- The History and Evolution of Self – Help.
- Self–Help Movement in Asia.
- Philosophies of Self – Help.
- Guidelines for Building and Sustaining Self – Help Groups.
- Role of Treatment Center's in Promoting Self – Help Groups.
- Framework on Organizing and Formation of Self – Help Groups.
- Framework on Sustaining Self – Help Groups.
DEVELOPMENTS OF SELF – HELP GROUPS:
Self–help is neither about a person helping his own – self nor about an individual getting help from a single helper, but about a group of people with similar problems, helping and supporting each other in reaching for a common goal. Mainly rehabilitation program still adopt the Medical Model whereby the change of heart among addicts can best be brought about through the efforts of professional staff.
Self–help is a promising alternative approach, which is widely known to be a more appealing way to stimulate changes needed for Whole Person Recovery. A true self–help group is peer–led and usually for outpatient clients. In circumstances where there are no senior self–helpers to run a relatively new peer support group in any locality, a staff–led group can be a practical alternative.
Nonetheless, self–help is not a panacea for all the problems of recovery. Even the very best peer group is a vehicle for only a part of the recovery journey.
In the autumn of 1922, the Lutheran minister, Rev. Frank N. D. Buchman, and a few of his friends, formed what they called, ‘A First Century Christian Fellowship’. His evangelical work, consist of carrying a message of life – changing by “getting right with God.”
Around 1927, Buchman began working in England. Several of his followers were connected with Oxford University; and when they began to tour South Africa, the press called the evangelical team ‘The Oxford Group’ as most of them were from Oxford University; but Frank Buchman was never officially connected in any way with Oxford University. In 1937, the group was officially incorporated in Great Britain as a not – for – profit entity, known as The Oxford Group.
On the 10th of June 1935, in Ohio, a stockbroker by the name of Robert Halbrook (Bob) Smith who had made a resolution to quit drinking needed a companion. He was suggested to call an alcohol – Self – dependent surgeon, Dr. William Griffith (Bill) Wilson. They ended up talking all night long. Strangely, as a person who was in need of a companion in the first place, Bob found himself playing the role of a messenger, promoting sobriety to another alcoholic.
Hence, the philosophy of AA came about. Today it has grown to include some 87,000 chapters existing in more than 150 countries. Then, the early members decided to write about their struggle to achieve sobriety, in order to share their discoveries with others.
The big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions were eventually published in 1939.
ELEMENTS OF ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS:
۩ In their exploration of why certain Self – Help groups are so effective, Roots and Aanes identified eight characteristics that seems to contribute to group’s success:
- Members have shared experience, in this case, their inability to control their drug or alcohol use.
- Education, not psychotherapy, is the primary goal of AA membership.
- The groups are self – governing.
- The group places emphasis on accepting responsibility for one’s behavior.
- There is but a single purpose to the group.
- Membership is voluntary.
- The individual member must make a commitment to person change.
- The group places emphasis on anonymity and confidentiality.
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS (N. A.):
- As more and more recovering drug addicts were joining AA meetings, they began to feel the need for a separate group. So, in 1947, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) was born. NA basically does not differentiate their members by the type of mood – changing or mind – altering substances they abuse.
- Its members accept the commonality in their inability to overcome the problem of addiction. Similar to AA, NA has steadily become widespread. Today, NA groups may be found in almost all countries in the world. Both AA and NA members do not suggest that recovery is a cure for drug addiction. They do not speak of themselves as being recovered.
- While they believe that addiction is a disease whose progress may be arrested, they also acknowledge that it can never be cured.
- In 1948, a special group was formed, meant for spouses of alcoholics. It was an effort to apply the same… Twelve Steps Program of AA to improve their lives.
- By 1957, in response to the recognition that teenagers presented special needs and concerns, Al – non it gave birth to a modified group for teenage children of alcoholics.
