I do not disagree that one-on-one therapy is a bad thing. But how many of our impoverished citizens can afford the luxury of a visit to a psychiatrist unless they do something really crazy. Like an act of violence or an attempted suicide.
So any discussion comparing psychiatry with 12-step modalities is kind of a waste of time. After all, personal attention is a wonderful thing. And a skilled therapist or psychiatrist can do wonders with a patient if they can establish a bond with him or her.
But the link I'm going to post here will give you a better idea of what I'm talking about. The writer is balanced and fair, I'll have to give her that. But I also understand that the reality is that she never had to sign a paycheck or run a business. With the number of addicts and alcoholics in the world it would be virtually impossible to provide a therapist or psychiatrist for each one. It's sort of the dream of an idealistic person who wants to help people. Not a bad idea, but totally impractical.
But out in the world we have this massive organization called Alcoholics Anonymous and similar programs that offer around-the-clock opportunities for people to get sober and stay sober. And the most wonderful thing about it is it's a self-help program that is free. The fact that it doesn't work for everyone is part of life on planet earth. And I give her credit for pointing that out also.
The reality of Alcoholics Anonymous is that if one does what is suggested in the steps they have a 100% guarantee of staying sober from now on. And I say that with some assurance because I've never known anyone who has been forced to drink or do drugs.
Click here to read the article for yourself. Once at this site search for the article: "Criticism of 12-Step Groups: Is it Warrranted? by Tori Rodriguez.
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