Expert: Clyde - 2/9/2010

Question
Hi, Clyde.

I am studying to be certified as an addictions counselor.  So far, I am doing very well in my class about self-help groups, but I have run up against a wall.  My current assignment asks me to write a paper telling at which of the twelve steps a person is likely to suffer a relapse.  Also, I am asked to designate which of the steps are preparatory and which are treatment. I have spent hours looking for a source that would provide answers to these questions.  Any ideas?

Thanks,
Michael

Answer
Michael,
    Sorry for the delay in answering your questions.  I hope this is not a problem for your timing.
  
    I can say without a doubt that step 4 is the pinnacle step. One must do a thorough house cleaning at this point and most will not or can not.  The chief thing that remains unspoken in the fourth step inventory and the subsequent 5th step is the real crux of the person' secrets.  All secrets must be disclosed in my opinion.  When I hear a person's fifth step my last question is always "Now what did you not tell me that you know already about your inventory that you won't disclose?"  Invariably, those who say there is nothing will relapse; those that succeed will spill the secret.

    The first three steps are preparatory; the rest are treatment.  Step one is admission that life needs to change; step two is agreeing that one can not do it the way they have been going about it; an step three is saying, "I'll let someone else lead."

    The big book of Alcoholics Anonymous of the same title explains the program very well.  I suggest that if you'll buy a copy of it and read the first chapters on the steps you will have all the information you will need.  Our second text, "The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions" gives even more detail on each step.

     Thanks again for the questions and write again if I may be of any further help.

Grace and Peace,
Clyde