- Through Alateen, teenagers learn that alcoholism is a disease and are helped to detach emotionally from the alcoholic’s behavior, while still loving the individual. The group’s goal is to help members to learn that he did not because the alcoholic to drink and see that they can build a rewarding life despite the alcoholic’s continued drinking.
3) RATIONAL RECOVERY (R. R.):
- In 1986, a self – help group, which adopts different concepts and approaches from that of AA or NA was formed. The group’s main focus is on the attempts to reshape the self – defeating thinking pattern and perception of an individual. The program philosophy is derived from the Rational Emotive Therapy’s (RET) of psychology.
- By 1986, a group of self – helpers who were uneasy with spiritual approaches of NA had set up a new kind of self – help group.
- The group’s main focus is on critical thinking and personal responsibility in recovery.
- It is a fraction group of AA, specially meant for female alcoholics. They feel that AA has a clear gender – bias inclination when its members generally do not acknowledge the differences between males and females in certain issues. The group’s main emphasis is on the development of self – esteem.
- It is another fraction group of AA, which is formed specifically for recovering persons who do not believe in the existence of God or the Higher Power. The group’s main focus is on intrinsic motivation that may induce change in an individual.
- The group sessions are often filled with a heated discussion or debate on pressing issues experienced by its members.
SELF – HELP GROUPS ARE GROWING IN POPULARITY WORLDWIDE. IN ASIA, SELF – HELP GROUPS ARE INCREASINGLY BEING FORMED TO ADDRESS THE DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM. THERE IS A GROUP FOR ALMOST EVERY MAJOR LIFE PROBLEM LIKE SUBSTANCE ABUSE, CODEPENDENCY, COMPULSIVE GAMBLING, OBESITY, EXHIBITIONISM, ETC.
SELF – HELP MOVEMENTS IN ASIA:
APART FROM THE AA AND NA NETWORKS, REGIONAL SELF – HELP GROUPS HAVE BEEN INITIATED.
AMONG THEM ARE:
- DAN SHU KAI IN JAPAN, 1987.
- PUI HONG SELF-HELP ASSOCIATION ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IN HONG KONG, 1987.
- KELLY’S GROUP IN HONG KONG, 1987.
- DUANG PRATEEP FOUNDATION IN THAILAND, 1989.
- PENGASIH ASSOCIATION IN MALAYSIA, 1991.
- JALAYA IN SRI LANKA, 2001.
PHILOSOPHIES OF SELF – HELP:
One of the self – helpers’ popular slogans is; “You alone must do it but you can't do it alone!” It simply means unless an addict decides to change, no amount of encouragement, guidance, assistance or even pressure can change him and he will keep on resisting change. Recovering addicts need guidance; support and help from concerned others to make the long and challenging recovery journey.
They provide a purpose: by helping another person, one is actually helping one’s own self. A self – helper listens to similar problems of other members, pictures himself in their situations and encourages their efforts to change for the better. All those do more to enlighten and empower the doer in dealing with his problems.
Through mutual support, the success of one member inspires the others: “If he can do it, so can I”. Self – helpers mutually provide hopes and motivations. Their function as role models is acceptable and credible because they have passed through the same way earlier on. They are able to relate or be open to one another without shame and fear.
In other words, they have walked the walk, not just talked the talk. Dynamic interaction in a self – help group develops bonding among the members that deeply affect their feelings and attitude. The genuine care and concern mean a lot to them.
Acceptance and identification (not obtained from other sources initially) becomes the energy that drives them to move forward. While in a program, they are guided to set goals and to draw a plan or strategy to achieve them. Back in the community they find that working on recovery in real life is a lot harder than merely learning about it.
They need on site instruction, instant feedback, close monitoring and supervision and extra input on specific issues. Those needs are met when they attend a self – help group session regularly. For family and peer self – help group members, there are four elements that have been found to be powerful enough in prompting progressive changes.
The elements are called the four keys to change. They are Practical Guidance, Successful Role Model, Genuine Care and Concern as well as Social Learning. The four keys to change are dominant in a self – help group, for they bring about mental, emotional and behavioral changes in the group members.
