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The Disease Model of Addiction vs Existential Therapy

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The disease model of addiction is obviously the more favorable model of addiction as the majority of chemically dependent individuals utilize this approach.  It’s been proven over again that this model of addiction is effective and true in regards to encouragement.

My own personal belief is that will power and determination play a much bigger role in determining one’s fate.  One example is Existential Therapy.  I like this approach because of the freedom counselors and therapist have in implementing techniques.  They are able to adapt the techniques they know to help the client in the realization of their unique identity.   Therapists and counselors are also able focus more closely on the individual needs of the client, bringing out their identity.

Some critics however, claim that using existential therapy limits proper treatment due to the fact that they do not diagnose or properly or assess.  There are other methods that work in addiction and in the end it’s really up to the client to find a program that uses approaches in which they believe will work for them.  If the disease model of addiction leads someone to a life without addiction at all then by all means it’s effective.  Each counselor should be choosing their own treatment methods for their clients and if that is the disease model of addiction then so it should be.  However it is important that one not stick just to one specific idea in order to ensure the clients get the best possible care.

Common problems during treatment

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Dealing with problems when you are seeking out help for your addiction is something you are going to have to get used to. The process of sobriety is never a straight line. However, there are some problems that are caused by the actual choice of treatment itself.

Many traditional treatment programs or 12-step meetings struggle with these problems because are they are self caused. The introduction of these problems is a major issue because they can cause unneccessary relapse even if the main addiction treatment process is working ok for the individual.

Common problems that can occur in treatment:

  • Recovering individuals as counselors
  • Confrontation as a treatment strategy
  • The use of medication
  • Controlled use

Recoverying individuals

Recovering individuals as counselors can only be good if they have the interpersonal skills and education to back it up.  Often times counselors in recovery don’t have this and then they try to mold the client into their own way of thinking because they simply believe they know it all because they have been through the experience themselves.

Confrontation strategy

Confrontation is not always beneficial in counseling or at least thought that way anymore.  The success rate of recovery is much lower when confrontation is involved. The solution?  Have empathy and compassion and avoid confrontation as much as possible.

Medication usage

There are medications that are prescribed for addicts that may be counterintuitive; meaning trading once addiction for another.  A successful treatment plan will eliminate all drugs, even if they are assumed to help.

Controlled use approach

Some users and abusers believe that they can go through treatment with controlled use.  This doesn’t work as it’s merely the client’s perception of what is controlled.  A treatment plan should only include eliminating the drug of choice completely.

If you are currently getting help for your addiction then you need to be careful to avoid these problems. Alternatively seek out an online addiction recovery program like Live Rehab which can help you recovery without dealing with what we’ve mentioned in this article.

How I would apply the rules of Gestalt Therapy

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Gestalt Therapy is about helping you recognize that being present is the most important rule.

If I was implementing this approach while working with you,  I would discuss my method and explain to you why it works.  I believe that implementing rules without an explanation does not create the confidence that is needed.  Then, after the trust is established I would be firm in my expectations but also have empathy and compassion.  If you slipped and asked a question instead of a statement I would simply remind you of the rules and gently ask you to rephrase what they were asking.  Implementing these rules may be uncomfortable at first but the once the you observe success you will understand the rules better and a beneficial outcome will be recognized.

Why I like the Bowen Family Therapy Approach

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Bowen Family Therapy is part of a growing trend of independent approaches to healing and family centered centers.  One of the main reasons that I believe that the Bowen Family Therapy appeals to me so much is that Bowen took his own approach to solving the dynamics and nuances of therapy.  Instead of focusing on tried and true methods for everyone he instead devised his own methods which would eventually turn into a completely viable approach that everyone else could take too.  The Bowen Family Therapy, in my opinion, offers a chance to present information to the client in a way which affords them the opportunity to recognize the unconsciousness factors impacting their life.  All too often we see or examine therapy treatment styles which do not properly address these factors and therefore leave an empty hole which leads to relapse situations.  Unfortunately, the Bowen Family Therapy approach cannot be used in every situation nor does it apply to every family so its practical application in the real world, depending on where you practice can have limited uses.  Depending on the clients’ needs and their own family history it will be important to properly assess whether or not this approach will be of any use.

Bowen Family Therapy information:

Bowen Family Therapy Center

Finding a Diversity Competent Counselor

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Being a competent counselor is very challenging and requires a lot of knowledge.  Being a diversity-competent counselor takes so much more.  When working with a chemical dependency group there is a high probability that the group will have to deal with different cultural backgrounds.  A diversity-competent counselor will be able to let go of fear and lead a discussion that is culturally sensitive.

Diversity-competent counselors don’t become competent overnight.  It takes years of experience and awareness to obtain the competency.  Counselors who are courageous, good role models, and very open minded will have a great chance of really understanding diversity.  Before they experience other cultures however, they must be able to understand their own culture first.

When working with chemical dependency groups a counselor should always be noticeably present and very genuine.  People in recovery are very sensitive to their surroundings so it is important for the counselor to be able to believe in the group process by not being defensive when criticized and identify with the group and the pain they are going through.  This means every single member of the group which includes all cultures and races.  By identifying with the members of the group a diversity-competent counselor can help cultural awareness within the group by inviting guided conversations that help bring awareness to ethnic differences.  When members of the group hear their peers talk about racial diversity they will be less likely to assume or label each other.

Leading groups can be extremely challenging and it takes time to be successful at it.  Competent counselors have personal power and stamina to make it through tough times and they never give up.  Diversity-competent counselors who lead groups are very self aware and bring dedication and commitment to the table even during the hard-hitting sessions.  Most importantly, they are able to recognize their own limitations.

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