Self-Help Evaluation

Self-Help Evaluation

The self-help movement has swept the world
of substance abuse treatment. A new client may not be aware of any
treatment options open to them aside from those of self-help group
meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. While self-help groups are not a
solution for every client, they have been shown to be useful in some
cases.

As future substance abuse counselors, it is
important that you explore and be aware of the different self-help
groups and what goes on in these group meetings.

Begin this assignment by doing the following:

Attend a self-help group related to
substance abuse. There are multiple options including AA Open Meetings,
Al-Anon, Women for Sobriety, and so forth. Information is easily
accessible on the Internet. Note that some meetings are closed while
others are open. At Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), most weekly groups are
closed; however, open meetings are held primarily on weekends when all
are welcome to attend.

Information for your area can be obtained through “AA Intergroup” at http://aa-intergroup.org/.

Introduce yourself and let folks know that you are a student. Remember to follow the guidelines of confidentiality.

If you are unable to access a twelve-step
group because one is not available in your area, either research an
online self-help group or research the implications of self-help groups
in general including their strengths and weaknesses.

Write a paper about your experience and make sure you cover the following:

1. Evaluate the self-help group you attended and/or
   researched. Critique the strengths and weaknesses of self-help groups in
   terms of their value in the treatment of substance abuse.
2. Hypothesize what types of clients would be a good
   match for the group that you attended and/or researched. What types of
   clients would not be a good match? Consider age, gender, culture, race,
   sexuality, religion/spirituality, and the severity of substance abuse.
   Include other evaluation criteria for differential treatment. Explain
   your reasoning.
3. Predict how self-help groups are evolving over time.
   How can technology be used to supplement and/or replace face-to-face
   support groups?
4. Appraise the effect on the group experience when
   involuntary clients are present. Include the effect to treatment,
   counseling, and collaboration.
5. Recommend several ways to overcome resistance. How
   may technology be used to overcome resistance to treatment? Include
   collaboration issues involved in the treatment of involuntary clients
   using technology.

Write a paper in Word format and make sure
you include a title page and reference page in addition to the 6–8-pages
of content. Apply APA 6th edition standards to the format of the paper,
and the citation of sources.