Group Therapy
Technically, 12 step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are not strictly group therapy. They are actually a bit of a mixed program that happens to meet in a group setting for meetings on a regular basis, but the idea of step work, sponsorship, and recovery literature take it far beyond the basic idea of simple group therapy.
On the other hand, most people who glance at AA from the outside would define it as group therapy. Certainly, it is a kind of group therapy, and the whole idea of the 12 step program relies on one alcoholic helping another. It is not a program for individuals. As they say, it is a “we” program.
Really, this was most of the revelation that started AA and the Oxford group that preceded it–the idea that a group of alcoholics could somehow band together and help each other to stay sober. The revelation was not (in my opinion) so much in the 12 steps or in the actual mechanics of the suggested program, but simply in the idea of networking with others who are on the same path.
The idea works well and is extremely important in early recovery, mostly because identification is so important in the beginning. This means that the newcomer who is just trying to get clean and sober needs to know that they are not crazy, they are not unique, and other people who are just like they are have gone through this before and made it through with their sanity intact. This identification is important, because without it, the newcomer will dismiss the others who are staying sober as being either “not like they are” or as serious flukes. They need the power of a group experience to show them that others have done what they are trying to do. They need to find people they can relate to who had similar situations so that they can derive hope for themselves from it.
Later on, the emphasis on group therapy becomes less and less important as someone progresses in their recovery. Why? Simply because their growth in recovery becomes more and more personal, more holistic, and less and less feedback is needed in order to secure future motivation. (That is, if you are actually making real growth in your recovery!)
Some people fall into a trap with group therapy and use it as more of a crutch, rather than as a way to empower themselves to grow as a person. If this is the case then you might want to take a step back from regular group attendance and see what your recovery is really based on. You need to find the motivation and drive to push yourself to make real growth and progress in your own life, without having to rely on external motivations.
It is not that we have to break all ties with groups or with group therapy….it is only that our recovery is weaker if we have to depend on groups to stay sober. If this is the case then moving towards more independence in our sobriety can be a healthy choice.
Just my 2 cents of course….what does everyone else think?
Joe Says:
I really enjoy your blogg, creative recovery is right on the money! I do it myself and will have ten years clean on July 4th.
I too am a Counselor, working in a large medical model recovery progran.
I wanted to get straight on the term “Group Therapy” 12- step meetings are not to be confused with group therapy. Twelve step meeting are a fellowship of alcoholics and addicts, helping each other. It is proven to be the most effective program, helping millions get sober. Group Therapy is done on a professional level, groups are run by a trained counselor at one of many levels, could be a Phd, but most often a certified counselor. While group therapy has certainly helped lots of people and I subscribe to the theory “let every man be my teacher” To me group therapy is very touchy, feely. Many times the counselor is not in recovery and while that certainly not a requirement, to me it makes it hard. Instead of dealing with alcohol or drugs, group therapy likes to delve into the past, which I think is nonsense. Life is too short to be sorting out our past for weeks when we are dying from alcohol or drugs today. I certainly am open to anything that works. I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject.
Patrick Says:
These are some excellent points, Joe.
Your ideas point out how effective an AA meeting can be as compared to group therapy….it is somehow more efficient, cheaper, and more focused on solutions rather than dwelling in the problem.
That said, I think people can go overboard with meetings too. But what you are saying is right on, and I appreciate your comment. Thanks!
Fawn Says:
I agree! When I was first getting sober I don’t think I could have made it without AA. I needed the fellowship, guidence, structure, the belonging to something else other than Bud Light and the people who I wanted to be like. It saved my life. Now, 8 years later, AA is still important but for different reasons. Equally important are the things I’ve done outside the rooms. AA doesn’t make any promises that it will create your new life for you. This is our sacred resonsibility and gift. Too often I see people get attached to AA and things associated with the program like sponsership, the steps, meetings, etc, ect. All of that is better than drinking but I’m hoping that I didn’t go thru hell to get sober just to get addicted to AA. I go to AA to help others go thru hell getting sober and to learn from others experience and that helps me. By the way, the new change sound powerful and I’m excited for you. Good Luck!
Patrick Says:
Yep I agree Fawn…AA is better than nothing. Thanks for your insight.
Jared | SpiritualZen.net Says:
This has certainly been my experience as well and something I have witnessed. I believe this statement you made is right on: “growth in recovery becomes more and more personal, more holistic, and less and less feedback is needed in order to secure future motivation.”
And as you said, if you are growing in your recovery. It’s easy to tell who is growing spiritually in a meeting, who is doing the work, and who is not doing much the other 23 hours of the day. But we’re here for everyone and if they keep coming back and their lives are better for it, good for them.
I have gone through periods, especially early on when my life revolved around meetings and the power of the group. I still see how some use the group to hide from what’s going on in life. My old home group had a few couches in it and was open almost 24 hours a day. We used to tell people not to sit on the couches, because once they did they’d never get up. They hid out in meetings and didn’t learn much about relationships with others and how to grow spiritually.
@Joe,
I agree with you someone in that “Life is too short to be sorting out our past for weeks when we are dying from alcohol or drugs today.”
My first few times in treatment I believe I had this illusion that if I just fixed what was wrong with me (what made me a victim from my past) then I was cured and basically could drink/drug like a normal person. (whatever that is)
The real healing began when I got into action by working the steps and with my sponsor, forgave myself for my past, and simply did the work. Not sitting around intellectualizing about recovery.
Like the three frogs story…. you know the one ;-)
Patrick Says:
Hi there Jared, thanks for you valuable insight!
For anyone who doesn’t know, the story of the 3 frogs is this:
3 frogs were sitting on a lily pad and 1 of them decided to jump off. How many frogs were left?
The answer is 3….just making a decision does not mean that they took action. A good reminder about where the real recovery happens…..not in our heads, but in our daily actions.
Thanks for that, Jared!