FOUR KEYS TO CHANGE
- PRACTICAL GUIDANCE: Empirical–based guidance that enable a recovering person to follow the recovery path of a successful role–model.
- SUCCESSFUL ROLE MODEL: A peer who demonstrates an exemplary achievement that motivates other peers to pursue a specific positive change.
- GENUINE, CARE & CONCERN: The compassionate acts or interactions that encourage reciprocal motivation.
- SOCIAL LEARNING GROUP: The group functions as a medium that allows social learning process, relevant recovery, to take place continuously. It provide recovering person with an undying energy & drive to maintain their recoveries.
BENEFITS OF JOINING SELF – HELP GROUPS:
Self – help group members feel respected and dignified. They believe that the group is helping them, feel guided and supported as well as loyal and responsive. For active members, the group serves as a source of authority that enables them to acquired self–discipline. Thus, they are facilitated in over coming problems with authority and discipline. A good group, dedicated to its own set of beliefs and philosophies, provides the members with the sense of purpose and direction. Also by learning to see themselves in the eyes of others, they acquired a clearer self–concept that enables them to play the roles expected of them.
In the group they have the opportunity to try out the newly developed or re–developed social skills. Consequently, they became expressive and assertive; independent and tolerant; giving and caring; and positive productive. Their ability to adapt to the group norms and structure enhances their self–esteem and fulfill their need for the sense of achievement. They have a real social group that they feel belong to. The micro community becomes the very soil for personal growth. Such dynamics foster positive change in their thinking, feeling and behavior. Thus, gradually a new self – image and character is developed.
ROLE OF TREATMENT CENTERS IN PROMOTING SELF – HELP GROUPS:
Involvement in a self – help group is essential for every client but they can only be certain of doing so if they had pre – treatment exposure as well as in – treatment experience. They must see the group as one of the vehicles they need to take in order to make the journey to recovery.
TREATMENT PHASE;
PRE – TREATMENT PHASE:
EVEN PRIOR TO ENTERING TREATMENT, PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS IN SELF – HELP GROUPS
- Promote the self – help concept and highlight its significance.
- Provide information about existing self – help groups.
- Motivate clients on one to one basis to help during counseling sessions to attend meetings.
- Reinforce messages about self – help groups during lectures and group therapy sessions.
- Invite senior peers to share with clients the good feeling they experience when attending self – help groups.
DURING AND AFTER THE TREATMENT PHASE:
- Make arrangements for senior clients to attend meetings.
- Display literature like pamphlets, books and tapes for perusal by clients.
- Encourage clients to browse web sites hosted by self – help groups and participate in E-chatting sessions.
- Emphasize the need for clients to participate in self – help group meetings regularly after being discharged.
- Discuss issues relating to their self – help group involvement during counseling session.
- Encourage clients to look for sponsors or buddies to facilitate their recovery.
- Provide a room or hall where self – help group sessions can be held regularly.
- Invite guest speakers from existing self – help organizations.
GUIDELINES FOR BUILDING & SUSTAINING SELF – HELP GROUPS:
- Clarity of purpose. (clients attend sessions with a strong belief and trust that the group is helping them in going through their recovery process)
- Establishment of a common goal. (clients need to be guided to establish sound recovery and life goals)
- Fair and open leadership. (capable leaders will enable clients to gain benefits to the fullest)
- Norms that apply to all. (fairness helps to increase the clients’ self – esteem)
- Participatory decision making. (engaging in a collective decision – making heightens the clients’ sense of self – worth)
- Joint planning and implementation. (a strong team sprit strengthens the clients’ identification and sense of belonging)
- Active and sincere involvement. (a whole – hearted involvement enable clients’ to sustain their recovery growth)
- Sharing of credit and responsibility. (the broad spectrum of togetherness establishes unity and loyalty among clients)
- Focusing on commonalities. (by tolerating differences, clients’ develop bonding and cohesiveness among them)
- Focusing here and now. (guiding clients to accept reality and draw a realistic plan for a better future)
- Encouraging self / mutual change. (encouraging clients to exercise the true self – help value that is to provide mutual support)
IT IS CRUCIAL TO ENSURE THAT THESE SELF – HELP GROUPS, WHEN FORMED, DO NOT BREAK UP WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THEREFORE, IT IS NECESSARY TO LOOK INTO THE METHODS AND STRATEGIES INVOLVED IN FORMING AND SUSTAINING THE GROUP.
