Joining forces with other researchers, Lee Ann Kaskutas (2009) conducted a study in which they examined the effectiveness of making alcoholics anonymous easier (MAAEZ). In this article, they shed light on how this approach to tackling alcoholism is better than other interventions. One of the statistics that I found to be surprising is that there is a link between religion and the effectiveness of MAAEZ. The researchers observed that this intervention worked best for alcoholics who were agnostic, atheist or had no religious affiliation. What makes this surprising is that it is generally understood that religion helps to promote sobriety. The 12-step facilitation therapy is indeed effective. This is the conclusion that Kaskutas and her colleagues make. After comparing this approach to the standard AA intervention, they observed that it challenged participants to remain committed to the program and strive for sobriety.
In their article, Cory Dennis and Mitchell Earleywine (2013) explore the attitudes of mental health professionals regarding programs that incorporate the 12-step program. Among the issues that they examine are the factors that influence the referral process. A practitioner’s understanding of a program is among the factors that determine if they will refer a patient to the program. For example, a practitioner who does not fully understand how 12-step programs function is unlikely to refer a patient. Another factor that influences referral is the effectiveness of a referral process. The attitudes that the practitioner holds are another factor. I find that the attitudes that practitioners hold are the most important factor. If a practitioner is convinced that 12-step programs are ineffective and based on pseudo-science, I would not expect them to refer a client. While reading the article by Dennis and Earleywine, I was promoted to reflect on my own attitude towards 12-step programs. One of the questions that they examine is how negative attitudes can hinder participation in these programs. Now that I understand the damage that negative attitudes can have, I have resolved to accept that the 12-step programs actually deliver benefits.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
References
Dennis, C. B., & Earleywine, M. (2013). Assessing the attitudes substance abuse professionals have toward 12-step culture: preliminary results. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 13 (4), 373-92.
Kaskutas, L. A., Subbaraman, M., Witbrodt, J., & Zemore, S. E. (2009). Effectiveness of making alcoholics anonymous easier (MAAEZ), a group format 12-step facilitation approach. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 37 (3), 228-39.
