True or False
People can change...
True!
What is this step?
We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
Step 1
Denies any problem exists and is not considering change in this stage...
Pre-contemplative.
Define Social Liberation
(recognizing changing societal norms and options) - Realizing that there are social/environmental policies, alternatives, and opportunities that encourage and support behavior change
This process can involve utilizing resources in the environment to alter and maintain changes in behavior. Although this process is most often categorized with the experiential processes, it also functions in the later stages to help clients maintain change.
Define Counter-conditioning
(changing my automatic reactions) - Substitution of healthy reactions and behaviors for unhealthy ones. In a situation where it is difficult for clients to alter or avoid tempting cues, an effective strategy is for clients to alter their
responses to the cues. This often involves choosing healthy alternatives (such as learning how to relax in a stressful situation) or using self-management skills (being assertive) rather than becoming reactive to emotional or situational cues and abusing substances
Addiction is a DISEASE.
TRUE
What step is this?
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Step 2
When someone has successfully made a change for a significant amount of time...
Maintenance.
Define Environmental Re-evaluation
(seeing my surroundings differently) - Recognition of the effects the behavior has upon others and the environment. Clients are often motivated by the realization that their substance use has not only negatively affected them, but that it also has an impact on the significant people in their lives (e.g., children, spouses, friends) and on their functioning in different environments (e.g., employment, social groups, neighborhood).
Define Helping Relationships
(social support for change) - Accessing relationships that provide support, caring, and acceptance to someone who is attempting to make a specific behavior change. Clients who have abused substances often feel alienated and alone. By engaging in this change process, clients can find and begin utilizing a support system specifically focused on this change and realize that they are not isolated in addressing their substance use. Social support for using would work for the opposite goal of continuing use.
Substance users have to hit “rock bottom” before they can change.
False.
What step is this?
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Step 4
Significant steps being taken to change the problem or behavior. People may be avoiding triggers, reaching out for help, or taking other steps to avoid temptation.
Action.
Define Consciousness Raising
Involves increasing knowledge about oneself and the nature of the problem behavior...
Define Stimulus Control
(managing cues and triggers) - Avoidance or alteration of cues so that the likelihood of engaging in the problem behavior is lessened. Clients who associate alcohol or drug use with specific environments (e.g., a bar during “happy hour”) are less likely to engage in substance use if they avoid “trigger” situations.
Unless someone enters treatment freely and is already motivated to change, he or she will not do well.
False - This is not true. In fact, research clearly shows that even people who are forced into treatment can, and often do, recover.
What is this step?
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Step 12
A decision has been made to change their behavior. People may be beginning to make minor changes but may still need to change behaviors.
Preparation.
Define Self-reevaluation
Involves rethinking the problem behavior and recognizing how it conflicts with client’s goals and behaviors.
Define Reinforcement Management
(finding and using rewards) - Rewarding and reinforcing behavior changes. This process can take the form of an actual “reward” for a positive change, or it can simply consist of experiencing the positive consequences that result from using behaviors that prevent alcohol or drug use. When clients use incentives or experience rewards following positive steps toward altering their substance using behavior, they are more likely to continue making similar changes.
Addicts lack willpower...
False - This is an old belief, based on wanting to blame or shame people who have alcohol or drug problems. Addiction occurs in an area of the brain called the mesolimbic dopamine system that is not under conscious control. People with substance use disorders still have choice and some self-control, but it is compromised.
What step is this?
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Step 10
People may acknowledge that a problem exists but are unwilling to make a change and continue to use.
Contemplative.
Define Emotional Arousal
(emotionally moving experiences) - A significant, often emotional experience related to the problem or solution. Clients often shift perspectives, gain insight, and become motivated to make changes when their emotions are aroused by either external events or internal experiences so that they see with both mind and heart.
Define Self-liberation
(taking responsibility/making commitments) - Believing in one’s ability to change and acting on that belief by making a commitment to implement plans to alter behavior. Clients often demonstrate this process by making a personal commitment to substance-related change goals, offering a public commitment to change, or taking change steps.