TYPE OF GROUPS:
Traditional support groups;
- 12 Steps fellowship.
- Aftercare support group.
- Faith-based oriented support group;
1. Open membership.
2. Staff-led, Peer-led, Facilitator-led.
3. Conducted by group members.
ACTION STEPS:
- Determine what you need from a support group.
- Find out if there is an existing group that meets your needs.
- Gather sources of information about support groups.
- Hold meetings on a regular basis.
EXPECTED OUTCOME:
- Sense of trust increased.
- Tolerant and respectful behaviors developed.
- Coping strategies and skills reinforced.
- Active participation achieved.
SUPPORT NEEDED:
- A safe, secure, and welcoming environment.
- Resources:
1. Literature,
2. Physical Setting,
3. Equipment. - Professional guest speakers.
- Strong community linkages.
- Support of family members, peers sponsors.
- Consultative linkages.
- Training opportunities.
TYPE OF GROUPS:
Relapse Prevention Maintenance Program;
Relapse prevention is designed in a systematic method to recognize and manage the recurrence of addictive behaviors.
- Staff – led,
- Peer – led,
- Facilitator – led.
ACTION STEPS:
- Practical help to establish and maintain rapport.
- Daily contact with healthy peers.
- Practical help to maintain sobriety.
- Focused on identifying early relapse warning signs and its management.
- Structured and scheduled according to the needs.
- Exposure to senior self – helpers.
EXPECTED OUTCOME:
- A more healthy emotional, social, and spiritual life adopted.
- Coping skills developed.
- Recovery plan formulated and implemented.
FRAMEWORK ON ORGANIZING & FORMATION OF SELF – HELP GROUP:
TYPE OF GROUPS:
Special Groups;
- Gender specific issues,
- HIV,
- Sexuality,
- Cross Addiction.
- Partnership in Parenting…
- Life Skills.
ACTION STEPS:
- Determine the need.
- Draft the guidelines.
- Plan and structure the program.
- Build group culture.
EXPECTED OUTCOME:
- Sensitivity to issues related to addiction increased.
- Life skills enhanced.
ACTION STEPS:
- Establish common goals.
- Ensure the clarity of purpose.
- Establish norms.
- Encourage collective decision making.
- Focus on commonalities.
METHODS/STRATEGIES:
- Continue to develop potential leaders.
- Perform ongoing needs assessment, evaluation, and feedback concerning coalitions.
- Perform ongoing training and development of coalitions.
- Continue expansion and team building.
EXPECTED OUTCOME:
- Active and sincere involvement achieved.
- A functioning coalition established and sustained.
- Inter – organizational networking established and sustained.
SUPPORT NEEDED:
- Resources,
- Consultative linkages,
- Training opportunities,
- Technical assistance,
- Financial back – up.
FRAMEWORK ON SUSTAINING SELF – HELP GROUPS;
ACTION STEPS:
- Encourage mutual connection.
- Establish a good networking with other self – help groups.
METHODS/STRATEGIES:
- Engage in conflict resolution as needed.
- Redefine the norm as needed.
- Document and presenting success stories.
- Focus on here and now.
- Share of credit and responsibility.
- Fair and open leadership.
EXPECTED OUTCOME:
- Capacity to deal effectively with emerging issues demonstrated and enhanced.
- Number of members with strong recoveries increased.
- Members nurtured and supported.
- Sense of ownership developed.
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