• Module 1 - Attitudes
  • Introduction
  • The Function of Attitudes
  • Opportunites for Discussion
    • Ambivalence
    • Faith Tradition
    • Youth Experiences
    • Case Study
    • Final Reflection
• Module 2 - Awareness
  • Introduction
  • General Awareness Information
  • Salient Features
  • Stages of Alcoholism
  • Physiological Impact
  • Other Options
  • Handouts
• Module 3 - Assimilation
  • Introduction
  • Roles of Religious Leaders
  • Codependency
  • Class Activity
  • Case Study
  • Handouts
• Module 4 - Action
  • Introduction
  • General Considerations
  • "The Twelve Steps" Information
  • Factors
  • Phases
  • Additional Possibilities
  • Handouts

MODULE IV: Action

Spirituality and the Twelve Steps

 

Competency 8 - Be familiar with and utilize available community resources to ensure a continuum of care for the:
Addicted person
Family system
Affected children

Competency 9 - Have a general knowledge of and, where possible, exposure to:
The Twelve-Step programs – A.A., NA, Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Alateen, ACOA, etc.
Other groups

Competency 11 - Be able to shape, form, and educate a caring congregation that welcomes and supports persons and families affected by alcohol and other drug dependence.

Competency 12 - Be aware of how prevention strategies can benefit the larger community.

It has been made amply clear that religion and spirituality are not the same thing. However, the two need not be mutually exclusive as some would claim if each is properly understood. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, actually encourages people in recovery to reconnect with their religious roots. The Twelve-Step program does provide a matrix in which people can develop their own spirituality, sense of spiritual identity and spiritual practices. For those alienated from their religious heritage, Twelve-Step groups have filled a void in their lives spiritually. Affiliation with an abstinent peer group is paramount for sustained sobriety with serenity. Howard Clinebell states in his book, Understanding and Counseling Persons with Alcohol, Drug and Behavioral Addictions, "In all the long, dark, dismal history of the problem of alcoholism, the brightest ray of hope and help is Alcoholics Anonymous.¹

In Handout 3 of this module you will find the Twelve-Steps as used by Alcoholics Anonymous. Handout 4 provides for you another critical component in this program, namely the Twelve Traditions that govern their corporate life as recovering people.

With the above introduction, this would be a time, if you as instructor may see fit, to have your class engage in a discussion of the steps and the traditions. They could assess these processes from a theological, sociological, psychological and personal perspective. An explication of the same can be found in the book, Twelve-Steps and Twelve Traditions.²

Curiosity relative to why this format seems to have experienced significant success when other attempts have failed may be of help to the student in understanding the intent and genius of this approach with addicts.

1. Howard Clinebell. Understanding and Counseling Persons with Alcohol, Drug and Behavioral Addictions. Nashville, Abingdon Press, 1998, 195.

2. Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. New York: A.A. World Services Inc., 1983 (12th printing).

Module Home • Introduction • General Considerations • Spirituality and the Twelve Steps • Factors that Contribute to the Success of the
Twelve Step Program • Phases of the Fifth Step Ministry • Additional Module of Possibilities

 

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