charge an arm and a leg like other rehabilitation centers for substance abuse do. According to Addiction Center in “Cost of Drug and Alcohol Rehab,” an inpatient private rehab monthly expense on average is between $6,000 and $20,000. Average amount spent during rehabilitation cycles is between $12,000 and $60,000. This is unnecessary because it’s far too much for a short duration, and a full recuperation is not guaranteed. However, there are times when drastic measures are necessary if an individual’s life is in great threat due to consumption. Although the twelve-step program might not encounter problems with finances, it does run into its own conflicts.
Every system has its flaw, however. In the twelve-step program, it’s been criticized for the way it manages its program. In “Treating Addictions” by Jane Friedman, Bankole A. Johnson, the “head of psychiatry at the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine”, argues that there isn’t an efficient amount of evidence to demonstrate the success rate of Alcohol Anonymous treatments with in rehabilitation. In addition, Johnson states Alcohol Anonymous view on those who relapse are seen poorly. Lastly, he praises the use of medication to help combat temptation. He uses the metaphor of a cancer patient to describe the need for medicine. He states, “If you have a serious disease, you get medical help […] cancer, support groups will help. But I would still want treatment for my cancer.” In addition, psychoanalyst Dodes explains that “only 5 to 10 percent of those achieve sobriety are AA members”.
He did his analysis through the Cochrane Library that contained clinical trials containing a duration of 40 yearlong research. It concluded that “no experimental studies unequivocally demonstrated the effectiveness of AA or Twelve Step Facilitation […] for reducing alcohol dependence or problems” (Friedman). Medication usage has been a challenge for the twelve step program. There has been controversy as to what elements should be allowed during the treatment of addicts because of the fear of addition to treatment medication.
Currently, there isn’t enough research suggesting if medication is more helpful or harmful. However due to this respectable criticism, Alcohol Anonymous has taken a new approach in hopes that people with substance abuse can benefit from. For instance, Friedman states that Hazelden, one of many twelve-step program based rehabilitation facilities, decided to try out “medication-assisted treatment.” Scientists suggested the combination of medication, counseling, and the twelve-step program has shown improvement in recovery. In addition, studies suggest Buprenorphine has helped patients decrease yearnings, relapses, and amount of overdoses. This medication is more so beneficial to those who are addicted to opioids and heroin (Friedman). The purpose of this new take on treatment is to help combat substance abuse within an efficient time range. In addition, Buprenorphine will ease to process of trading in old habits for new ones by giving a more sense of control of addiction. Regardless of what route the twelve-step program decides to take, the treatment for substance abuse has incredibly come along way changing many lives.
The twelve-step program by Alcohol Anonymous has proven to be reliable to help treat those with substance abuse, such as alcoholism. It’s given those who’ve lost control over their lives the strength to regain a purpose in life again and heal spiritually, mentally, and physically. In addition, the community can make a difference by being more aware of the programs offered, such as the twelve-step program, and guiding those who are in need of help to treatment. Also, the donations made to Alcohol Anonymous will enhance treatment especially to those communities that lack resources. In conclusion, let the touch of the “High Power” infest itself into those who suffer from substance abuse. Don’t let toxicity destroy the lives of loved ones. The path to change is with in the twelve-step program. Save a life. Comment by Susan Johnson: ok conclusion
The Purifying Touch of the Higher Power. (2022, Feb 11). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-purifying-touch-of-the-higher-power-essay
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